Meet Founder & Ambassador Spotlight: Sylviane Chapoulaud
Building a Community Around a Remarkable Breed
Every great community begins with someone who believes that knowledge should be shared. For Sylviane Chapoulaud, that belief became the foundation of Dutch Shepherd News—a place dedicated to celebrating, educating, and connecting Dutch Shepherd enthusiasts around the world.
Originally from France, Sylviane holds teaching degrees in Dance and Physical Education. Her passion for movement, biomechanics, and motivation led her to California more than three decades ago, where she built a successful career as a personal trainer and fitness coach. Years of helping people reach their potential naturally evolved into another lifelong passion: training dogs.
Drawing from her extensive background in teaching and human performance, Sylviane pursued advanced education in canine training, earning multiple professional certifications, including Gold Student NePoPo® certification under Bart Bellon and additional certifications with renowned trainer Michael Ellis. Her philosophy is simple: learning should be clear, motivating, balanced, and enjoyable for both dog and handler.
For more than a decade, Sylviane has dedicated herself to preserving and promoting the purebred Dutch Shepherd. She breeds, raises, trains, and competes with her own dogs in conformation, obedience, rally, agility, trick dog, and other performance events. Her dogs have earned numerous titles and championships, demonstrating the versatility and intelligence that define the breed.
As a Director-at-Large for the American Dutch Shepherd Association (ADSA), Sylviane actively supports the organization's mission of preserving the Dutch Shepherd as one breed with three coat varieties while promoting ethical breeding, education, and responsible ownership. She believes that preserving the breed requires more than producing beautiful dogs—it requires mentoring owners, supporting breeders, and helping the public understand the Dutch Shepherd's history, structure, temperament, and working abilities.
Recognizing the need for a modern educational resource dedicated exclusively to the breed, Sylviane founded Dutch Shepherd News. Her vision was to create more than just another website. She wanted a community where breeders, competitors, trainers, owners, photographers, and enthusiasts from around the world could share achievements, exchange knowledge, celebrate milestones, and showcase the incredible versatility of the Dutch Shepherd.
Through Ambassador Spotlights, educational articles, competition coverage, breeder interviews, puppy features, and historical perspectives, Dutch Shepherd News has become a platform that celebrates every aspect of the breed—from family companions to world-class sport dogs.
As Founder, Sylviane believes every owner has a story worth sharing. Whether someone is earning their first title, welcoming a new puppy, competing on the international stage, or simply enjoying life with their Dutch Shepherd, those experiences help inspire others and strengthen the global Dutch Shepherd community.
Her vision remains focused on the future: preserving the integrity of the breed, encouraging responsible breeding practices, supporting education, and connecting people who share a passion for one of the world's most versatile working dogs.
"The Dutch Shepherd is more than an extraordinary athlete. It is a loyal partner, an intelligent worker, and a breed whose future depends on education, preservation, and a community willing to work together."
Thank you, Sylviane, for your dedication to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the Dutch Shepherd through education, leadership, and community.