Dog
Pronunciation:
duh-koh-tuh shep-erd
Breed Description:
The Dakotah Shepherd breed of dog is a medium sized breed of dog that is very similar in appearance to a Border Collie or English Shepherd. The breed should have a level top line and a long tail that usually hangs low. The head is usually wedge shaped with a muzzle that tapers slightly. The ears can be either erect or folded but they are usually set high on the head.
The coat of the Dakotah Shepherd can range in texture and length from a short dense double coat to a long thick coat. All of the coats are dense and provide ample protection from the elements. They also have a short undercoat that is soft to the touch. The Dakotah Shepherd can be found in a range of colors but the most common is either sable or black and tan, with or without white on the feet as well as a blaze on the head.
Temperament:
The Dakotah Shepherd breed of dog is considered to be an affectionate and loyal companion that often fits into any lifestyle. They are a hardworking breed that shine when they have something to do. In fact, they are often happiest when they are working so if you live a sedentary life, then this is not a breed for you. The Dakotah Shepherd is a very gentle breed and usually gets along with everyone. They do well with children of all ages and can do well with other pets and dogs. The breed is known for being protective of their family and while they can be reserved with strangers, this intelligent breed is very loving with their own family.
Height:
The average height for a Dakotah Shepherd is between 17 to 21 inches.
Weight:
The average weight for a Dakotah Shepherd is between 35 to 50 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Dakotah Shepherd breed of dog is considered to be a very hardy breed and has no known health problems at this time.
Living Conditions:
The Dakotah Shepherd breed of dog is not recommended for apartment living. They can be very active and do better with a large fenced yard.
Exercise:
The Dakotah Shepherd breed of dog is a medium sized breed with a lot of energy. They are developed from several herding breeds so this is a breed that enjoys being active. Expect to give your Dakotah Shepherd about 60 minutes of exercise each day and make sure that you offer them a large amount of intellectual stimulation as well.
Life Expectancy:
12 to 15 years
Grooming:
The Dakotah Shepherd breed of dog is a very easy breed to groom and you should only expect to brush the coat about once per week, however, you will need to brush it two or three times a week during shedding periods. In addition, if you live in warmer climates, your grooming needs may increase up to 4 or 5 times a week. They do not need a bath on a regular basis and can go most of the year with only one or two. Ears should be cleaned on a regular basis and the nails should be clipped once or twice a month, but other than that, nothing more really needs to be done.
Origin:
The Dakotah Shepherd breed of dog is not considered to be either a mixed breed or a purebred dog. It is actually a breed that is in transition with efforts being made ot see it as a fully registered breed. The Dakotah Shepherd is still fairly new and was created by crossing the Kelpie, Border Collie and Heeler breeds with English Shepherd in an attempt to create a versatile farm dog. The breed was developed by the Triple M Ranch and efforts have been made to establish a breed standard and a registry for these dogs. Currently, they are not accepted by any breed clubs. Comments
The standards for all the breeds accepted to the AKC are used here for breed information, and those not part of the AKC are resourced from FCI standard information, where it is written and coded into the club rules for those breeds.
