Is the Dachshund Better than the Dutch Shepherd as a Pet? Answer…

Dachshund versus Dutch Shepherd

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Dachshund Versus Dutch Shepherd: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Dachshund and for the Dutch Shepherd. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Dachshund or the Dutch Shepherd

Dachshund versus Dutch Shepherd

Dachshund versus Dutch Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dachshund is a tiny-sized dog while the Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Dachshund belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Dachshund versus Dutch Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dachshund to the Dutch Shepherd based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Factor Dachshund Dutch Shepherd
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 16 to 32 pounds 50 to 70 pounds
General Health 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Height 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder 21 to 25 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1730 $1590
Price Range $1000 – $2000 $900 – $2000
Temperament Score 69.4 percent 96.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dachshund in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Dutch Shepherd. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for a Dachshund is 69 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Dachshund. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Dachshund versus Dutch Shepherd

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd

    Below is a list of where the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd are most different:

  • Dachshunds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Dutch Shepherds can tolerate cold weather.
  • Dachshunds are not easy to train. However, Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.
  • Dachshunds gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Dutch Shepherds are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Dachshunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Dachshunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd

    The Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd are most similar:

  • Both the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd are very playful.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus Dutch Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd.

    Dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds when fully grown. Dachshunds are 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Dachshund Versus the Dutch Shepherd

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Dachshund.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the Dachshund is 69.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and they are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 69.4 percent, the Dachshund has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 49 Dachshunds and 26 Dutch Shepherds.

    Price of Dachshund versus Price of Dutch Shepherd

    The average price of the Dachshund puppy is $1730. The price of the Dachshund typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Dachshund can be as low as $200 and as high as $24000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 698 Dachshund puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Dachshund is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.

    Dachshund Dutch Shepherd
    Average Price $1730 $1590
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $900 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Dachshund and Dutch Shepherd. For different price points, the charts show how many Dachshund puppies or how many Dutch Shepherd puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dachshunds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dachshunds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dachshund puppy or the Dutch Shepherd puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Dachshund versus Dutch Shepherd

    Adopting the Dachshund versus Adopting the Dutch Shepherd

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dachshunds and many Dutch Shepherds are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Dachshund named Oscar that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dachshunds like Oscar on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Dachshunds, Dutch Shepherds are also available for adoption. For example, Toby 1078 is a Male Dutch Shepherd that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Dutch Shepherds like Toby 1078 that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Chunker is the name of another Dachshund (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also Guiness – Located In North Carolina, an adorable Male Dutch Shepherd on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Dachshunds and Dutch Shepherds are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Dachshunds and Dutch Shepherds that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Dachshund versus Dutch Shepherd

    Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dachshunds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the Dutch Shepherd

    Dachshunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Dachshunds are not easy to train.

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus Dutch Shepherd

    Dachshunds can be left alone only for a short time.

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dachshunds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dachshund or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Dachshunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dachshunds shed more than Dutch Shepherds?

    Dachshunds shed moderately.

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Dachshunds are moderately easy to groom.

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dachshund or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Dachshunds are very good for new dog owners.

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about Dutch Shepherds?

    Dachshunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Dachshund Better for Apartment Owners than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Dachshunds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and Dutch Shepherds?

    Dachshunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Dachshunds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about Dutch Shepherds?

    Dachshunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. Dutch Shepherd

    Dachshunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dachshund that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dachshund:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (71 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Lhasa Apso (71 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Lhasa Apso.
  • Manchester Terrier (75 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Miniature Pinscher (72 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Miniature Pinscher.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dutch Shepherd:

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Dachshund vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Dachshund vs Japanese Spitz.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Dachshund and how the Dutch Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dachshund and of the Dutch Shepherd to other breeds:

    Dachshund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dachshund versus Alaskan Malamute     Dachshund versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Dachshund versus Hovawart     Dachshund versus Portuguese Water Dog     Dachshund versus Pomapoo     Dachshund versus Goldendoodle     Dachshund versus Cocker Spaniel     Dachshund versus Maltipoo     Dachshund versus Kooikerhondje     Dachshund versus Bolognese     

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Pug     Dutch Shepherd versus Sheepadoodle     Dutch Shepherd versus Spanish Mastiff     Dutch Shepherd versus French Bulldog     Dutch Shepherd versus Saluki     Dutch Shepherd versus Boston Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Tibetan Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Great Dane     Dutch Shepherd versus Chi-Poo     

    Conclusion: Dachshund versus Dutch Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Dachshund and the Dutch Shepherd better suits you and your family.