The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

Dakotah Shepherd

Information and Pictures

Right Profile - Smokey the brown with black tipped Dakotah Shepherd is standing in snow and looking into the distance

"I bought Smokey off the tailgate of a pickup truck in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, where I met the breeders (Michelle Mollman from Triple M Kennel) halfway. I was told that the litter was a mix of English Shepherd, Border Collie and Australian Kelpie. This was in the very beginning stages of the Dakotah Shepherd’s breeding program. Smokey was from one of the first generation’s foundation, stock even before the name "Dakotah Shepherd" was decided upon. Smokey was born in February of 2004. Smokey is a neutered male. When he was 2 years old he weighed 56 pounds at a height of approximately 22". His colors: sable, white spot on breast and the coat is long and coarse. There were one or two tricolors in the litter as well as all-sable puppies. Smokey is athletic and fast. He loves to go for walks. His father is an English Shepherd, mother Border Collie / Kelpie mix. Smokey is very laid back for his breeding (herding dogs), sensitive, smart, listens very well. Affectionate, but does enjoy some "me"-time, too. He loves water and rolls in every mud hole, but would never swim. Loves to drive in the truck. Smokey also likes squeaky toys, fetch, hunting rabbits and chasing horses (and he sure is not allowed to do that!)."

Pronunciation

da-ko-tah shep-erd

Description

The Dakotah Shepherd is usually black and tan or shades of sable; other colors may be available in the future. Many have blazes and white feet.

Temperament

The Dakotah Shepherd is a very loyal dog that loves his family. Extremely smart, he is capable of very flexible training and can be trained for herding, agility and therapy to a high level of obedience. Very gentle and great with kids. This dog needs to be taken for daily walks or jobs to release his mental and physical energy. He will very much enjoy a job to do and will be more than willing to go out and work. He also enjoys playing with the family, satisfied to be in their company. With proper exercise the Dakotah Shepherd is not a hyper dog, nor is it yappy/barky; generally a very quiet dog. Could be a watchdog, but would only warn you of intruders. They are not bred to be guard dogs.

Height, Weight

Height: 17 - 21 inches (43 - 54 cm)
Weight: 35 - 50 pounds (16 - 23 kg)

Health Problems

No known health problems at this time.

Living Conditions

The Dakotah Shepherd should have at least a medium-sized yard.

Life Expectancy

About 15 years

Litter Size

About 4 to 6 puppies

Grooming

Haircuts not required; they have short to medium coats. Seasonal shedding, mostly in the spring and during hot temperatures.

Origin

This is a new breed started in about 2004, which is being created by Triple M Kennel, from the English Shepherd and the Dakota Shep Foundation. Some of the breeds in the lines are the English Shepherd, Border Collie and Australian Kelpie.

Group

herding

Recognition
  • DBR = Designer Breed Registry
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
Smokey the brown, tan and black Dakotah Shepherd is sitting in snow. There is a wooded area behind them

Smokey the Dakotah Shepherd, bred by Triple M Kennel

Smokey the Dakotah Shepherd as a puppy. He is sitting on a rock

Smokey the Dakotah Shepherd as a puppy, bred by Triple M Kennel

Smokey the Dakotah Shepherd as a puppy is laying down on a brown floor top of a pony plush doll

Smokey the Dakotah Shepherd as a puppy with his stuffed toy, bred by Triple M Kennel

Smokey the Dakotah Shepherd as a puppy is sitting in a barn and nuzzling the neck of a sheep

Smokey the Dakotah Shepherd tending to the sheep, bred by Triple M Kennel

Smokey the Dakotah Shepherd is laying down in a body of water

Smokey the Dakotah Shepherd, bred by Triple M Kennel

Smokey the Dakotah Shepherd is running across a field with a piece of wood in his mouth

Smokey the Dakotah Shepherd, bred by Triple M Kennel

Smokey the Dakotah Shepherd is standing between a house and a wooden pole sniffing a little cat

Smokey the Dakotah Shepherd and the cat, bred by Triple M Kennel

Dakotah Shepherd is standing on a rug. It looks like he is smiling in this picture

Smokey's Brother from the same litter, photo courtesy of Triple M Kennel

Close Up - Shayla the black and tan Dakotah Shepherd is laying on a tiled floor. There is a wooden chair behind her

"Shayla is a Dakota Shepherd that lives in Miami, Florida, with her friend Cindy, a Shih-Tzu. Shayla enjoys running and fetching for hours and prefers to play with smaller dogs."

Shayla the black and tan Dakotah Shepherd is sitting in a grassy yard and looking forward with a wooden fence behind her

Shayla the Dakotah Shepherd at 1 year old sitting out in the grass.

Shayla the black and tan Dakotah Shepherd is outside walking across a yard

Shayla the Dakotah Shepherd at 1 year old

Close Up - Shayla the black and tan Dakotah Shepherd is sitting outside in a yard with a wooden fence behind her

Shayla the Dakotah Shepherd at 1 year old