In the early 2000’s Butch Cappelof Cappel Canine became increasingly concerned with problems he saw while working with some of the top GSD working bloodlines. Both health and temperament were suffering. He set out to find the best of the best to create a bloodline that would allow him to place dogs in homes, in LEO agencies, in competition, and around the world that would be genetically, mentally, and structurally capable of protecting and loving families for years to come.
Working closely with the Dutch military and being in the protection dog world, Butch was no stranger to the Belgian Malinois that was to come on the scene. However he found that it was hard to find a steady source of top quality dogs. And often they were suited for the work but not suited to be off duty and part of the family. Their energy and drive was just too high for the average family today.
Dutch Shepherd is a great dog with long legs and body, a drive to work, but also a deep desire to love and protect it’s family, yet it lacks a certain drive and intuitiveness when compared with the German Shepherd.
Butch set out to combine these top level animals, to capture the best of each breeds nature, balance their temperaments, improve their health – all while removing the traits that plague each breed individually. This was a tall order, and sounds almost impossible – but once you see a Western Shepherd up close and personal you will know it was possible.