A club that connects
The Slovenian Dutch Shepherd Club connects people who share respect for the breed, responsible care and the desire to preserve its authentic qualities. The club is based in Maribor and was entered into the public register as an independent legal entity in February 2026. Its roots go back further, as the Slovenian community of Dutch Shepherd enthusiasts and handlers was formed through work, training, breeding and sporting cynology. Today, the club represents a place where experienced handlers, breeders, competitors and people who are just getting to know the breed meet.
Its mission is not only focused on promoting the Dutch Shepherd, but above all on understanding the dog as a capable, sensitive and active partner. The emphasis is on a responsible attitude, quality training, maintaining working skills and connecting people who want to ensure a healthy and respectful future for the breed. At the same time, it encourages an open exchange of experiences, professional education and helping handlers understand the character, needs and potential of their dog. Membership in the international association World Dutch Shepherd Federation places the club in a wider European and global community. This way, Slovenian breed enthusiasts can exchange knowledge, follow the development of various canine disciplines and participate in events that demonstrate the true versatility of the Dutch Shepherd. The club is thus building an environment in which the tradition of the breed is connected with modern knowledge, and the shared love of dogs grows into responsibility, cooperation and a lasting community.
Slovenia on the cynological map
One of the most important steps in the development of the Slovenian Dutch Shepherd Club is the organization of the World Dutch Shepherd Federation Championship, which will be held in Maribor between 18 and 20 September 2026. Slovenia will then become a meeting place for handlers, competitors, judges, volunteers and breed enthusiasts from different countries. The championship will present the Dutch Shepherd in four disciplines, IGP, mondioring, agility and obedience, where its strength, precision, speed, manageability and exceptional connection with the handler come to the fore.
The event is much more than a sports competition. Its motto Driven by Joy. Guided by Respect. emphasizes the joy of working together and respecting the dog as an equal partner. It is in this idea that the broader orientation of the club can also be recognized. The result is not more important than the relationship, and success does not come without trust, understanding and responsible training. The organization of the championship therefore represents a great recognition of Slovenian cynology and at the same time an opportunity for the domestic public to get closer to a breed that is still relatively rare in our country. With an international event, the club opens the door to new connections, knowledge exchange and long-term development and strengthens Slovenia's recognition in the international cynological community. For three days, Maribor will not only be the venue of the competition, but also a meeting place for people who see the Dutch Shepherd as more than a working dog. They see a devoted companion, a sports partner and a breed with an exceptional heart.
About Anja Brumec
Anja Brumec built her life path with perseverance, discipline and a deep connection with dogs. Her desire for a military career took her to the United States of America, where she trained as a Marine and served in the US Army for almost four years. She became seriously ill on a mission in Afghanistan, which was followed by a long treatment and the realization that she would not be able to continue her military career. Therapy dogs also played an important role in her recovery, so returning to working with animals became a natural continuation of her path.
She gained experience with dogs even before the army, including in large American shelters, animal aid programs, and working with dogs of various temperaments. After returning to Slovenia, she founded her own dog school in 2018. Today, she is professionally involved in raising, re-raising, socializing, and training dogs, works as a licensed instructor and marker, and is a member of the Training Commission at the Slovenian Kennel Club. As the president of the Slovenian Dutch Shepherd Club, she combines professional knowledge with a clear vision of responsible cynology. Her work is based on the belief that a dog is not a tool or a fashion accessory, but a living being with its own instincts, needs, and character. Respect for these qualities has become the core of her work, the training of handlers, and her attitude toward every dog she meets on her way.
