Dutch Smoushond

Dutch Smoushond

An adorable, shaggy dog with a loyal, loving and affectionate temperament? That’s the Dutch Smoushond for you! While this sweet dog was originally used as a ratter in Germany and Holland, it’s now mainly kept as a companion dog due to its family-oriented nature. 

Key facts about the Dutch Smoushond

Life expectancy :

7

19

12

14

Temperament :

Hunter

Size :

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Origins and history

The Dutch Smoushond originates from Holland and is believed to descend from the much-loved Schnauzer breed group. While the exact dates of its origin are unknown, the Smoushond was an extremely popular ‘gentleman’s companion’ and ratter back in the 1800s. Despite almost facing extinction during WWII, a famous breeder called Mrs Barkman managed to revive the breed with some success. However, it’s still a relatively rare breed, and these days is even hard to come by in its native Holland.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs

Section

Section 1 : Pinscher and Schnauzer type

Physical characteristics of the Dutch Smoushond

  • Dutch Smoushond
    Dutch Smoushond
  • Dutch Smoushond
    Dutch Smoushond

    Adult size

    Female : Between 14 and 16 in

    Male : Between 15 and 17 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 15 and 24 lb

    Male : Between 15 and 24 lb

    Coat colour

    Type of coat

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    This small, teddy-bear-like pooch is seriously adorable in both looks and temperament. Despite its petite size, the body is reasonably robust and muscular. The face is wide, with a medium-length muzzle, alert-looking small eyes, a black nose and high-set, triangular ears. The Smoushond is most distinguishable for its super short tail, moustache, beard and cute bushy eyebrows.

    Good to know

    The Dutch Smoushond is rare outside its native Holland - so much so, that the breed almost faced extinction in the 1970s.

    Temperament

    • 66%

      Affectionate

      The Smoushond tends to form strong bonds to its owner and immediate family. It offers buckets of love, loyalty and affection!

    • 66%

      Playful

      This playful breed has a good sense of humour and is sure to keep the whole family entertained! Daily playtime can also help to keep the smart Smoushond mentally stimulated.

    • 66%

      Calm

      Assuming the Smoushond is well-exercised, it remains relatively calm and relaxed indoors.

    • 66%

      Intelligent

      While there are definitely more intelligent breeds out there, the Smoushond definitely holds above average intelligence and has a good brain on its head.

    • 100%

      Hunter

      This breed was originally used as a ratter and still holds somewhat of a natural instinct to chase small animals. Thorough socialization as a puppy can help to decrease this breed’s prey drive.

    • 33%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      The laid-back Smoushond can be comfortable anywhere and adapt to all situations. This dog is never aggressive. 

    • 66%

      Independent

      While this unique breed is definitely a free-spirit and slightly independent, these traits don’t seem to have a negative effect on obedience.

      Behaviour of the Dutch Smoushond

      • 100%

        Tolerates solitude

        This breed should be okay if left for no more than a few hours, especially if accustomed to alone-time as a puppy.

      • 100%

        Easy to train / obedience

        The Dutch Smoushond loves to please its owner, making the breed an absolute pleasure to train. Positive, reward-based training is the way to go with this eager pooch - harsh criticism or correction is likely to cause upset.

      • 100%

        Barking

        This dog has the potential to become yappy - barking needs to be nipped in the bud through consistent training.

      • 66%

        Tendency to run away

        Chasing comes naturally to this ratter breed, meaning it may impulsively run away if its exercise needs are not met - a strong recall is useful.

      • 66%

        Destructive

        The Smoushond is a smart and energetic breed. If it stays cooped up indoors all day without thorough exercise and mental stimulation, destructive behaviours are likely to present themselves.

      • 66%

        Greedy / Gluttony

        While the Dutch Smoushond does tend to love its food, it’s not excessively greedy - just make sure to go easy on the treats!

      • 66%

        Guard dog

        The Dutch Smoushond tends to make an adequate watchdog.

      • 100%

        First dog

        The Dutch Smoushond, with its friendly and loyal temperament, could make an amazing first pet for someone who has the time to dedicate to daily exercise and training.

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        Lifestyle

        • 100%

          Dutch Smoushond in a flat

          This small breed is a perfect companion for those living in flats, apartments or small houses. However, these living situations make it even more important to ensure the dog receives adequate exercise. 

        • 66%

          Need for exercise / Sporty

          Although the Dutch Smoushond is active and energetic, it doesn’t need quite as much exercise as other working breeds. A couple of medium-length walks a day, totaling an hour or more, should do the trick. This breed loves swimming, too - so if you can fit some in, it’ll love you for it!

        • 66%

          Travelling / easy to transport

          Chilled-out and easy-going, this small breed should be no trouble at all to transport.

          Compatibility

          • 100%

            Dutch Smoushond and cats

            For the most part, the Dutch Smoushond gets along fine with felines, especially if raised with them as a puppy.

          • 100%

            Dutch Smoushond and dogs

            A well-socialized dog of this breed will live happily alongside other canines.

          • 100%

            Dutch Smoushond and children

            A well-socialized Smoushond is gentle, loving and affectionate around children.

          • 66%

            Dutch Smoushond and the elderly

            Could make a lovely, loyal companion for an active elderly person.

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            Price

            We do not have enough data to set an average price of purchase for this breed. However, looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £60 to £100 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
             

            Grooming

            The Dutch Smoushond’s coat might be beautiful, but it is rather high-maintenance. A thorough brush with a wide-toothed comb is needed at least once weekly, while long fur in the ears and on the paws will need regular trimming. With a Smoushond, you’ll also need to head to the groomers 2-3 times a year for special attention.

            Shedding

            This breed is a moderate shedder.

            Nutrition of the Dutch Smoushond

            Feed the Dutch Smoushond a high-quality, complete and balanced dog food which is formulated specifically for small breeds. One meal a day should be enough.

            Health of the Dutch Smoushond

            Life expectancy

            While the Smoushond is generally believed to be a healthy breed, studies and statistics are scarce. The average life expectancy of this breed is 13 years.

            Strong / robust

            The Smoushond is strong, robust and well-built for a small dog.

            Withstand heat

            The Smoushond can adapt perfectly to different climates. Always provide cold water and shade.

            Withstand cold

            Although this hardy breed tolerates the cold well, it should still be kept indoors.

            Tendency to put on weight

            The Dutch Smoushond isn’t known to have weight issues.

            Common illnesses

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