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 :

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

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

Sand

Type of coat

Long
Hard

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%