Dutch Smoushond

Varying shades of yellow, often compared to the colour of straw.

Double, coarse, wiry, weatherproof.

Dark brown.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

The Dutch Smoushond tends to make an adequate watchdog.

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.

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. 

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!

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

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

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

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

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

This breed is a moderate shedder.

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.

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

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

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

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

• Dystocia
• Luxating patella
• Cataracts
   

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.