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
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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
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
Varying shades of yellow, often compared to the colour of straw.
Type of coat
Double, coarse, wiry, weatherproof.
Eye colour
Dark 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
Behaviour of the Dutch Smoushond
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Compatibility
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.