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Dutch Smoushond Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Dutch Smoushond so you can get to know the breed more.

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OriginNetherlands flagNetherlands
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Dutch Smoushond known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Hollandse SmoushondDutch Ratter
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Dutch Smoushond? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Dutch Smoushond Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Dutch Smoushond? Learn how big the Dutch Smoushond breed typically grows.
Small
Weight Statistics
How much does a Dutch Smoushond weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Dutch Smoushond breed.
20-22 pounds (9-10 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Dutch Smoushond?
21 pounds (9.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Dutch Smoushond? Dutch Smoushond height:
14-17 inches (35-42 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Dutch Smoushond?
15.5 inches (38.5 cm)

Dutch Smoushond Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Dutch Smoushond puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Dutch Smoushond costs.
$500-$700
If you choose to purchase the Dutch Smoushond, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Dutch Smoushond for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Dutch Smoushond gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Dutch Smoushond? How many Dutch Smoushond are there in the world?
Average: The Dutch Smoushond is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Dutch Smoushond Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Dutch Smoushond? Discover the Dutch Smoushond's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Dutch Smoushond ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Dutch Smoushond? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's trainability and response to training methods.
Dutch Smoushond dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Dutch Smoushond as a watchdog? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's alertness and guarding instincts.
Dutch Smoushond dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Territorial Protection
Is a Dutch Smoushond protective of its territory? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's guarding instincts and behavior.
Dutch Smoushond dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Dutch Smoushond Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Dutch Smoushond have? Learn about characteristic Dutch Smoushond temperament and behavior traits.
FriendlyAffectionateLively
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Dutch Smoushond sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Dutch Smoushond dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Dutch Smoushond a good family dog?
High: Dutch Smoushond dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Hollandse Smoushond need? Dutch Smoushond social needs:
Dutch Smoushond dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Dutch Smoushond to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Dutch Smoushond roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Dutch Smoushond is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Dutch Smoushond have high prey drive?
Dutch Smoushond dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.

Dutch Smoushond Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Dutch Smoushond bark a lot? Learn about typical Dutch Smoushond vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Dutch Smoushond rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Dutch Smoushond? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Dutch Smoushond breed.
Dutch Smoushonds are not the most playful dog breed. Sometimes they do like playing, but that's not their favorite activity.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Dutch Smoushond live in an apartment? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's suitability for apartment living.
Apartment-friendly dog the Dutch Smoushond breed. It is best if you have a small garden where it can occasionally go out to do its business, but this is not important at all. You can exercise him enough with a walk or two a day, so he's comfortable in an apartment.

Dutch Smoushond Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Dutch Smoushond to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's flexibility to new situations.
Average: Dutch Smoushond dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Dutch Smoushond be left alone? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's tolerance to solitude.
Dutch Smoushond dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Dutch Smoushond Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Dutch Smoushond biting potential? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Dutch Smoushond has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Dutch Smoushond mouthy? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's tendency to use mouth during play.
Dutch Smoushond dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Dutch Smoushond dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Dutch Smoushond bite? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Dutch Smoushond bite force: Weak. The Dutch Smoushond bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Dutch Smoushond measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Dutch Smoushond may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Dutch Smoushond being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Dutch Smoushond bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Dutch Smoushond puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Dutch Smoushond can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Dutch Smoushond Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Dutch Smoushond live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Dutch Smoushond breed.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Dutch Smoushond: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Dutch Smoushond handle different weather? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Dutch Smoushond? Discover typical conditions affecting the Dutch Smoushond breed.
Dutch Smoushonds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Dutch Smoushond need vet visits? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's veterinary care requirements.
Frequent
The Dutch Smoushond should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Dutch Smoushond Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Dutch Smoushond? Understand daily activity needs of the Dutch Smoushond breed.
Dutch Smoushond dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Dutch Smoushond need? How much exercise do Dutch Smoushond dogs require per day?

Do Dutch Smoushond dogs need a lot of exercises?

Dutch Smoushond dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Dutch Smoushond breed need?
Dutch Smoushond dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Dutch Smoushond Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Dutch Smoushond prone to weight gain? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's obesity risks.
Low: The Dutch Smoushond has good luck with genetics. This breed doesn't need to worry about obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Dutch Smoushond weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Dutch Smoushond need daily? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's feeding requirements.
0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Dutch Smoushond Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Dutch Smoushond hypoallergenic? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Dutch Smoushond dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Dutch Smoushond come in? Discover all possible Dutch Smoushond color variations.
Yellow
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Dutch Smoushond need? Learn about Dutch Smoushond coat maintenance requirements.
Easy to groom: The Dutch Smoushond doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Dutch Smoushond is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Dutch Smoushond drool a lot? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's drooling habits.
The Dutch Smoushond is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Dutch Smoushond smell bad? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Dutch Smoushond has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Dutch Smoushond have? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's fur characteristics.
Rough
Bathing Needs
How often does a Dutch Smoushond need baths? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's bathing requirements.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Shedding Level
How much do Dutch Smoushond dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Hollandse Smoushond? Do Dutch Smoushond dogs shed a lot?
Dutch Smoushond dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.

Dutch Smoushond Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Dutch Smoushond good with children? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's behavior around kids of different ages.
Dutch Smoushond dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Dutch Smoushond get along with other pets? Discover the Dutch Smoushond's compatibility with other animals.
Dutch Smoushond dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Dutch Smoushond temperament with other people:
Dutch Smoushond dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Dutch Smoushond dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Dutch Smoushond breed live with a cat?
Dutch Smoushond dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Dutch Smoushond good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Dutch Smoushond dogs get along with other dogs?
Dutch Smoushond dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Dutch Smoushond is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Dutch Smoushond breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Dutch Smoushond breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Dutch Smoushond dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Dutch Smoushond dogs good office canines? Do Dutch Smoushond dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Dutch Smoushond is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Dutch Smoushond dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Hollandse Smoushond temperament with senior people? Are Dutch Smoushond dogs good for elderly owners?
Dutch Smoushonds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Dutch Smoushond As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Dutch Smoushond be a service dog? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Dutch Smoushond is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Dutch Smoushond good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Dutch Smoushond is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Dutch Smoushond good at detection work? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Dutch Smoushond is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Dutch Smoushond do search and rescue? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Dutch Smoushond is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Dutch Smoushond good on boats? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Dutch Smoushond breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Dutch Smoushond pull carts? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Dutch Smoushond is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Dutch Smoushond used in military service? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Dutch Smoushond Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Dutch Smoushond usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Dutch Smoushond pregnant? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Dutch Smoushond: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Dutch Smoushond have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Dutch Smoushond Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Dutch Smoushond in? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Dutch Smoushond in? Learn about the Dutch Smoushond's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section.

Dutch Smoushond Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Apartment Adaptability: Apartment-friendly dog the Dutch Smoushond breed.
  • Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Dutch Smoushond doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Dutch Smoushond dogs are low shedders.
  • Obesity Tendency: Low: The Dutch Smoushond has good luck with genetics.
  • Child Compatibility: Dutch Smoushond dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Dutch Smoushond dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Dutch Smoushonds are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Dutch Smoushond dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Concerns: Dutch Smoushonds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Dutch Smoushond dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Dutch Smoushond is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Dutch Smoushond dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Dog Friendly: Dutch Smoushond dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Dutch Smoushond is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Dutch Smoushond History

The actual date of the development of the Dutch Smoushond is uncertain, just like the exact number and types of breeds that contributed DNA to the gene pool.

The Schnauzer family is said to be one of the Smoushond's closest relatives, with a history dating back over a thousand years.

 

Theories on ancestry

One theory about its ancestry suggests that the German Schnauzer and the Dutch Smoushond are the same dogs with different coloring.

According to this theory, the Germans preferred the salt and pepper or black Schnauzers, and any yellow Schnauzers born were euthanized until once a Dutch trader started buying them.

He is claimed to return back to Amsterdam with the abundant yellow Schnauzers sentenced to death in Germany and advertised them as precious and unusual in the Netherlands.

As the Dutch considered yellow or orange to be royal colors he had huge success and the dogs gained popularity in the country.

Another theory is that the Dutch Smoushond's ancestry can be traced back to local terriers of unknown origins in the Netherlands since it was extensively utilized as a vermin hunter for hundreds of years.

What we can know for sure is that in the mid-nineteenth century, the Smoushond breed was at its peak of popularity in the Netherlands.

 

Purpose

The Douch Smoushond was bred for a similar reason as the Dalmatian: to provide a pleasing ensemble by trotting behind a horse and carriage.

They were also obliged to keep the rat population in the stables under control when he wasn't on duty.

Eventually, many gentlemen in the nobility took note of them until the late 1800s, and the breed became more of a gentleman's companion than a genuine ratter.

 

Origins of the Dutch Smoushond name

The breed was originally known as the "Gentleman's carriage dog,”. The wiry coat inspired the name "Smoushond," with "Smous" meaning beard and "hond" meaning hound.

However, one theory suggests that” Smouzen “as it means Jewish man in Dutch the name of the dog refers to that and the breed got this name because of the long beard and wiry hair that resembles the Orthodox or Hasidic Jewish man.

 

Wartime hardships

Although in 1905 the Hollandse Smoushond Club formed, and a breed standard was established sadly only a few decades later the breed crabbed to the verge of extinction.

Many dog breeds suffered during WWII, and the Dutch Smoushond was no exception. The Netherlands was invaded by German soldiers in 1940, and all professional dog breeding was halted during the occupation.

Dogs were either murdered or left to die of sickness or famine. The Dutch Smoushond was on the verge of extinction when the conflict ended.

The numbers were limited, but there was enough breeding stock to go around luckily.

With the Smoushond-type dog on the verge of extinction, Mrs. Barkman set out to rebuild the breed in 1973.

She succeeded in reviving the Smoushond, or a dog that looks very similar to the original, by using cross-bred dogs with a striking physical likeness to the breed.

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