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Dutch Smoushond 🐕

Dutch Smoushond

A cheerful, shaggy Dutch companion dog that survived near-extinction to delight modern families.

20–22 lbsWeight
14–17 inHeight
12–15 yrsLifespan
MediumEnergy

ðŸū Overview

The Dutch Smoushond (Hollandse Smoushond) is a small, shaggy-coated Dutch breed that served as a stable dog and companion in the Netherlands during the 19th century. Popular with Dutch gentlemen as a carriage-horse stable dog and companion, the breed nearly vanished entirely after World War II. Thanks to a dedicated revival effort beginning in the 1970s led by Mrs. H. M. Barkman-van der Weel, the breed was reconstructed from surviving stock and carefully registered.

The Dutch Smoushond has a distinctive rough, straw-yellow coat that gives it an endearingly scruffy appearance. It is a compact, square-built dog with a cheerful expression and lively dark eyes. Though still rare outside the Netherlands, its adaptable, good-natured temperament makes it a wonderful companion for families and individuals alike.

ðŸ“ļ Photo Gallery

Real Dutch Smoushonds — browse photos showcasing their look, size, and personality.

😊 Temperament & Personality

The Dutch Smoushond is famous for its cheerful, adaptable, and affectionate nature. It is a sociable breed that loves people and adapts well to different living situations. Energetic enough for outdoor adventures yet calm enough for apartment life, it strikes an excellent balance.

  • 😄 Cheerful and good-natured — rarely aggressive or overly shy
  • âĪïļ Deeply affectionate and devoted to its family
  • 🐕 Generally friendly with other dogs when socialized early
  • ðŸ‘ķ Patient and gentle — a good companion for children
  • 🧠 Intelligent and eager to please, making training rewarding
  • 🏠 Adapts well to both house and apartment living

🏃 Exercise & Activity Needs

The Dutch Smoushond has a moderate energy level and enjoys daily walks and playtime. It does not require the intense exercise of a working breed but needs enough activity to stay healthy and mentally stimulated.

  • ðŸšķ Daily walks of 30–45 minutes are sufficient for most adults
  • ðŸŽū Enjoys fetch, play sessions, and interactive games with family
  • 🏠 Adaptable — can live in a home or apartment with sufficient exercise
  • ðŸ§Đ Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys helps prevent boredom
  • ðŸŒģ Loves exploring outdoors but should be kept on leash near traffic

✂ïļ Grooming & Coat Care

The Dutch Smoushond's rough, wiry, straw-yellow coat is one of its most distinctive features. Unlike many wire-coated breeds, it should NOT be clipped — the coat should be hand-stripped or allowed to grow naturally to maintain its correct texture.

  • 🖌ïļ Brush several times a week to prevent tangles and matting
  • ✋ Hand-strip the coat once or twice a year for show dogs; natural growth for companions
  • 🛁 Bathe every 6–8 weeks, using a gentle dog shampoo
  • ðŸĶ· Brush teeth regularly to prevent dental disease, which can affect small breeds
  • ✂ïļ Trim nails monthly; check and clean ears weekly
  • 👀 Wipe the face and beard area to prevent food and debris buildup

🎓 Training

Dutch Smoushonds are intelligent, willing learners that respond enthusiastically to positive reinforcement. Their eagerness to please makes them easier to train than many other independent breeds, and they excel in basic obedience and canine sports.

  • ✅ Highly responsive to reward-based training — food and praise work well
  • ðŸķ Begin basic obedience and socialization as early as 8 weeks
  • ðŸŽŊ Short, engaging sessions work best to hold attention
  • 📋 Gentle, consistent leadership produces the best results
  • 🏆 Can succeed in agility, obedience, and trick training
  • 🔄 Avoid repetitive drills — this breed enjoys variety and new challenges

ðŸĨ Health & Common Issues

The Dutch Smoushond is a relatively healthy and long-lived breed, benefiting from careful reconstruction efforts that emphasized health. Regular veterinary care and responsible breeding have helped maintain the breed's overall hardiness.

Hip Dysplasia Eye Conditions Dental Disease Patellar Luxation
Average Lifespan
12–15 years
Size Category
Small-Medium — 20–22 lbs
Vet Visits
Annual wellness exams + vaccinations
Pet Insurance
Strongly recommended for all breeds

🏠 Is a Dutch Smoushond Right for You?

The Dutch Smoushond is one of the most adaptable and easygoing breeds you can find. It suits first-time owners, families with children, singles, and seniors alike. Its moderate exercise needs and cheerful temperament make it equally at home in a city apartment or a country house — as long as it gets daily walks and plenty of affection.

ðŸ‘ķWith Kids★★★★★
🐕With Dogs★★★★☆
🐈With Cats★★★★☆
🏠Apartment★★★★☆
🔰First-Time Owner★★★★★
ðŸŒĄïļHot Climates★★★☆☆

ðŸū Related Breeds

🐕German Pinscher 🐕Affenpinscher 🐕Brussels Griffon

ðŸ―ïļ How Much to Feed a Dutch Smoushond

Dutch Smoushonds are small to medium dogs with moderate energy needs. A high-quality diet portioned by weight and age is the best approach. Avoid overfeeding as even modest weight gain can stress their joints.

Puppy (8–12 weeks)
3–4 small meals per day
Puppy (3–6 months)
3 meals per day
Adult (1+ year)
2 meals per day
Senior (7+ years)
2 smaller meals per day

✅ Best Foods for Dutch Smoushonds

  • ðŸĨĐ Choose a quality kibble formulated for small to medium breeds
  • 🐟 Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil support coat health and shine
  • ðŸĨ• Fresh vegetables like carrots and peas make great low-calorie snacks
  • ðŸĶ· Dental chews or kibble designed for dental health can help prevent tooth decay
  • 💧 Always provide fresh, clean water throughout the day

ðŸšŦ Foods That Are Dangerous for Dutch Smoushonds

Chocolate Grapes & Raisins Onions & Garlic Xylitol (artificial sweetener) Macadamia Nuts Alcohol Avocado Raw yeast dough

ðŸĶī Healthy Treats

  • Carrots — low calorie, great for dental health
  • Blueberries — antioxidants and a sweet reward
  • Plain cooked chicken or turkey (no seasoning)
  • Apple slices (remove seeds and core)
  • Plain rice cakes — low-calorie training reward

ðŸ’Ą Tip: Boarding your Dutch Smoushond?

Always bring your Dutch Smoushond's regular food when boarding. Switching food suddenly can cause digestive upset.

💰 How Much Does a Dutch Smoushond Cost?

Reputable Breeder
$800–$2,000
Show / Champion Lines
$2,000–$3,500
Rescue / Adoption
$100–$500
Backyard Breeder ⚠ïļ
Varies (risky)

📅 Monthly Cost of Owning a Dutch Smoushond

Food (quality kibble)
$30–$55/month
Vet visits (annual)
$400–$800/year
Pet insurance
$30–$70/month
Grooming
$40–$70 every 6–8 weeks
Toys & supplies
$15–$35/month
Training classes
$100–$300 (one-time)

🎉 Amazing Facts About Dutch Smoushonds

  • ðŸ‡ģðŸ‡ą The Dutch Smoushond was a favorite companion of Dutch gentlemen in the 19th century, often kept in carriage horse stables.
  • ðŸ’Ĩ The breed was virtually wiped out during World War II and had to be recreated from scratch in the 1970s.
  • ðŸ‘Đ The revival of the breed is credited almost entirely to one woman — Mrs. H. M. Barkman-van der Weel — who painstakingly reconstructed it.
  • ðŸŒū Their straw-yellow, rough coat is a signature trait — it should never be trimmed or clipped, only hand-stripped.
  • 😄 The breed's name "Smoushond" may derive from the Dutch word for a small messy-looking creature, reflecting its scruffy charm.
  • ðŸū Despite being rare worldwide, the Dutch Smoushond is well-known in the Netherlands as a national treasure.
  • 🏆 The breed was officially recognized by the FCI and is considered one of the great success stories of modern breed conservation.