Discover Everything About Dutch Smoushond
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Dutch Smoushond overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
While the Hollandse Smoushond is considered a robust breed, it suffers from a very small gene pool, which increases the risk of genetic defects. Since there are hardly any official mandatory health tests, buyers must take the initiative to ask for proof of screening for patellar luxation, cataracts, and distichiasis in the parent dogs. Without these precautions, you risk buying a pig in a poke, despite the breed's charming, rustic appearance.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
35–42 cm
Weight
9–10 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Dense, coarse, medium-length with dense undercoat
- Origin: Netherlands
Typical coat colors
- All colors are allowed
- hard
- dense
- wiry
- medium length
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Dutch Smoushond, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Dutch Smoushond right for you?
The Hollandse Smoushond is a cheerful, easygoing companion—bred as a sturdy stable dog and ratter that accompanied horse-drawn carriages and kept farms free of mice. Today, this shaggy Dutchman is an adaptable family dog, though one that still reacts lightning-fast to movement.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for an adaptable companion for everyday family life who forms close bonds and prefers to be everywhere you are
- You enjoy having an agile dog that, as a former ratter, can switch into gear in a flash and loves small tasks
- You appreciate a vigilant partner who announces visitors but doesn't possess an extreme, uncontrollable protective instinct
- You enjoy moderate dog sports or long walks without needing to complete hours of high-performance training every day
Less ideal if:
- You keep small animals like hamsters or rabbits free-roaming in your home—his hardware as a ratter instinctively tells him that they are prey
- You live in an apartment with very thin walls and expect a silent dog that leaves movement in the stairwell uncommented
- You have to leave him alone for many hours a day regularly instead of actively integrating him into your daily life
The real vibes check
The Smoushond looks like a cozy, scruffy teddy bear, but the heart of a lightning-fast stable dog beats within him. He isn't a dog that sleeps in the corner all day, but rather an attentive colleague who wants to know who is coming, who is going, and if a mouse is rustling somewhere. You get an easygoing clown who is up for any fun—as long as he can experience it together with you.
Breed Profile
The Dutch Smoushond is a small, sturdy dog breed from the Netherlands, originally bred as a guard and companion dog. It belongs to the FCI group 2, section 1, the Pinschers and Schnauzers. Its striking appearance is characterized by a wiry, weather-resistant coat, a distinctive beard, and bushy eyebrows, giving it a lively and friendly expression. The body is compact and muscular, providing agility and endurance. The Dutch Smoushond is known for its lively, intelligent, and affectionate nature, making it an excellent family and companion dog. Despite its small size, it shows great courage and vigilance, making it a reliable watchdog. Within the breed, there are no distinct lines, but temperament varies depending on training and socialization.
| Height | 35 - 40 cm (Female), 37 - 42 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 9 - 10 kg (Female), 9 - 10 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Intelligent, alert, affectionate with the family, but reserved towards strangers, high hunting drive |
| Coat | Dense, coarse, medium-length with dense undercoat |
| Coat Color | All colors are allowed; hard, dense, wiry, medium length |
| Price | 1800 - 2500 € |
History
The history of the Dutch Smoushond begins in the 19th century in the Netherlands. Originally, the breed was bred as a small, sturdy companion for coachmen and carters to hunt rats and other pests in stables and on the streets. The Smoushond is characterized by its wiry coat and lively character. Over time, the breed was almost forgotten, but in the 20th century, breeders committed to its preservation. Today, the Dutch Smoushond is a popular family and companion dog, appreciated for its friendliness and alertness.
The Dutch Smoushund was originally used as a stable dog and rat catcher in the Netherlands.
Netherlands
1800
Character & Temperament
The Dutch Smoushond is a lively and friendly companion dog with a strong family connection. It is characterized by its cheerful and curious nature, making it a pleasant companion for both young and old. Despite its compact size, it has a robust nature and shows remarkable endurance. This dog is intelligent and eager to learn, which makes training easier, but it requires consistent and loving guidance. It loves to be kept busy, whether through search games, retrieving, or other mental challenges. Due to its original use as a guard and farm dog, it shows a natural distrust of strangers without being aggressive, making it well suited as a watchdog. The Dutch Smoushond needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain balanced. If under-challenged, it can become restless or stubborn. Its pronounced hunting instinct is moderate and can be well controlled with early training. Overall, the Dutch Smoushond is a loyal, lively, and adaptable dog that finds its ideal home in an active family.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
The Dutch Smoushond is a real whirlwind with shaggy fur that makes him look almost like a small, cheerful whirlwind. Originally bred as a guard and carriage dog, today he mainly has one thing in mind: to delight his family with tireless energy and a loyal nature.
What Awaits You
The Dutch Smoushond is a lively and friendly companion dog. It is characterized by its alertness and affection. These dogs are intelligent and eager to learn but require consistent training. The Smoushond is well suited as a family dog and loves to be actively engaged. Its wiry coat also protects it in bad weather.
Housing & Care
Dutch Smoushonds are lively and friendly companions that integrate well into families. They are very affectionate and enjoy being close to their people, which is why they do not like long periods of loneliness. Despite their compact size, they are active and require regular exercise as well as mental stimulation to remain balanced. When dealing with children, they are usually patient and playful, although a gentle introduction is advisable with small children. Socialization with other dogs and pets generally goes well if it occurs early. Due to their watchful nature, they are also good guard dogs without being aggressive. Overall, Dutch Smoushonds are adaptable, intelligent, and loving family dogs that can be happy both in houses with gardens and in apartments, provided they receive enough exercise and attention.
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Dutch Smoushond is an intelligent and eager-to-learn companion who enjoys being challenged. Its training should be varied and positive to encourage its natural curiosity and willingness to work. Similar to the Labrador, the Smoushond benefits from meaningful activities that provide both mental and physical exercise. Fetch games, search tasks, or light agility exercises are well suited to motivate it without overwhelming it. Compared to the German Shepherd, the Smoushond is somewhat more sensitive and therefore requires particularly empathetic and patient training. Frustration tolerance should be developed early so that it remains calm and focused even in challenging situations. Consistent but loving upbringing is important to avoid unwanted behavior and to create a trusting bond. Socialization from an early age is essential, as the Smoushond can sometimes be reserved towards strangers. Through positive reinforcement and regular training sessions, it becomes a balanced and reliable partner who integrates well into family life. Overall, the Dutch Smoushond requires a moderate amount of time and commitment in training. Those willing to work with it consistently and lovingly will gain an attentive, versatile, and loyal companion.
Nutrition & Care
The Dutch Smoushond is a lively and friendly companion that requires a balanced diet to stay healthy and fit. High-quality dog food with a good proportion of proteins and all essential nutrients is ideal. Be careful to avoid overweight, as the Smoushond can tend to gain weight despite its active nature. The coat of the Dutch Smoushond is wiry and weather-resistant, with a dense undercoat that protects it well from the cold. Regular brushing, about 1-2 times a week, helps keep the coat clean and free of tangles. Especially during the shedding seasons in spring and autumn, more intensive brushing is recommended to remove loose hairs. The Smoushond adapts well to the Central European climate. Its coat protects it from the cold, but in very hot weather, sufficient shade and water should be provided to prevent overheating. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are important to promote the active and intelligent character of the dog.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
While the Hollandse Smoushond is considered a robust breed, it suffers from a very small gene pool, which increases the risk of genetic defects. Since there are hardly any official mandatory health tests, buyers must take the initiative to ask for proof of screening for patellar luxation, cataracts, and distichiasis in the parent dogs. Without these precautions, you risk buying a pig in a poke, despite the breed's charming, rustic appearance.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should pay attention to a healthy weight and joint-friendly exercise to relieve the knees, and plan for regular veterinary eye check-ups.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the knees and eyes of the parent animals tested and, because of the extremely small gene pool, pay particularly careful attention to genetic diversity to reduce risks in the line.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Dutch Smoushond
Sabine W., Halterin aus Kleve (Hündin, seit 2021)
Wir wohnen direkt an der niederländischen Grenze, was unser großes Glück war. Als wir uns in das «Smousje» verliebt haben, mussten wir schnell feststellen, dass man diese Hunde eigentlich gar nicht einfach so kaufen kann. Der niederländische Zuchtclub (HSC) gibt sie so gut wie nie ins Ausland ab, um das kontrollierte Rückzüchtungs- und Erhaltungsprogramm nicht zu gefährden. Nach über zwei Jahren auf der Warteliste und vielen Gesprächen durften wir unsere Hündin schließlich abholen.
Charakterlich ist sie ein absoluter Traum: Sie ist fröhlich, extrem anhänglich und versteht sich fantastisch mit unseren Kindern. Sie hat das wuschelige Aussehen eines Straßenhundes, ist aber im Haus angenehm ruhig und überhaupt kein Kläffer.
Man darf aber den Terrier in ihr nicht unterschätzen. Wenn sie im Garten eine Maus wittert, ist sie kaum zu bremsen – ihr Erbe als «Rattler» (Rattenfänger) ist absolut lebendig. Auch die Fellpflege ist aufwendiger als gedacht: Ihr weiches Unterfell verfilzt schnell hinter den Ohren, und zweimal im Jahr müssen wir ihr drahtiges Deckhaar von Hand zupfen (trimmen), damit es wetterfest bleibt.
Jan-Hendrik v. D., Halter aus Aachen (Rüde, seit 2018)
Unser Smous-Rüde bereichert unser Leben jeden Tag. Er ist ein echter Allrounder, der am liebsten überall dabei ist. Was uns besonders begeistert, ist sein absolut stabiles Nervenkostüm. Er ist extrem lebhaft und verspielt, zeigt aber keinerlei Nervosität oder Ängstlichkeit, was ihn zum perfekten Begleiter im Alltag macht.
Allerdings fordert er seine Beschäftigung auch ein. Er ist unermüdlich und liebt lange Wanderungen, Suchspiele und Agility. Wenn wir ihn mal einen Tag lang nicht geistig auslasten, merkt man schnell, dass er seinen eigenen, ziemlich sturen Kopf hat. Er hinterfragt dann gerne mal Kommandos, die eigentlich sitzen.
Ein wichtiger Punkt für alle Interessierten: Man muss sich im Klaren darüber sein, dass die Zucht sehr streng überwacht wird. Wir haben damals einen Vertrag unterschrieben, durch den wir uns bereit erklärt haben, unseren Rüden für die Zucht zur Verfügung zu stellen, um den extrem kleinen Genpool der Rasse zu unterstützen. Das muss man wollen, aber für uns war es Ehrensache, zum Erhalt dieser gesunden Rasse beizutragen.
Annette K., Tierärztin & Halterin aus Nordhorn (Hündin, seit 2023)
Als Tierärztin war ich schon lange auf der Suche nach einer Rasse, die genetisch noch wirklich robust und gesund ist. Beim Hollandse Smoushond bin ich fündig geworden. Durch das extrem engmaschige und strenge Zuchtprogramm des niederländischen Vereins gibt es hier kaum rassetypische Erbkrankheiten. Unsere Hündin ist topfit und strotzt nur so vor Lebensfreude.
Sie hat genau die richtige Mischung, die man der Rasse nachsagt: die Frechheit eines Terriers gepaart mit dem gutmütigen Blick eines Labradors. Sie lernt unheimlich schnell, braucht aber eine sehr konsequente, liebevolle Führung. Wenn man hier nachlässig wird, übernimmt sie durch ihre enorme Eigenständigkeit schnell selbst die Initiative – schließlich wurden ihre Vorfahren als selbstständige Stallhunde gehalten.
Für Anfänger ist sie durchaus geeignet, sofern man bereit ist, Zeit in die Erziehung zu investieren und sich auf die lange Warteliste in den Niederlanden einzulassen. Wer einen unkomplizierten, gesunden und treuen Begleiter sucht und die Geduld für die Anschaffung mitbringt, wird mit einem Smousje überglücklich.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Dutch Smoushond
Is a Dutch Smoushond the right dog for me?
The Dutch Smoushond is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Dutch Smoushond live?
The average life expectancy of a Dutch Smoushond is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Dutch Smoushond need?
Dutch Smoushond grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Dutch Smoushond good for families with children?
The Dutch Smoushond can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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