The Dutch Smoushond is a truly Dutch dog that is only bred in the Netherlands. This breed is very rare and therefore not well known outside the Netherlands. Because they are popular dogs and there is only one breeding program, it takes a long time before you can get your hands on this lovely dog.
If that doesn’t stop you, you will have a playful, affectionate, and fun family dog. Because they are such easy-going dogs, they are easy to train and get along with other animals and strangers. But be careful with small pets. Because the hunting instinct is still deep within some Smous’. Are you curious about more characteristics of these rough-haired and playful dogs? You’ll discover them all in this blog.
Almost extinct breed: the history of the Smous
The name Dutch Smoushond says it all: the Smous is a Dutch dog breed. These dogs are descendants of the German wire-haired Pinschers. During the middle of the 19th century, the Smous was a popular breed in Amsterdam. The dog merchant Abraas sold these dogs to Amsterdam fair visitors, selling them as ‘gentlemen’s stable dogs’. This name was soon changed to Smous in popular speech. This breed of dog was mainly used to keep the stables free of rats.
In the period between the First and Second World War, the Dutch Smoushond was almost extinct. The last litter was registered in the Dutch dog studbook in 1949. Fortunately, H.M. Barkman-van der Weel decided to start breeding the breed, so the extinction of these lovely dogs was fortunately prevented. Breeding was done with mongrels that resembled the Dutch Smoushond in appearance.
Cosy family dog with a stable character
The Smous is an affectionate and friendly dog. He has a gentle and sensitive character. He likes to spend a lot of time with the family. They are also playful and agile dogs who can build up a good condition. Because the Dutch Smous has a stable character, he easily adapts to new situations. They are also friendly to strangers, other dogs, and cats.
However, this dog still has a hunting instinct. Therefore, it is wise to keep smaller pets well out of reach of your dog. They do want to chase animals sometimes. This differs per Smous and by socializing your dog well, you can prevent this. Because of its friendly character, this dog is also a great dog for a family with children. Of course, you have to teach your children to respect your dog. Never leave children alone with a dog.
The Smous does not like to be left alone at home. Because of his affectionate nature, he prefers to be with the family all day long. But you can teach him to be alone for a few hours. You will have to learn this as a puppy. Although the Smous is not known as a busybody, he does let you know when visitors arrive.
The Dutch Smous has a rough appearance
The Dutch Smoushond is a small dog but has a square and muscular body. The chest of these dogs is broad, and the back is straight. They carry their tail gaily, but it does not curl over the back. The head of the Smous is broad and short, the muzzle is as long as the skull and you can clearly see the transition from skull to muzzle. They have high-set ears that are small and triangular. The ears hang down and their eyes are large and round.
The Smous has a rough coat, which is typical for this breed. The hairs are hard and straight and four to seven centimetres long. They have an uncombed appearance with the hair on the skull and ears being somewhat shorter. The hair on the cheeks, beard, moustache, and eyebrows is longer. The colour of the coat of the Dutch Smous is often unicoloured in all shades of yellow, such as dark straw yellow. A male dog usually has a shoulder height of 37 to 42 centimetres, females 35 to 40 centimetres. These small dogs weigh around 9 to 10 kilograms.
Two annual plucking sessions for your Dutch Smous
Usually, the Smous has an undercoat and a topcoat, but this does not always have to be the case. Before grooming your dog, it is wise to take a good look at his coat. The rough coat with hard hairs should be plucked twice a year. You can either get a grooming salon to do this or you can do it yourself after learning how. When the coat is ready for plucking, you must pull small pieces of the outer coat while pulling the skin with hairs tight. The undercoat is woolly and stays in place. Plucking the coat can take hours, so it will take some time.
You should pluck your dog for the first time when they are three months old. Then you pluck off the puppy coat. The first real plucking takes place when your dog is between six and eight months. You don’t have to comb or brush your Smous. However, you must keep a close eye on whether long tangles develop under his armpits and under his tail.
There are Dutch Smoushounds with a softer coat. This coat tangles more. Often you will have to pluck the coat partly and comb it partly. The groomer will advise you on this. As with all dogs, it is wise to check the ears regularly. Clip his nails every now and then and pay attention to his teeth. Brush his teeth from puppyhood to prevent plaque.
The Smous and diseases
There are no known hereditary diseases in the Smous that require special attention. This is what a recent study by the University of Utrecht revealed. Therefore, there are no tests mandatory for the breeding dogs. The breeding of the Dutch Smous goes through the foundation of the Dutch Smoushond breeding programme of the breed association. They keep track of the health problems they see in this breed. When dogs have hereditary diseases or disorders, they are not allowed to participate in the breeding program.
A smart dog and therefore easy to train
Thanks to the easy character of the Smous, this dog is easy to raise. Always reward the good behaviour that he shows and ignore or prevent undesired behaviour. You must be consistent and use rules that apply to the whole family. Are you not in charge of your Smous? Then he sometimes wants to decide for himself what he can and cannot do. Punishment does not help, but you can use your voice. Here are these dogs namely sensitive to. Because these dogs are so intelligent, you can quickly teach him something. Make sure there is enough variation during the training, so he will not get bored.
Because these dogs are very affectionate, it is wise to teach your dog to be alone in the house from an early age. Moving animals or objects also deserve extra attention, because otherwise they will always chase them. Of course, as with all other dog breeds, it is good to spend time on socialisation.
Relatively cheap dog with a long waiting list
The Dutch Smous is not bred for commercial reasons. Therefore, these dogs cost around 400 euros in the Netherlands. As we mentioned, this dog breed is very rare, so that’s why we only mention the euro price here. All litters come from the breeding program of Stichting Terugfokprogramma Hollandse Smoushond. There is a waiting list for the Smous. So, if you want to have this dog, count on about two years of waiting time. If you buy a dog that is healthy and has a good character, you should let the foundation breed with your dog at least once.
The Dutch Smoushond prefers to walk and play
The Dutch Smoushond loves to play and walk. You should therefore count on an average need for exercise. You may also take somewhat longer walks. The Smous walks easily without a leash. They are namely very focused on their owner and therefore tend to stay close to you. This breed of dog usually likes to play ball games. They also like to jump into the water to swim. They like games that stimulate their minds and you can also do obedience training with him.
The recognition of the Smous
After people started breeding with the Smous and mongrels again, the breed was recognised again by the FCI in 1978. You do not see the Dutch Smoushond much outside our country. This is because there is a long waiting list in the Netherlands to get one of these cute puppies. Do you live abroad, then you have little chance to be the owner of these affectionate dogs.
An excellent dog for families with children
The Dutch Smous is an excellent dog when you have a family with children and other animals. Especially if you socialise him well from a young age and train him with small animals, he will not follow his hunting instinct. These rough-haired dogs need specific coat care, either by the groomer or by yourself. Are you at home a lot and do you like to play with your dog every now and then? Then this is the perfect dog for you. 2
