Dutch smoushond

Summary

The Dutch Smoushond is a small, lively, and friendly dog breed originating from the Netherlands. This breed is characterized by its shaggy and wiry coat, which requires regular grooming to keep it looking neat and healthy. They have a distinctive beard and mustache, adding to their charming appearance. Dutch Smoushonds are known to be intelligent, alert, and eager to please their owners, making them trainable and suitable for various activities such as obedience training and agility. They are also known to be good with children and other pets, making them a great choice for families. Overall, the Dutch Smoushond is a delightful and loving companion that thrives on human interaction and being an integral part of the family.

Usage areas

The Dutch Smoushond, also known as the Dutch Ratter or Dutch Terrier, is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originates from the Netherlands. Historically, the Dutch Smoushond was primarily used as a working dog in various areas:

Vermin Control: The Dutch Smoushond was initially bred as a ratter, which means its main purpose was to hunt and catch rats and other vermin. With their small size and agile nature, they were highly effective in controlling pest populations in stables, farms, and households.
Guarding: Despite their small stature, Dutch Smoushonds possess a strong territorial instinct and are known for being excellent watchdogs. They are vigilant and alert, often using their keen senses to warn their owners of any potential intruders or unusual activity.
Companion: Over time, the Dutch Smoushond has transitioned from being primarily a working dog to becoming a beloved family pet and companion. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, forming strong bonds with their owners. They thrive on human companionship and are great with children, making them a wonderful addition to any family.
Therapy and Assistance: Due to their intelligence and gentle temperament, Dutch Smoushonds also excel in therapy and assistance work. They have been trained to provide emotional support, comfort, and assistance to individuals with physical or emotional disabilities, making a positive difference in many people's lives.

It's worth noting that while the Dutch Smoushond has a rich history in these specific usage areas, their adaptability and versatility have made them a treasured companion in various other roles and settings as well.

Mentality

The Dutch Smoushond, also known as the Dutch Ratter, is a lively and cheerful dog breed with an endearing personality. This small-sized breed is known for its intelligence, curiosity, and strong desire to be a part of its owner's activities. Let's delve into the mentality of the Dutch Smoushond more specifically:

Intelligent: Dutch Smoushonds are highly intelligent dogs, capable of learning and adapting to various situations. They possess a keen sense of observation and are quick learners, making them relatively easy to train.
Curious: These dogs have an inquisitive nature and an exploratory mindset. They enjoy investigating and exploring their surroundings, always on the lookout for new sights, smells, and experiences. Their curiosity contributes to their alertness and attentiveness.
Companionship-oriented: Dutch Smoushonds are highly social animals and thrive on human companionship. They form strong bonds with their families and are eager to please and gain approval from their owners. They are known for being loyal and affectionate, making them excellent family pets.
Energetic: This breed has moderate energy levels, and they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive games are essential to satisfy their energy needs and prevent boredom.
Alert and protective: Despite their small size, Dutch Smoushonds have a keen sense of awareness and make excellent watchdogs. They are naturally alert and will often bark to alert their owners of any potential danger or unfamiliar situations, making them reliable guard dogs.
Independent streak: Dutch Smoushonds possess a certain level of independence, which can be attributed to their terrier ancestry. While they are eager to please, they may also exhibit a slight stubborn streak at times. Gentle and consistent training methods are recommended to harness their intelligence while maintaining a harmonious relationship.
Good with children and other pets: Dutch Smoushonds generally get along well with children and other animals when properly socialized from an early age. They are known for their patience and gentle nature, making them suitable companions for households with multiple pets or young children.

In summary, Dutch Smoushonds are intelligent, curious, and highly adaptable dogs. While they love being a part of the family and require regular mental and physical stimulation, they also possess a level of independence. With consistent training and guidance, the Dutch Smoushond can be an excellent companion, alert watchdog, and a loving family member.

Health

The Dutch Smoushond is generally a healthy and robust breed. However, like all breeds, they may be susceptible to certain health issues. Responsible breeders strive to selectively breed healthy dogs and perform relevant health screenings to minimize the risk of passing on any genetic disorders.

One of the most common health concerns seen in Dutch Smoushonds is patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap temporarily shifts out of its normal position. It can range from mild to severe and may require surgical intervention in severe cases.

Another potential health issue in the breed is lens luxation, a condition where the lens inside the eye detaches, potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness. Regular eye exams by a veterinarian can help detect and treat this condition early if it occurs.

Additionally, as with many small dog breeds, dental hygiene is paramount for the Dutch Smoushond. Regular brushing of teeth and routine professional dental cleaning can help prevent gum disease and other dental issues.

Overall, Dutch Smoushonds have a reputation for being a healthy breed. However, prospective owners should always ensure they are dealing with reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. Regular veterinary check-ups, a high-quality diet, and plenty of exercise can help ensure that the Dutch Smoushond remains in optimal health throughout its life.

Size and looks

The Dutch Smoushond is a small to medium-sized breed with a distinctive scruffy appearance. They have a sturdy and well-muscled body, standing between 11.5 to 13.5 inches (29 to 34 cm) tall at the shoulder. It has a fairly compact build, with a medium-length neck and a deep chest.

The coat of the Dutch Smoushond is one of its defining features. It is dense, rough, and slightly wiry to the touch. The coat tends to be a mix of shades of wheat or yellow, often resembling a wheat field. Their eyebrows and mustache are usually darker in color, giving them an expressive look. They have a relatively short and sturdy tail that is usually carried with a slight curve.

The head of the Dutch Smoushond is proportional to its body size, featuring a square-shaped muzzle and a well-developed jaw. Its eyes are medium-sized and dark in color, showcasing an intelligent and alert expression. The ears are set high, relatively small, and are carried folded down.

Overall, the Dutch Smoushond has a charming appearance with its scruffy coat, expressive face, and sturdy build.

History

The Dutch Smoushond, also known as the Dutch Ratter, is a small breed of dog that originated in the Netherlands. The breed's history can be traced back to the 19th century, where they were primarily used as ratters and as companion dogs by the working class in Dutch cities.

The Dutch Smoushond was highly valued for its ability to control rodents and vermin, which were common problems in urban areas during that time. They were often seen in markets, stables, and shops, where they would tirelessly hunt down rats and other pests.

Due to their small size, agility, and sharp intelligence, the Dutch Smoushond quickly gained popularity as a versatile and effective working dog. Over time, they also became beloved family pets and were known for their loyal, affectionate, and protective nature.

Unfortunately, during the early 20th century, the breed faced a decline in numbers and nearly became extinct. However, thanks to the efforts of dedicated breed enthusiasts, the Dutch Smoushond was revived and managed to survive. The breed's preservation efforts were primarily led by Mr. Piet Fransen, who played a significant role in finding and preserving the few remaining specimens of the breed.

Today, the Dutch Smoushond is still considered a rare breed, but it has gained recognition and is admired by dog enthusiasts worldwide. They are cherished for their friendly disposition, lively personality, and ability to get along well with children and other pets. The Dutch Smoushond is an attractive and distinctive breed with a shaggy, wiry coat and a characteristically bearded face.

Although it is no longer primarily employed as a ratter, the Dutch Smoushond continues to bring joy and companionship to its owners, while still retaining its innate hunting instincts. It is a breed well-suited for both city and country living, provided it receives adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization.

Today, efforts are ongoing to preserve and promote this unique and historically significant breed, making sure that the legacy of the Dutch Smoushond lives on for generations to come.

Fur care

The Dutch Smoushond, also known as the Dutch Ratter, has a unique and distinctive coat. Their fur is rough, wiry, and dense, which gives them a scruffy appearance. The fur is medium in length, with a slightly longer, shaggy beard and mustache around the face.

In terms of fur care, the Dutch Smoushond requires regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free. While they do not shed excessively, they should be brushed at least once or twice a week to remove any loose hair and prevent matting.

Bathing is recommended occasionally or as needed, typically every couple of months or when they get dirty. It is important to use a mild shampoo specifically formulated for dogs to avoid drying out their skin.

In addition to grooming, the Dutch Smoushond may require occasional hand-stripping. Hand-stripping involves removing dead or loose hair by plucking it out with your fingers or a stripping knife. This method helps maintain the texture and color of their coat. It is advisable to consult a professional groomer or breeder for guidance on hand-stripping techniques.

Overall, regular brushing, occasional bathing, and potential hand-stripping when necessary will keep the Dutch Smoushond's fur looking its best and prevent any matting or skin issues.

Other info

The Dutch Smoushond, also known as the Dutch Ratter, is a small-sized dog breed that originated in the Netherlands. Here are some additional information and fun facts about the Dutch Smoushond:

Appearance: Dutch Smoushonds are compact and have a square-shaped body. They have a rough, wiry coat that comes in various shades of yellow, ranging from pale straw to deep gold. The hair around their face forms a beard and mustache, giving them a distinct and charming look.
Purpose: Historically, Dutch Smoushonds were used as multi-purpose farm dogs. They excelled in tasks such as ratting, guarding the property, and even as herding dogs. These versatile little dogs were highly valued for their agility and intelligence.
Temperament: Dutch Smoushonds are known to be cheerful, friendly, and highly sociable. They are loyal and affectionate towards their family members, including children. They can get along well with other pets if properly socialized from an early age.
Energy levels: Although Dutch Smoushonds are small in size, they have a moderate energy level. Daily exercise, such as walks, playtime, or interactive activities, is essential to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Trainability: Dutch Smoushonds are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods, including praise, treats, and play. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial to help them become well-rounded companions.
Health: Generally, Dutch Smoushonds are a healthy breed with no specific breed-related health issues reported. However, as with any dog, they may be prone to common ailments such as dental problems, ear infections, and allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper grooming are important for their overall well-being.
Maintenance: The Dutch Smoushond's wiry coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Brushing a few times a week, along with occasional hand-stripping to maintain the texture, is usually sufficient. They are considered low to moderate shedders.
Popularity: Dutch Smoushonds are relatively rare outside the Netherlands. However, they are treasured by enthusiasts who appreciate their unique appearance, versatile abilities, and friendly nature.

Remember, if you are considering adding a Dutch Smoushond to your family, always ensure responsible ownership by researching reputable breeders, considering the time and commitment required, and providing a loving and suitable environment for their needs.