Dutch Smoushond (Dutch Schnauzer, Dutch Griffon, Dutch Ratter)

The Dutch Smoushond is a lovable small dog with a big personality. It is also known by the names Dutch Schnauzer, Dutch Griffon, and Dutch Ratter. This breed originated in the Netherlands, where it was employed as a multipurpose farm dog and for ratting. The Smoushond, with its characteristic wiry coat and energetic personality, is a beloved companion in addition to being a working dog.

Breed Name	Dutch Smoushond
Other Names	Dutch Schnauzer, Dutch Griffon, Dutch Ratter
Origin	Netherlands
Size	Medium
Coat	Rough, wiry
Color	Yellow, gold, or gray
Temperament	Friendly, intelligent
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Life Span	12-15 years
Good with Kids	Yes

Breed information

Name:	Dutch Smoushond (Dutch Schnauzer, Dutch Griffon, Dutch Ratter)
Classification:	Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossoids, Mountain and Swiss Cattle Dogs (308)
Year of the FCI:	1981
Purpose:	Hunting for rats and mice, companion, guard
Homeland:	Netherlands
Weight:	8-12 kg
Height:	35-43 cm
Life:	12-15 years
Color:	Straw-yellow, yellowish-red
Price:	430$

Photo of the Dutch Smoushond

Characteristics

Interesting Facts and Traits

• Dutch Smoushonds used to often live in stables, as they were as good as cats at hunting rats and mice.
• The breed got its name from its appearance – Smoushond means “rough beard” in translation and "dog";
• The Dutch Smoushond is quite noisy and often barks. It can be kept in an apartment, but you need to take into account this feature – if there is poor sound insulation, a conflict with neighbors is possible;
• Previously, it was customary to dock the tail of representatives of this breed, but now in most cases it is left in its natural form. Docking of both tail and ears is prohibited in the Netherlands;
• The Dutch Smoushond has a rather friendly and welcoming appearance, which is quite consistent with the character of the animal;
• The breeding of the breed in the Netherlands is controlled by the Foundation of the Dutch Smoushond Breeding Program, which provides guidance to breeders and appoints a trainer;
• Despite all their friendliness, Smoushonds can be nervous if they are not given physical exercise or are harsh in handling and training;
• The Dutch Smoushond is little known outside of their country, and breeders do not strive to popularize the breed abroad.

History of origin

A yellow German Schnauzer is the ancestor of the Dutch Smoushond. It is thought that businessman Abras transported them to Amsterdam, the Dutch capital, where they were marketed as "a dog for a real gentleman." The year was 1850. Little dogs wearing yellow wool went from being unusual to well-liked very fast. The breed had already been given a standard in 1905.

There have been much fewer Dutch Smoushonds since the Second World War. A dog handler was involved in the livestock allocation. N. Van der Vil Barkman. She finished her assignment successfully. The Smoushond club was reorganized in 1977, a new standard was approved in 1980, and the International Poganological Federation (FCI) recognized the breed in 1981. Each year, over a hundred of its delegates register in the Netherlands. The Dutch Smoushonda is nearly impossible to meet outside of the nation.

Appearance

The Dutch Smoushond is a medium-sized dog. The animal has a proportionate body type.

Head and neck

The Dutch Smousehond’s skull is twice as large as its muzzle and has a smoothed dome-like shape. A robust and muscular neck, which appears short from above but is actually fairly wide, supports a medium-sized head.

The dog has a broad, black nose, long eyebrows, a full beard, and a slightly rounded forehead that transitions to a full muzzle with a straight bridge. The lips have a black border and are dense yet thin. Though they frequently hang over the eyes, the eyebrows shouldn’t block the view. The existence of a tuft that splits the muzzle into sections is deemed undesirable and a flaw.

Ears

Representatives of the breed have small, light, and thin ears. They are positioned high and have a triangular form. When looking at the ears, the tips are pressed against the cheeks as they hang forward.

Teeth

With its relatively short jaws, the Dutch Smoushond has powerful jaws. Usually, the bite resembles a scissor. It is thought that having the upper teeth cover the lower ones is ideal.

Eyes

The eyes of the Dutch Smoushond are big and have a black border. They are round in shape and have a dark brown color. The lashes are thick and the eyelids are dark. Both the dog’s appearance and the overall expression of the muzzle are lively and amiable.

Body and tail

The Dutch Smoushond is a robust dog with a broad, straight back, slightly arched loin, and a muscular croup. Men’s bodies are square, whereas women’s bodies are frequently longer. The chest is broad, the ribs are noticeable, and the belly is slightly tucked in. About half the height at the withers should be the depth of the chest. The pelvis has a small inclination.

These days, the Dutch Smoushond’s tail is rarely docked; in the past, it was shortened by two thirds. It is shaped like a fluffy, saber-like rod without any feathers. The length of the tail is fairly short. It is ideal for it to get to the hocks. You don’t want a bend in the back.

Limbs

The Dutch Smoushond has straight front legs that are spaced widely apart. Their shoulders are roughly equal in length to their shoulder blades and have a moderate slope. They also have well-developed muscles. The paws are shaped like those of a cat and are relatively small. Strong fingers and typically dark claws are the preferred combination.

The dog’s hind legs have moderate angles and are strong and muscular. The front and paws appear to be alike.

Coat and color

The color of the Dutch Smoushond is either yellowish-red or straw-yellow. The entire body should be covered in it; all other colors are undesirable aside from yellow. The only areas with a darker tone are the beard, mustache, and eyebrows.

The Dutch Smoushond has a somewhat shaggy and coarse coat. The hair varies in length throughout the body, measuring between 4 and 7 centimeters; it is medium on the limbs, short on the head, and long on the cheeks. There is a lot of undercoat.

Dutch sheep frequently have a tangled appearance. This gives them a somewhat hooligan appearance, which frequently draws comparisons to mongrels.

Character

The Dutch Smoushond is a lively and industrious breed. The dog has a pleasant, amiable disposition and is well-balanced. The primary drawback is the excessive chattiness and noise. The degree of this is significantly reduced if the animal engages in regular exercise.

When it comes to their owner and other family members, including kids of all ages, Dutch Smoushonds are extremely loving. The dog will grow to be a devoted and happy companion, but it will also respect a person’s space and not push itself on them because it has a strong sense of intuition. An animal with a positive and amiable disposition can still be a great guardian and protector, displaying bravery when needed to defend its family and territory. Due to the small size of the pet, the owner only benefits from the noisy representatives of the breed in security-related situations.

Despite having a strong hunting instinct, the Dutch Smoushond gets along well with both dogs and cats. Considering that members of the breed make excellent rat trappers, they should not live near rodents.

The Dutch Smoushond does not act aggressively, but it is suspicious of strangers. It’s crucial to socialize breed representatives early and correctly. Aggression and nervousness might otherwise surface.

The Dutch Smoushond is an energetic and joyful player who will gladly chase a ball or frisbee. Every day, at least one hour should be dedicated to physical activity. In the absence of this, the dog will become agitated, exhibit nervousness, and possibly destroy furniture.

Education and training

The Dutch Smoushond is extremely intelligent and quite submissive. When it comes to training and education, things usually go smoothly. The owner must train the dog with firmness without being cruel. It is crucial that the dog regards him as an absolute leader, deserving of blind obedience.

Since the Dutch are highly sensitive, it is improper to use aggression in the classroom. Treats work best when used as a reward.

The Dutch Smoushond, also known as the Dutch Ratter, Dutch Schnauzer, or Dutch Griffon, is a lovable and adaptable breed that is well-known for its lively and amiable disposition. This dog, which was initially bred for companionship and ratting, has a special combination of loyalty and intelligence that makes it a great family pet. The Dutch Smoushond is a loving and energetic addition to any home, with a distinctive wiry coat and a knack for fitting into different lifestyles.

Care

Dutch Smoushonds require very little in the way of upkeep and care. Although living in a private home is preferable due to the activity and noise, the dog also feels perfectly content in an apartment. She doesn’t require long, frequent walks, but she should still get some exercise every day.

Despite having a thick undercoat and fairly long hair, the Dutch Smoushond doesn’t need a lot of maintenance. To prevent tangles, it’s crucial to comb the dog on a regular basis. It is necessary to trim your hair two to three times a year in order to remove dead hair and thin out your hair. Shortening the hair on the paw pads and ears should be done methodically. Not trimmed is the remainder of the body.

As needed, wash the Dutch Smoushond. No more than once a month is spent taking a long bath. You must use shampoo for hard hair when washing it.

Claws are clipped when necessary. Teeth, eyes, and ears are cleaned in the conventional way.

The Dutch Smoushond is suited for both natural and dry food, but only of superior quality. In the first instance, meat serves as the staple of the diet. The diet also includes dairy products, eggs, and fish in addition to it.

Health

The Dutch Smoushond has a robust immune system, excellent health, and a thick undercoat that consistently wards off the flu and colds. The breed is known to be free of inherited illnesses. The primary issue is the propensity to overeat, which can result in excess weight and raise the risk of several illnesses. A complete and balanced diet must be given to the dog, along with enough physical exercise.

Choosing a puppy

The conformity of the puppy to the described appearance should be your primary consideration when selecting a Dutch Smoushond. For the breed, being hairy and disheveled is not only the norm but also somewhat of a standard. There shouldn’t be any overt behavioral abnormalities, timidity, aggression, or nervousness in the animal. It is essential to have the required paperwork, up-to-date immunizations, and certifications.

How much does a Dutch Smoushond puppy cost?

Purchasing a Dutch Smoushond puppy can be challenging because they are incredibly hard to find outside of the Netherlands. You have to wait up to 2.5 years to purchase a dog, even within the nation. After paying a registration fee of 15 euros and proving that you are a resident of the Netherlands, you can join the waiting list. The puppy alone will set you back roughly 400 euros.

The Dutch Smoushond is a charming, amiable dog that makes a great companion, pet, and rodent hunter. The animal may be housed in an apartment as long as it receives regular exercise.

A delightful and adaptable breed, the Dutch Smoushond brightens the lives of those who welcome them into their homes. These canines, who are well-known for their intelligence and playful disposition, are excellent companions for both individuals and families. They are a joy to have in any home because of their amiable nature, which enables them to get along with kids and other animals.

The distinctive coat of the Smoushond is one of their most distinctive characteristics; it enhances their adorable appearance and has functional uses as well. Their small stature allows them to live comfortably in both urban and rural settings, and their wiry fur shields them from a variety of weather conditions. Their coat stays healthy and tangle-free with regular grooming, so they always look their best.

Smoushonds are renowned for their affection and loyalty in addition to their good looks. They are happiest when included in family activities and thrive on company. They have a strong bond and are eager to please, which is advantageous when training. They can pick up commands and tricks fast, demonstrating their intelligence, if they receive consistent guidance and positive reinforcement.

In the end, the Dutch Smoushond embodies everything that makes a loving pet great: they are devoted, entertaining, and fun. This breed offers the ideal balance of charm and personality, making it the ideal choice whether you’re looking for a cuddly friend to cuddle with at home or a playful companion to go for walks with. Accepting a Smoushond signifies welcoming a devoted friend who will make your days happy and funny.

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