Dutch Smoushond
DUTCH SMOUSS-hond
Netherlands· Stables and homes across the Netherlands
The Dutch Smoushond is a small, wiry-coated terrier-type dog native to the Netherlands, historically kept as a stable ratter and household companion.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Small
Exercise needs
1 hour per day
Home size suited to
Any size
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush, occasional hand-stripping
Coat length
Medium, wiry
Sheds
Minimal
Lifespan
13-15 years
Town or country
Adapts to both
Garden size needed
Small or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Dutch Smoushond
In 19th-century Dutch cities, wealthy households and stable owners kept small, wiry-coated dogs to keep rats out of the stables while doubling as an amusing companion. The breed's scruffy coat and cheerful nature suited an urban, sociable life rather than open-country work.
- Region
- Stables and homes across the Netherlands
- Climate it was bred for
- Temperate, damp lowland climate
- Original job
- Stable ratter and companion
The long read
About the breed
Its working past as a vermin hunter left it with a lively, tenacious character and sharp senses, though it was always kept close to people rather than working independently in the fields.
As a companion it is cheerful, affectionate and easy-going, generally good with children and other dogs, and it adapts readily to town or country life provided it gets regular exercise and mental engagement.
Having come close to disappearing in the mid-20th century, the breed has been carefully rebuilt and remains rare, kept mainly by dedicated fanciers in the Netherlands and a handful of other countries.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Dutch Smoushond greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Dutch Smoushond is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Dutch Smoushond's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
Stable dog of the wealthy
Yellow, wiry-coated dogs became fashionable as stable ratters among affluent Dutch households.
1905
Breed club founded
A dedicated club was established in the Netherlands to standardise and promote the breed.
1940s-1950s
Near disappearance
The Second World War and changing lifestyles brought the breed close to extinction.
1973
Revival effort
A small group of enthusiasts began a structured revival using the few remaining dogs.
1990s
Stabilised population
Careful breeding programmes secured a stable, if small, population and renewed FCI standard.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact and square with a firm back and moderately deep chest.
- coat
- Rough, wiry and dishevelled in appearance, of medium length all over.
- ears
- Small, set high and folded forward.
- eyes
- Dark, round and lively.
- head
- Rectangular head with a flat skull, slight stop and strong, straight muzzle framed by a beard and moustache.
- size
- 35-42cm at the withers
- colour
- Uniform yellow, ranging from straw to a deeper golden shade.
- temperament
- Lively, cheerful and affectionate, alert without being nervous or aggressive.
- general appearance
- A small, square, wiry-coated dog with a cheerful, alert bearing.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Dutch Smoushonds added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
Loading the wall…
Made for the Dutch Smoushond
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Dutch Smoushond illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Dutch Smoushond Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Dutch Smoushond illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Dutch Smoushond Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Dutch Smoushond illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Dutch Smoushond Mug
Ceramic mug with the Dutch Smoushond illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Travel Water Bottle & Bowl
550ml bottle with a fold-out drinking trough.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Dutch Smoushond video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
Watch now