Dutch Smoushond

The Dutch Smoushond: Breed History and Revival

The history of the Dutch Smoushond is closely intertwined with the Netherlands. It's believed that these dogs descended from yellow German Schnauzers. In the 1850s, an Amsterdam entrepreneur named Abras began importing these dogs into the Netherlands, where they quickly gained popularity as effective rat catchers and companions. Their working qualities were particularly valued in stables and on farms, where they helped control rodent populations. In 1905, the first official breed standard was developed, marking an important step in its formation.

Unfortunately, like many other breeds, the Dutch Smoushond suffered greatly during the Second World War. The number of breed representatives significantly decreased, pushing them to the brink of extinction. The breed's recovery became possible thanks to the efforts of dedicated enthusiasts. A significant role in this process was played by the Dutchwoman G.N. Barkman van der Weel, who in the 1970s made considerable efforts to find surviving individuals and organise a breeding programme. In 1977, the Smoushond breed club was re-established, and subsequently, the breed received official recognition from the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Despite its long history and unique qualities, the Dutch Smoushond remains a rather rare breed outside of the Netherlands. Dutch breeders do not aim for mass popularisation of the breed abroad, focusing instead on preserving its unique characteristics and working qualities within the country. This makes the Smoushond a true national treasure of the Netherlands.

Appearance of the Dutch Smoushond: Standard Description

The Dutch Smoushond is a medium-sized dog with a robust and well-proportioned build. Its appearance reflects its origins as a working dog: it's sturdy, muscular, and resilient. The body format is slightly elongated but not excessively long. Adult dogs typically stand between 35 to 42 cm (13.8–16.5 inches) at the Withers, and weigh around 8–12 kg (17.6–26.5 lbs). These parameters make it quite compact for keeping in both an apartment and a private house.

One of the most distinctive features of the Smoushond's appearance is its coat. It's of moderate length, harsh, coarse, and has a naturally shaggy look, giving the dog a somewhat untidy, yet charming, appearance. On the muzzle, well-developed whiskers, a beard, and eyebrows enhance the expressiveness of its eyes and add to the breed's unique charm. The Smoushond's coat colour is always straw-yellow, with various shades of this colour being permissible. It's important to note that the breed standard does not allow for other colourations.

The Smoushond's head, when viewed from above, appears short and broad, with a slightly rounded skull and forehead. The muzzle is strong, but half the length of the skull. The jaws are powerful, and the bite is scissor-like – the upper teeth tightly overlap the lower ones. The nose is wide and always black. The eyes are large, round, dark in colour, with dark eyelids and thick eyelashes. The expression in their eyes is lively, friendly, and intelligent, truly reflecting the breed's character.

The Smoushond's ears are large, light, and hang on the cartilage, set high on the head. In the past, tails were often docked, but nowadays they are increasingly left in their natural state. An undocked tail is carried like a sabre or a rod, adding to the dog's elegance. Overall, the Dutch Smoushond gives the impression of a sturdy, active, and cheerful dog with a truly distinctive appearance.

The Dutch Smoushond's Character: An Ideal Companion

The Dutch Smoushond boasts an incredibly pleasant, balanced, and friendly disposition, making it an ideal companion for various types of families. These dogs are highly people-oriented and form strong bonds with their owners. They love spending time with their family, participating in all activities, and simply being close by.

Smoushonds get along famously with children. They are patient, playful, and always up for shared mischief, which makes them excellent friends for youngsters. It's only important to teach children to respect the dog and handle it gently. Additionally, as owners' experiences show, Dutch Smoushonds, much like Standard Schnauzers or Affenpinschers, generally cohabit well with other household pets, including other dogs and cats, especially if they grow up together.

Towards strangers, Smoushonds show a natural wariness, but without undue aggression. They observe newcomers attentively and may alert their owners to their arrival with a loud bark. This quality, combined with their fearlessness, makes them reliable guard dogs, although their barking may need some correction during training. Despite their guarding function, within the family circle, Smoushonds are very affectionate and gentle, but without being clingy. They are adept at sensing when their presence is desired and when it's best to remain unnoticed.

Overall, the Dutch Smoushond is a cheerful, active, and optimistic dog that brings positive energy into the home. Its balanced temperament, lack of aggression, and strong attachment to the family make it a wonderful choice for those seeking a loyal and loving four-legged friend.

Training and Socialisation of the Dutch Smoushond

Dutch Smoushonds are naturally intelligent, owner-oriented, and eager to please, which makes their training process relatively easy and enjoyable. They quickly grasp new commands and behavioural rules. However, like any dog, a Smoushond requires a consistent, patient, and positive approach to learning.

It's crucial to begin training and socialisation from an early age. Smoushond puppies are incredibly inquisitive and open to new experiences. Early socialisation, which includes introducing them to different people, places, sounds, and other animals, will help shape a confident and well-balanced dog that won't be afraid of new situations or exhibit excessive shyness or aggression towards strangers.

During training, positive reinforcement methods should be used: praise, treats, and games. Smoushonds respond wonderfully to encouragement and happily obey commands when they see it brings joy to their owner. Avoid harsh training methods and punishments, as these can undermine the dog's trust and make it timid or, conversely, stubborn.

Although Smoushonds are quite obedient, they can display a touch of independence or stubbornness, especially if they don't perceive their owner as an unquestionable leader. Therefore, it's important to establish clear rules and boundaries of behaviour from the very first days the puppy is in the home and always be consistent in your demands. Firm but gentle upbringing is key to shaping an obedient and manageable adult dog.

Beyond basic obedience commands, Dutch Smoushonds enjoy various activities and dog sports. They can excel in agility, flyball, trick training, and other pursuits that demand agility, intelligence, and interaction with their owner. Regular physical and mental exercise not only keeps the dog in good shape but also contributes to its emotional well-being and prevents destructive behaviour stemming from boredom.

Pros and Cons of the Dutch Smoushond Breed

Like any breed, the Dutch Smoushond has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these aspects will help potential owners make an informed decision about whether this dog is the right fit for them.

Pros of the Dutch Smoushond:

• Wonderful temperament: Friendly, well-balanced, affectionate, family-oriented.
• Gets on well with children and other animals: Makes them an ideal family dog.
• High intelligence and trainability: Learns commands easily and with pleasure.
• Reliable guard dog: Attentive and will alert you to strangers.
• Robust health: Considered one of the healthiest breeds.
• Low-maintenance coat: Only requires regular brushing and periodic stripping.
• Adaptability: Thrives both in apartments and houses, adapts to various climates.
• Cheerful and active: Always ready for games and walks, brings positivity into the home.

Cons of the Dutch Smoushond:

• Rarity: Difficult to find a puppy outside the Netherlands, long waiting lists at breeders are possible.
• Tendency to gain weight: Requires careful management of diet and physical activity.
• Needs early socialisation: Important for developing a confident attitude towards strangers.
• Can be stubborn: Requires consistent and patient training.
• Loud bark: May require correction during training, especially in flats.
• Requires stripping (trimming): Some owners might find this procedure inconvenient or need to employ a professional groomer.

Despite some potential drawbacks, for many people, the Dutch Smoushond's positives significantly outweigh them. Its wonderful character, intelligence, and robust health make it an excellent choice for active families willing to dedicate time to its upbringing and socialisation.

Caring for the Dutch Smoushond: Coat Specifics

Caring for the Dutch Smoushond isn't overly complicated, but it does have its peculiarities, primarily related to its unique coat. As mentioned, the Smoushond's coat is harsh, coarse, and has a naturally shaggy appearance. This structure effectively protects the dog from adverse weather conditions, allowing it to feel comfortable both in the city and beyond.

The primary coat care involves regular brushing. Despite its "untidy" look according to the standard, the coat needs attention to prevent matting and maintain its healthy condition. Using a metal comb with wide teeth once or twice a week is usually sufficient to remove dead hairs and prevent tangles.

Twice a year, the Dutch Smoushond requires professional stripping (trimming). This procedure involves removing mature, dead hair by hand or with special tools. Stripping helps maintain the correct structure and texture of the coat, and also stimulates the growth of new, healthy hair. It's important to note that during stripping, the hair on the head (whiskers, beard, eyebrows) is usually left untouched to preserve the breed's characteristic look.

In addition to regular brushing and stripping, you should also pay attention to ear and paw hygiene. Hair growing in the ear canals and between the paw pads should be periodically removed to prevent the accumulation of dirt and moisture, which can lead to infections. The Smoushond should only be bathed when necessary, using a mild dog shampoo. Too frequent bathing can strip the coat of its natural protective oils, making it dry and brittle.

Beyond coat care, it's also important to monitor the condition of the dog's nails and teeth. Nails should be regularly trimmed to prevent them from interfering with walking and causing discomfort. Brushing teeth several times a week will help prevent tartar and plaque buildup, as well as maintain fresh breath.