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Dutch smoushond

The Dutch Smoushond was the stable dog of Dutch gentlemen in the nineteenth century — a scruffy yellow terrier-type kept in stables and coach houses to kill rats.

It nearly vanished during the Second World War and was reconstructed from the 1970s using dogs that matched the historical descriptions.

It stands 35 to 42 centimetres, weighs 9 to 10 kilograms and lives twelve to fifteen years, with a harsh straw-coloured wiry coat, a beard and eyebrows. It remains very rare, essentially confined to the Netherlands. Temperament is cheerful, sociable and less sharp than most terriers, with the vermin-killing instincts still intact.

Origin
Netherlands; a 19th-century stable dog, reconstructed post-war
Size
35–42 cm; 9–10 kg
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Harsh straw-coloured wire coat with beard and eyebrows
Status
Very rare; essentially confined to the Netherlands
Temperament
Cheerful and sociable; softer than most terriers

Related: Dutch shepherd

2 dutch smoushond photos, newest first

  • Dumpling, a dutch smoushond

    Dumpling

    Dumpling was promoted to meticulous museum curator; unfortunately, a pile of cushions slowly topples.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Dumpling, a dutch smoushond

    Dumpling

    Dumpling being extremely helpful, as ever.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a dutch smoushond

The wire coat is hand-plucked a couple of times a year and brushed weekly. It should look untidy; clipping ruins the texture and the colour.

The beard needs cleaning after meals.

The breed was reconstructed from a small number of dogs, so the gene pool is narrow. Ask what a breeder does about it.

They are friendly and adaptable and make good family dogs, with a terrier's prey drive around small animals.

Exercise needs are moderate — a couple of good walks and some play. Ask for patella and eye checks.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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