Dutch Smoushond
Overview
Dutch Smoushond is a small to medium dog with straw-yellow color and untidy appearance. For a long time, farmers of Netherlands used to breed them as rat killer in stables. In the nineteenth century, they were used as a gentleman's companion and rat killer when not on gentlemen's duty. However, during World War II, they were pushed to near extinction.
Then in 1970s several breeders, most notably Mrs. H.M. Barkman, began taking interest in this pure breed dog. They began to restore the breed with few survivor dogs by selective breeding. Slowly the breed survived and now Dutch Smoushond is out of danger of extinction.
Temperament
This pure breed dog is from Terrier breed group. However, Dutch Smoushonds are very friendly and charming. In short, they can be described as affectionate, friendly and lively. They are an ideal family dog. These dogs are skillful, intelligent, dependent, sober and sensitive.
They behave well with the family cat and a great friend to the children. They go well with other dogs also. Training of these dogs is not a hard thing as they are normally easy to please and take orders well. However, given the intelligence level of the dog, if the owner is not commanding enough, they tend to boss over the owner. So proper relationship needs to be maintained.
Lifespan
The actual origin of Dutch Smoushond is lost in time but it is speculated that they might come from the Schnauzer group. The normal lifespan of this dog is around 12 -15 years. An adult dog is about 14 -17-inch height and weight around 20 -22 pounds. They have a litter size of 2 -5 puppies.
Relatively these dogs are healthy and free from ailments but occasionally Dutch Smoushonds have problems like Dystocia, Luxating Patella, Cataracts, Eyelid Abnormalities, etc. They tend to stay fit with only one need: they need a good long walk and good exercise every day. Other than the walk and exercise, the dog is adjustable to any other condition like food, sleeping quarters, etc.
Shedding
Dutch Smoushond can be considered as light to average shedder. They have a shaggy look naturally, so they do not need a regular professional visit. However, they do need to be combed regularly to avoid tangles. They also need to have coat hand plucked twice or thrice in a year.
This is a relatively easy procedure but many of the owners do take their dog to professional parlours for this. In between these visits, the hair in the year and between the toe need to be trimmed from time to time.
Breed Information
| Popularity: | # |
| Origin: | Netherlands |
| Breed Group: | Terrier |
| Size: | Small |
| Type: | Purebred |
| Life span: | 12-15 years |
| Temperament: | Affectionate Friendly Lively |
| Height: | 14-17 inches (35-42 cm) |
| Weight: | 20-22 pounds (9-10 kg) |
| Colors: | Yellow |
| Litter Size: | 2-5 puppies |
| Puppy Price: | Average $500 - $700 USD |
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Dog names
| Rank | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rocky | Sadie |
| 2 | Toby | Maggie |
| 3 | Milo | Penny |
| 4 | Dexter | Zoe |
| 5 | Zeus | Sasha |
| 6 | Beau | Roxie |
| 7 | Shadow | Callie |
| 8 | Romeo | Dakota |
| 9 | Hunter | Willow |
| 10 | Thor | Winnie |
| 11 | Rufus | Sydney |
| 12 | Rudy | Katie |
| 13 | Sparky | Shadow |
| 14 | Coco | Lacey |
| 15 | Bruce | Heidi |