At a glance the quick version
FCI gives 7-11 kg; UKC gives 20-22 lb (about 9-10 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
wiry, harsh, straight, with undercoat
A small, compact and sturdy terrier-like dog with a broad, short head and high-set drop ears. Its coarse, straight coat is about 4-7 cm long and deliberately looks a little tousled, with a beard, moustache and eyebrows framing the face.132
Personality what they are like
A happy, warm-hearted little dog that enjoys people and brings plenty of spirit to family life. It is active and alert without being jumpy, and it was bred first as a companion and stable helper.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate: daily walks and play keep it content, and its ratting background means it enjoys games that involve searching and chasing.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The rough coat is meant to look natural and unstyled; regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping of loose hair keep it tidy and prevent tangles.13
Home where they are happiest
Its small size and friendly nature let it fit into town or country homes, provided it gets regular outings.13
Company who they like around
A true companion breed that likes being close to its family and generally gets on well with people.13
The story where it all began
In the 1800s these rough-coated little dogs kept stables in Dutch towns free of rats and were sold as 'gentleman's stable dogs'. A first standard was drawn up in 1905, but the breed faded after the war years and the last litter was registered in 1949. From 1973 Mrs H.M. Barkman rebuilt the breed, and the FCI recognised it in 1981.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
'Smous' is an old Dutch word used for a rough, bearded look, and 'Dutch' was added to set it apart from the Brussels Griffon.1
- 2
It was marketed in the 19th century as the 'gentleman's stable dog'.1
- 3
The modern breed exists thanks to a reconstruction project started in 1973 by breeder H.M. Barkman.3
- 4
The FCI accepted it straight onto a definitive basis in 1981, with no provisional stage.4
- 5
Its breed club, the Hollandse Smoushonden Club, has looked after the breed since 1978.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 308, Group 2, Section 1.3 Pinscher and Schnauzer type (Smoushond); definitive recognition 11 March 1981; standard dated 16.03.2012.4
- Raad van Beheer (Dutch Kennel Club)
- Recognised national breed.2
- UKC
- Terrier Group, recognised 2006.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Dutch Smoushond. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Dutch Smoushond, and at what times?
Feed your Dutch Smoushond at least two meals a day for an adult, or three to four smaller meals for a puppy. This matches general dog care advice that stomachs empty within a few hours. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.15
What should a Dutch Smoushond eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a balanced, high-quality dog food suitable for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially harmful to dogs. Always avoid giving human treats without checking with your vet first.16
How often should I bathe a Dutch Smoushond?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often only if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep its natural coat oils.17 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Dutch Smoushond need brushing?
Brush your Dutch Smoushond weekly to keep its rough, wiry coat tidy and prevent tangles. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. Occasional hand-stripping of loose hair also helps maintain its natural look.13 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Dutch Smoushond's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 21 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.17 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Dutch Smoushond need?
This breed needs moderate daily walks and play to stay content. Its ratting background means it enjoys games like searching and chasing. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily walks and playtime to keep it happy.12 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Dutch Smoushond's teeth and ears?
Brush its teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly since floppy ears trap moisture. Gently dry the ears without pushing anything inside. Regular vet check-ups help catch any issues early.17 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Dutch Smoushond live?
The typical lifespan varies, but senior years usually start around age 10. For specific longevity, ask your vet or a good breeder, as individual health and care play a big role.1 Furry Diary plan
Is a Dutch Smoushond good with children and other pets?
Yes, this is a happy, warm-hearted breed that generally gets on well with people and other pets. It was bred as a companion and stable helper, so it enjoys family life. Always supervise interactions with young children and introduce new pets gradually.13
Can a Dutch Smoushond be left alone?
This is a true companion breed that likes being close to its family, so it may not enjoy long periods alone. It can be left for short times if well-exercised and given toys, but it's best to avoid regular long absences. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.13
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 308 Hollandse Smoushond fci.beused for history, size, weight, coat, colour, temperament
- Dutch Smoushond - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, recognition
- UKC Dutch Smoushond breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, temperament
- FCI nomenclature: Hollandse Smoushond fci.beused for recognition status and date
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.