The Dutch Smoushond is a small, energetic breed that's perfect for active families.
They typically weigh between 13-18 pounds and stand between 13-16 inches tall.
This breed is known for its short coat, which requires minimal grooming.
Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them great companions for people of all ages.
Physical Characteristics
The Dutch Smoushond is a sturdy and square-built dog with a broad and short head.
Its triangular ears fall flat forward and are set high on its head.
The breed comes in a single color: yellow, with varying shades, but a dark straw color is preferred.
The Dutch Smoushond has a long, double coat that is harsh and wiry, giving it an untidy appearance.
Males can reach a height of up to 42 cm, while females typically reach a maximum of 40 cm.
The ideal weight of the Dutch Smoushond is between 9 and 10 kg.
Its nose is wide and always black in color, with dark brown eyes that give it a lively and friendly expression.
The breed has a beard, mustache, and eyebrows formed from straight, long, wiry hairs, giving it a wizened look.
Its ears are triangular in shape with rounded tips and hang down.
The Dutch Smoushond has a short, broad head with a forehead that is slightly rounded.
Its tail is short and should be no longer than the length from its rump to the hock (ankle).
On a similar theme: Short Haired Dutch Shepherd Puppies
Care and Maintenance
The Dutch Smoushond's unique coat requires regular maintenance to keep it healthy and looking its best. This means hand plucking at least twice a year to remove dead hair and prevent matting.
You'll need to brush your Dutch Smoushond's coat weekly with a wide-tooth metal comb to prevent tangles from forming. This will also help keep the coat in good condition between hand pluckings.
The hair in their ears and between the pads of their feet should be trimmed every few weeks to prevent overgrowth. Be sure to check their nails and trim them as needed.
Cleaning their ears weekly is also crucial, especially since they hang low and are prone to infections. Check for any foul smell or redness that could indicate an infection has started.
Here are some key grooming tasks to remember:
- Hand pluck at least twice a year
- Brush weekly with a wide-tooth metal comb
- Trim hair in ears and between paws every few weeks
- Clean ears weekly
Temperament and Behavior
The Dutch Smoushond is a charming little dog that's usually easy going when given plenty of time to play and enjoy his family.
He's relatively easy to train and does want to please his owner, making him a great pet for those who are willing to put in the effort.
Early socialization is key to helping him become more accepting of strangers, and training should be started as soon as possible to curb his natural propensity to bark.
This breed is not a great choice for apartment dwellers that work all day and leave him home alone, as he can become very vocal and destructive to your home.
However, he's an excellent companion for active families with kids and other dogs, as he's generally friendly and gets along great with them.
He's also stable and even-tempered, making him an ideal pet for families who want a low-maintenance companion.
Character and Temperament
The Dutch Smoushond is a friendly and outgoing breed, making them a great companion for families. They are known to be steady and free from anxiety and nervousness, especially when well-socialized as puppies.
One of the most attractive qualities of the Dutch Smoushond is their ability to adapt to life in a rambunctious family home. They're not easily startled, which makes them a great choice for families with kids.
They are highly devoted to their family and make for loyal companions. However, they can become very vocal and destructive if left alone for long periods of time, especially in apartment dwellers who work all day.
Early socialization is key to helping the Dutch Smoushond become more accepting of strangers. Training should also be started as soon as possible to curb their natural propensity to bark.
Despite their high energy levels, the Dutch Smoushond is generally easy to train and wants to please their owner. They thrive in active families with kids and other dogs, making them an ideal pet for many households.
Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed that thrives on mental and physical stimulation. They are naturally curious and love to problem-solve.
Dutch Shepherds are known for their high energy levels, requiring at least 90 minutes of exercise per day to keep them happy and healthy.
Their strong work ethic and drive to please make them highly trainable, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring consistent and patient training.
Dutch Shepherds are naturally protective of their family and territory, but they are not generally aggressive unless provoked.
Exercise and Training
The Dutch Smoushond is a breed that thrives on guidance and reward-based obedience training.
He's quick to learn, but his loyal nature means he can become distressed if punished harshly. This makes it essential to correct unwanted behaviors with a sympathetic approach.
A couple of decent long walks per day are enough to keep your Smoushond active, but be warned: a sedentary lifestyle can lead to rapid weight gain and boredom.
To prevent this, invest time in their development through positive training methods and reward good behavior. Socialization is also crucial, exposing your dog to different sights, sounds, and experiences to ensure they learn social rules and behave properly around strangers and other animals.
Check this out: Dutch Shepherd Training
Exercise and Activity Levels
The Dutch Smoushond is a high-energy breed that needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They're built for activity, with a strong instinct to run and play.
A couple of decent long walks per day will keep them satisfied, but they'll quickly gain weight if they're not getting enough physical and mental stimulation. This can lead to boredom and bad behaviors like chewing, digging, or destructiveness.
As a playful breed, they love to play games and will keep you on your toes with their antics. They're natural-born tricksters who enjoy playing tricks on their family and canine friends.
They're perfect for dog sports like agility, dock diving, barn hunts, fly ball, or any other activity that keeps them moving and engaged. With the right exercise and training, they'll be a joyful and energetic companion.
Trainability
The Smoushond is a quick learner, eager to pick up new skills with reward-based obedience training. He thrives on guidance and positive reinforcement.
His loyal and loving temperament makes him sensitive to harsh treatment, so it's essential to correct unwanted behaviors with sympathy and understanding. This means avoiding punishment and instead using gentle corrections.
The Smoushond is adaptable and can live in a smaller dwelling, as long as he gets plenty of exercise to compensate for the lack of space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dutch terrier?
The Dutch Smoushond is a small terrier breed originally used for hunting vermin. This energetic breed requires regular attention to prevent destructive behavior.
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