Also called Hollandse Smoushond, Dutch Ratter, Smous · Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs · The Netherlands
A happy, warm-hearted little dog that enjoys people and brings plenty of spirit to family life.
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7 to 11 kg (15 to 25 lb)12 |
| Height | 35 to 42 cm (14 to 17 in)males 37 to 42 cm, females 35 to 40 cm1 |
| Coat | Wiry, harsh, straight, with undercoat |
| Origin | The Netherlands, where it was kept as a ratter in stables in the 19th century.13 |
| Group | Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs (FCI group 2) |
Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.
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.12
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.123
A typical home-care rhythm for a Dutch Smoushond. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Moderate: daily walks and play keep it content, and its ratting background means it enjoys games that involve searching and chasing.13
Its small size and friendly nature let it fit into town or country homes, provided it gets regular outings.12
A true companion breed that likes being close to its family and generally gets on well with people.12
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.12
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.14
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.15
Pet Wiki'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.16
Brush your Dutch Smoushond weekly to keep its rough, wiry coat tidy and prevent tangles. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. Occasional hand-stripping of loose hair also helps maintain its natural look.12
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.16
This breed needs moderate daily walks and play to stay content. Its ratting background means it enjoys games like searching and chasing. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily walks and playtime to keep it happy.13
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.16
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
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.12
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.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Running costs for a Dutch Smoushond, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
| Foodabout 50 kg of dry food a year | 164 GBP ↗ |
|---|---|
| Routine vet care | 345 GBP ↗ |
| Pet insurancetypical policy, varies by breed and age | 346 GBP ↗ |
| Dog tax | 0 GBP ↗ |
| Licence and registration | 12 GBP ↗ |
| Gear to start | 531 GBP ↗ |
| Microchip and registration | 26 GBP ↗ |
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
No breed-specific rule names the Dutch Smoushond in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
See the rules and sources for every country
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
'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
It was marketed in the 19th century as the 'gentleman's stable dog'.1
The modern breed exists thanks to a reconstruction project started in 1973 by breeder H.M. Barkman.2
The FCI accepted it straight onto a definitive basis in 1981, with no provisional stage.7
Its breed club, the Hollandse Smoushonden Club, has looked after the breed since 1978.1
The name 'Smous' refers to the breed's rough, bearded appearance, as Jewish men (called 'Smouzen' in the 1800s, a slur deriving from the name Moses) had beards and long hair. The 'Dutch' prefix was added to distinguish it from the similar Brussels Griffon.3
This morning I found a sock under the bed and carried it to the kitchen for praise. I love following my human from room to room, my rough coat brushing against the furniture. At the park I sniff every blade of grass and chase a falling leaf. Back home, I curl on the sofa and watch the window for birds. When my human laughs, I wag my whole body. It's a simple life, full of small joys and warm laps.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
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 1981.132
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Border Terrier
Schnauzer
Griffon Bruxellois