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
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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 support@furrydiary.app 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
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.