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Hollandse Smoushond - MAIN HUB

The Hollandse Smoushond is a cheerful, shaggy Dutch treasure! Loyal and lively, this rare ratter loves family life and brings joy to every home.

BREED GROUP

Companion Dogs

Country of origin

Netherlands

BREED SIZE

Small

BREED HEIGHT

14 -

15 IN

36 -

38 cm

BREED WEIGHT

19 -

24 LB

9 -

11 KG

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Hollandse Smoushond, or Dutch Ratter, is a rare, small breed from the Netherlands originally used to hunt stable vermin. Known for its distinct shaggy, yellow coat and friendly, lively temperament, this loyal companion is affectionate with families and generally good with children. While intelligent and eager to please, they possess a high prey drive and can be vocal, making early socialization and regular exercise essential. They are adaptable to apartment living if their activity needs are met, though they may be wary of strangers.
american kennel club (AKC) recognition

No

Breed was recognized in 0.

International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition

Yes

Breed was recognized in 1955.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?

Are Hollandse Smoushonds good family dogs?

Good

7 out of 10

The Hollandse Smoushond is an excellent family dog, known for being a loyal and affectionate companion that is generally good with children. Its friendly and lively temperament makes it a joyful addition to the home, though its high prey drive and vocal nature require early socialization and regular exercise.

Good

7 out of 10

Hollandse Smoushonds are generally excellent companions for children due to their playful, patient, and friendly nature. Their small size and sturdy build make them approachable playmates that can match a child's energy without being too rough. As with all breeds, supervision is recommended to ensure that interactions remain gentle and safe for both the dog and the child.

Very Good

7 out of 10

The Hollandse Smoushond is well-suited for first-time owners due to its obedient, friendly, and eager-to-please nature. Their adaptable and charming personality makes them easy to train and integrate into various households. While they require regular exercise and early socialization to manage their vocal tendencies and prey drive, their overall stability and loyalty provide a rewarding experience for novice dog owners.

Very Good

7 out of 10

Hollandse Smoushonds are very good apartment dogs due to their small size, easygoing temperament, and considerable adaptability. While they are active and lively, their exercise needs can be met with daily walks and play, allowing them to live a happy life in smaller spaces. Their loyal, friendly nature makes them excellent companions for city dwellers, though early training is recommended to manage their natural tendency to bark.

Very Low

8 out of 10

A yard is not strictly required for a Hollandse Smoushond, as they can live a happy life in an apartment provided they receive a stable exercise schedule. While they benefit from time in a backyard to run and play, daily walks and indoor play sessions totaling 45 to 60 minutes are sufficient to keep this small, lively breed healthy and prevent destructive behaviors.

Above Average

6 out of 10

The Hollandse Smoushond is a loyal and independent companion that handles being alone better than many other breeds. While they enjoy human interaction, their history as self-sufficient stable ratters gives them a level of confidence that allows them to settle quietly when left for moderate periods. To ensure they remain calm, owners should provide adequate mental stimulation and exercise before departures to prevent boredom-induced barking.

Great

8 out of 10

Hollandse Smoushonds generally coexist well with cats and other household pets, particularly when raised together from a young age. While they possess a natural prey drive as ratters, their gentle and balanced temperament allows them to form harmonious bonds with feline companions.

Moderate

6 out of 10

Hollandse Smoushonds are not naturally aggressive; they are typically friendly, lively, and affectionate companions. While they are alert watchdogs, they should never exhibit unwarranted shyness or aggression towards people.

Active

4 out of 10

Hollandse Smoushonds are energetic and active dogs that require approximately 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. This should include brisk walks, interactive play, and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.

~45-60 min a day

3 out of 10

Hollandse Smoushonds are energetic and athletic dogs that require approximately 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. This should include brisk walks, interactive play like fetch, and activities like agility or barn hunts to satisfy their instincts. Because they are intelligent and curious, providing mental stimulation through training or puzzle toys is essential to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors like excessive barking.

Poor

3 out of 10

The Hollandse Smoushond has a poor tolerance for hot weather and can overheat easily, especially in humid conditions. Owners should provide constant access to shade and fresh water, and limit strenuous activities. It is best to schedule walks during the cooler morning or evening hours and use ice cubes or air conditioning to help them cool down if they show signs of heat stress.

Poor

3 out of 10

The Hollandse Smoushond has a poor tolerance for hot weather and can overheat easily, especially in humid conditions. Owners should provide constant access to shade and fresh water, and limit strenuous activities. It is best to schedule walks during the cooler morning or evening hours and use ice cubes or air conditioning to help them cool down if they show signs of heat stress.

Low Risk

7 out of 10

The Hollandse Smoushond is rarely subject to apartment breed bans due to its small size and rare status. As they typically fall well under common weight limits and are not associated with aggressive reputations, they are generally accepted in rental properties. However, their tendency to be vocal means owners should prioritize training and check specific landlord policies regarding noise or general pet requirements.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?


Photo
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified
"The Hollandse Smoushond is generally a healthy and hardy breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years. As a veterinarian, I recommend monitoring for hip dysplasia and luxating patellas, which are common in active, small-to-medium breeds. Owners should prioritize regular eye examinations, as the breed can be prone to cataracts and distichiasis. Due to their shaggy coats, routine checks for skin allergies and ear infections are essential. Additionally, I advise monitoring females during labor, as they may experience difficulty giving birth, sometimes requiring professional intervention or caesarean sections."

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