Kooikerhondje vs Dutch Smoushond - Breed Comparison

The Dutch Smoushond, known also as the Hollandse Smoushond ,Hollandse Herdershond

or Dutch Ratter is a small to medium sized dog. The Smoushondenclub was formed in 1905 as it was thought that the breed was dying out and they wanted to register the dog as a purebred breed.

It is believed that the dog’s origins may have to do with the Schnauzer breed. It was in 1973 that a number of breeders looked to reconstruct the breed, using Border Terrier crosses.

Today this rare breed is popular in the Netherlands, but not particularly well known anywhere else. In 2001 it was recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale as well as by the United Kennel Club in the United States.

Although the dog was once a skilled ratter, most Dutch Smoushond are kept as companion dogs.

The Kooikerhondje is of Dutch ancestry and is a medium-sized spaniel-type dog breed that has always been a working dog, being used to attract ducks into traps but being bred as an all-purpose dog.

They were particularly sought after in the 17th and 18th century, appearing in paintings of Rembrandt. The breed died out during World War II, but it was rescued by Baroness van Hardenbroek van Ammerstol and recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club.

In January 2018 the Nederlnadse Kooikerhondje is fully recognized by the American Kennel Club, competing in the Sporting Group.

The Dutch Smoushond is a small to medium sized dog breed related to the Schnauzer- and Pinscher breed. He stands at about 35 to 43cm at the withers and weighs about 10kg.

He has a rough, shaggy, wiry coat which is waterproof and which is a yellowish or straw color. You’ll notice that the hair around the face is long and fairly straight and forms a beard, eyebrows, and moustache, giving him wise, know-it-all look.

The forelegs are also feathered. He may well give the impression of being ungroomed and untidy with his different length hair. He has floppy ears, the eyes are small and dark, the nose black and the tail is long and feathery, hanging limply when the dog is relaxed.

Temperament:

Easy going, friendly and social, the Dutch Smoushond is a fairly quiet dog, but because he is intelligent and alert, he makes a good watchdog.

When not guarding you, he is cheerful and entertaining. He is an adaptable dog, being able to settle down to life in the city or in the countryside, getting on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

He is a dog who wants to please, so training him isn’t going to prove difficult. He’ll do well with this training as well as socialization as he becomes obedient, easy-going and relaxed around strangers.

The Kooikerhondje is a medium sized dog standing at 35 – 40cm at the withers and weighing anything between 9 – 11kg. He has a medium length coat which is a red and white color, with floppy ears.

A distinctive feature with this dog is the black tips of the long ears, and which are referred to as earrings. The coat can be wavy or straight. Typical of spaniel-like dog his plumed white tail moves jauntily, as though always happy. When you look at him he has a gentle expression, while being alert too.

Temperament:

Friendly, content, cheerful, good-natured and quiet – these are some of the words which describe the amicable Kooikerhondje.

He is also intelligent, wanting to please his owner. He is good around children too, but make sure your children are taught to respect and be kind to animals.

The Kooikerhondje is an adaptable dog and can be as as quiet or as jaunty as you want. He is adaptable to city life or life in the country, but he will need to be exercised and taken for walks.

The Dutch Smoushond, also known as the Dutchie, Dutch Ratter or Dutch Terrier may once have been used as a vermin hunter, but today this terrier dog shares some of the characteristics of the more popular terriers. He may have been a hunter in his day, but more recently he is used as a reliable companion dog.

He tends to be a bit of a barker, particularly when he isn’t getting attention.

He gets on well with other animals in the home as well as with children, but he will need to be trained and socialized. He is lively, friendly and social and is a dog who becomes devoted to his human family.

Kooiker, as he’s fondly referred to for short, has a happy personality, and bringing him into your home will be like bringing in some joy and sunshine.

He is a fun, energetic companion and you can count him in for all your outdoor activities such as walk, hikes and swimming. He’ll love to fetch every ball you throw, and that’s because he is such a playful dog.

He is a loving dog too, making a great playmate for children. Treat him like one of the family, and the Kooiker will surprise you with the amount of pleasure he brings.

These dogs are a healthy breed, but nonetheless there are are some health problems that can crop up occasionally.

Ear- and eye infections and joint problems are always a major concern, even in young dogs. Bad diet, old age and being overweight can all contribute to your dog developing joint pain. Joint pain symptoms can include -

difficulty with sitting or lying down

limping or even holding a leg up off the ground

lethargic to take part in any activities

Take your pet to the vet who will examine your pet and perhaps request x-rays.

The lifespan of the Kooikerhondje is about 12 – 14 years, and looked after well, he can be your canine friend for many years.

He loves his food and can put on weight easily, and obesity is one of the health problems he may have to deal with. Kidney- and eye problems might also be something that you may have to deal with with this dog breed, although most unlikely.

Obesity:

Obesity in dogs is very sad because its a disease that can be avoided. Dogs that are over fed are at particular risk because they can't exercise, and this in itself can lead to serious health issues.

There are different causes of obesity, but it is mostly caused by the dog being fed- and eating more than he can expend. Just like with humans, obesity becomes more common in old age as the metabolism slows down. A dog that has been neutered or spayed also tends to put on weight more easily.

If you're unsure what to do for your obese dog, speak to your vet who can recommend a diet for your pet. Remember that with feeding your dog, prevention is better than cure.

Kidney Problems:

Kidney problems, though more common with older dogs, can strike at any age. The kidneys play a host of important functions such as regulating blood pressure. Sometimes kidney failure is slow and the symptoms may not be obvious.

With renal failure, your pet will be lethargic, they will be vomiting, be depressed and have weight loss. Other possible symptoms are increased thirst, blood in the urine and seizures. Chronic renal failure can't be cured but treatment is aimed at making your pet comfortable.

The Dutch Smoushond is basically an easy care breed, and it won’t do to try and tame the coat as the dog has a naturally unkempt look.

You can brush him twice a week to keep the coat free of matting and to remove loose hairs. The Dutch Smoushond may require the hair being plucked and a professional groomer can do this.

At the same time, the groomer can remove excess hair from the ears and also clean your dog’s teeth. This is of critical importance as bad teeth can lead to a host of health problems.

Get into the habit of brushing your pet’s teeth 2 or 3 times a week, making use of special pet approved toothbrush and toothpaste.

Your Kooikerhondje is smart, happy-go-lucky dog and it is important to know your pet's needs so you can care properly for him. Exercise your Kooikerhondje daily as he is a high-energy dog and even short walks can be good for him.

He absolutely loves balls games too. He can live in the city or the country but will do better when he has the chance for exercise. Urban- and city environments can work if there are nearby parks to cater for his energy.

Grooming:

The Kooikehondje has long hair but he is surprisingly low maintenance and will simply require a brush once or twice a week.

If you love your pet but just can't find the time to see to his grooming needs, take him to the vet for regular checkups to check ears, teeth and eyes. They can come down with problems with the eyes or have some or other skin allergy.

Diet:

Give your Kooikerhondje the right food, and make sure its the highest quality. If you buy him commercially manufactured food, pay attention to the ingredients list and make sure that proper meat is at the top of the list.

Add cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables to his dry kibble as a tasty treat sometimes. Learn to recognize the less nutritious ingredients such as wheat or grain. Also learn to avoid foods which are bad for your dog such as chocolate and onions.