Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is around 14 years. This good longevity is observed especially in dogs that are properly cared for, active on a daily basis and followed preventively throughout their lives.
Build
A robust breed?
It is a hardy and enduring breed for its size, historically selected to work around stables. Its overall robustness does not, however, exempt it from the usual vigilance regarding dental condition, weight, skin and coat quality.
Watch points
What to watch for
No major unanimously documented predisposition dominates the profile of the Smous des Pays-Bas, but preventive monitoring remains essential. It is advisable to monitor the general condition, the skin under the rough coat, locomotor quality and weight changes as age progresses.
Hip dysplasia : Like many dogs, the Smous des Pays-Bas can have a joint malformation that promotes pain and osteoarthritis, especially in cases of overweight.
Eye conditions : An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs and monitoring of tearing or vision remain useful.
Patellar luxation : Common in small dogs, it manifests as an intermittent abnormal gait.
Periodontal disease : Tartar and dental loosening are major points of vigilance in small sizes.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its harsh coat with undercoat offers it adequate protection in cool and damp weather, but it must not live in extreme conditions without proper arrangements. In hot periods, outings must be adapted and access to shade and water must remain constant.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
This small active dog must retain a toned and compact silhouette. Portion control, measured treats and daily exercise are the best levers to avoid weight gain that would unnecessarily strain its joints.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Maintain regular preventive veterinary follow-up.
- Brush the coat each week to monitor skin and hair.
- Adapt outings to the dog's energy level each day.
- Monitor weight to maintain a compact and toned silhouette.
Vaccination
Dutch Smoushond vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Dutch Smoushond? Like all cats, the Dutch Smoushond receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Dutch Smoushond is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Dutch Smoushond vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Dutch Smoushond?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Dutch Smoushond
An annual clinical examination, dental monitoring, vaccination and antiparasitic follow-up as well as an assessment of weight and mobility constitute an appropriate preventive basis. In a subject intended for breeding, it is advisable to ask the breeder for the available health information on its line.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
