Miniature English Bulldog 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 Miniature Bulldog is such a cute little dog, hailing from England in the 18th and early 19th centuries. The exact development of the dog is unclear and it seems as though the breeders weren’t working together and were working in two different directions.

There is a lot of debate about the very name ‘miniature’ too because some breeders gave this name to a hybrid mix of a Pug and Bulldog. It seems some breeds were created by crossing English Bulldogs with French Bulldogs to decrease their size. Certainly the origins for the Miniature Bulldog are unknown and there isn’t one particular breeder who can be credited with developing the breed.

Because the Miniature Bulldog is a hybrid breed, it isn’t accepted by the AKC, but it is accepted by the American Canine Hybrid Club as well other registries.

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.

Because the Miniature Bulldog is a cross between two purebred breeds – the Pug and the English Bulldog. You can expect different looks and characteristics from each breed.

Your mini Bulldog is a small breed dog standing between 25 and 35cm male and female and weighing between 11 and 18kg. The average litter size for these dogs is about 4 puppies.

The Miniature Bulldog has a short coat which sheds moderately and that comes in different colors such as tan and white, brindle, with black and grey also having a show in.

Temperament:

The Miniature Bulldog is a social, friendly breed who is able to get on well with all members of the family, including children and pets in the home. His very stature makes it that he isn’t the most active of dogs, but nonetheless you still want to exercise him and take him for walks to avoid obesity.

As with all dogs, training and socialization are imperative because this is a strong-willed dog who wants to go his own way.

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.

You’ll love having one of these entertaining, friendly dogs by your side. He is docile, social, fun and a bit stubborn too but he is able to get on well with children in the home as well as with other pets.

He can adapt to life in the city as well as in the countryside as he doesn’t require too much exercise.

Take special care of him and he’ll make you a splendid family pet.

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.

Unfortunately the origins of the Miniature English Bulldog are not 100% clear and therefore other important information isn't readily available.

These dogs are always prone to breathing and nasal abnormalities because of the shape of their faces as well as being prone to heart deficiencies. Snoring, grunting and quite a bit of panting is part and parcel of the mini English Bulldog.

They’re also prone to overheating, cherry eye and hip dysplasia. It is most unlikely that your Miniature English Bulldog is going to get any of these illnesses and the good news is that he can live to be up to 12 years of age.

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.

Diet:

Feeding the Miniature English Bulldog is hugely important. It is imperative that he doesn't become obese. Buy the best dog food there is and see to it that he also gets some home-made food. Chop up boiled chicken, brown rice ad vegetables for your pet and mix occasionally into his dry kibble.

Dogs love simple food – their stomachs can’t cope with different foods. They appreciate consistency with uncomplicated but nutritious foods. The bulldog is a dog which can easily overheat, so make sure he has constant access to fresh cool drinking water. On a hot day you can even use a spray bottle and allow some spray mist sprayed into his face to cool him down.

Grooming:

The Mini English Bulldog is a dog that sheds so you will need to brush him at least twice a week to get rid of loose hair.

Check around his eyes and inside his ears for infection.

Brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to get rid of plaque so as to prevent dental decay which can be detrimental to his health.

His face and body have wrinkles, making him more susceptible to skin allergies and you’ll need to keep your eye open for these as they can be terribly painful and frustrating for your pet.

Keep his nails trimmed.

He is neither sleek, agile or quick and you can see just by looking at him that he isn’t designed for being sporty. A slow walk every day will be enough for him as well as some easy-going games inside.