Kooikerhondje were developed in the Netherlands for duck trolling during the 1500s. The dogs assisted hunters by luring and driving the quarry into cage-like traps. After becoming nearly extinct during World War II, Baroness van Hardenbroek van Ammerstol devoted her efforts to restore the breed. In 1971, the Dutch Kennel Club recognized the kooikerhondje. Although the breed is still rare in North America, it is gaining interest and has been recognized by the United Kennel Club. The breed is now a member of the American Kennel Club’s foundation stock service program, and it will become a member of the sporting group once the process for recognition is complete.
The Kooikerhondje is a small dog breed with square proportions with a small head but long muzzles. Their ears are medium-sized, pendant and have wispy tips. Their coats are shiny, soft and medium-length. They are usually bicolor and coats that are easy to keep clean. Regular brushing will suffice.
Personality
The Kooikerhondje is happy, alert and energetic. They are very loving and affectionate and get on well with children they have been raised with. They have moderate exercise needs and will have to be taken out for regular daily walks. They can be territorial and protective and may be aggressive towards strangers and other dogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Kooiker, Kooiker dog, Kooiker hound, Small Dutch waterfowl dog, Dutch decoy dog |
Kooikerhondje Build Information
Kooikerhondjes are medium-sized dogs that resemble spaniels. They stand at an average height of 14 to 17 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 20 to 40 pounds. The coat of a kooikerhondje is medium in length, and the hair is feathered on the backs of the legs, chest, ears, abdomen and tail. The color is usually red and white. The white tail is largely plumed and hangs downward with an upward curve at the tip. The hair on the ears, which hang downward, is red with black tips that are referred to as earrings. The Kooikerhondje is a small dog breed with square proportions with a small head but long muzzles. Their ears are medium-sized, pendant and have wispy tips. Their coats are shiny, soft and medium-length. They are usually bicolor and coats that are easy to keep clean. Regular brushing will suffice.
| Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
Kooikerhondjes are happy and good-natured. They are generally quiet and well behaved, but they are also lively and require plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation. As long as these outlets are provided, the kooikerhondje can adapt to apartment living. It is an excellent competitor in agility, tracking, lure coursing and other dog sports. They are intelligent, obedient and eager to please their owners. Kooikerhondjes can be wary of strangers, but they are affectionate family members that love children. They are alert and make good watchdogs, but they are not big barkers. For a personable dog that resembles a spaniel and a retriever, the duck trolling kooikerhondje makes a good family companion and fellow outdoor enthusiast. The Kooikerhondje is happy, alert and energetic. They are very loving and affectionate and get on well with children they have been raised with. They have moderate exercise needs and will have to be taken out for regular daily walks. They can be territorial and protective and may be aggressive towards strangers and other dogs.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Maintaining the coat of a kooikerhondje is easily accomplished with a weekly brushing, which will remove dead hairs and keep the coat looking healthy. Combing through the feathery wisps of hair will minimize tangling. Inspect the kooikerhondje’s ears weekly, cleaning them if necessary and keeping them dry to prevent ear infections. Brush the teeth every other day to reduce plaque and prevent periodontal disease.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Kooikerhondje Common Health Conditions
Kooikerhondjes live average lifespans of 12 to 14 years. They are prone to several genetic health conditions, including patellar luxation, cataracts, von Willebrand’s disease, epilepsy and a degenerative spinal disease called hereditary necrotizing myelopathy.
Kooikerhondje Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The kooikerhondje originated in the Netherlands. The kooikerhondje is also called a kooiker, a kooiker dog, a kooiker hound, a small Dutch waterfowl dog and a Dutch decoy dog. The kooikerhondje is a good natured, active and happy dog. The kooikerhondje stands 14 to 17 inches tall and weighs 20 to 40 pounds. The kooikerhondje has a moderate energy level. The kooikerhondje requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a kooikerhondje is 12 to 14 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
