Overview:

The Kooikerhondje or Dutch duck hunter’s dog as it is sometimes called is a cheerful, friendly, and brave dog that is attentive and intelligent, self-confident, and not a friend to all-comers. They will readily welcome familiar family or friends of the owner or handler. They rarely bark.

Country of origin:

Netherlands

Size type:
Medium-sized dog breeds

Breed group:

Sporting dog breeds (AKC)
Gun Dog (UKC)

Character:

This is a cheerful, friendly, and brave dog that is attentive and intelligent, self-confident, and not a friend to all-comers. They seldom bark. They bond closely with their own people and can be a good watchdog if called upon. The kooikerhonje is so sensitive that it can be rather touchy and it is therefore not a suitable playmate for children.


Height:

The shoulder- height is 35 – 40cm (13 ½ - 15 ½ in)

Weight:
the weight is about 10kg (22lb)

Temperament:

They get on well with dogs and cats provided they meet them when they are young. This breed is not a friend-to-all and they are reserved towards stranger. In contrast, familiar family friends will get an enthusiastic welcome.

Coat:

The medium-length hair is lightly white with orange patches and black ear- which are known as “earring” within circles.

Care:

This breed needs little attention to its coat. Brush the dogs regularly and keep the ears clean. If necessary, trim excess hair between the pads of the feet.

Training:

In common with all breeds, the training of a Kooikerhondje has to be carried out consistently. They are intelligent and eager to learn – properties which make them an easy dog to train, and they are also sensitive to the intonation of the voice so that a tough a approach is absolutely unnecessary. The handler must be firm though because over-leniency will bring out the breed’s dominant trait.