Kooikerhondje Dog Breed

The Kooikerhondje has a few classifications: as a working dog and companion in its homeland (the Netherlands), as a Flushing Dog by the FCI, gundog by the UKC and in the sporting group of the AKC's Foundation Stock Service. Not only do they make excellent hunting assistants (they're known for driving ducks into traps) but they also are good watchdogs, exercise partners and excel at keeping pesky animals off your property (rats, squirrels, etc.) This is a very well-behaved breed that adapts to indoor or outdoor living (even apartments), however, two things are necessary: plenty of daily time with you and plenty of daily exercise. If you have a loud, rambunctious household or small, non-canine pets this is probably not the breed for you.

Consider the following Kooikerhondje facts:
PROS

• Excellent temperament- happy, willing to please
• Hard working sporting dog
• Property watchdog
• Keeps property free of varmint
• Easy to train
• Adapts well to indoor living
• Enjoys exercising with you
• Attentive and loyal towards trusted people
• Fairly easy to groom
• Not aggressive

CONS

• Not a good choice for loud households with small kids
• Needs early socialization to get along with other dogs
• Not a good choice for homes with small, non-canine pets
• Suspicious around strangers
• Daily outdoor time is necessary
• Not hypoallergenic
• Not to be left alone frequently for long periods

Information is plentiful for the Dutch Kooiderhondje as there is both a Dutch and US club with excellent resources (and even a Animal Planet Dogs 101: Kooierhondje episode). Although paintings of the 1600s, including Rembrandt and Vermeer, clearly depict this breed (or the forerunner of it) it was not recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club until 1971. This medium sized hunting dog is easily recognizable with a "parti" orange-red and white coat that is medium length, straight or wavy and feathered on the ears.

1. Intelligence- this sporting dog doubles as a working dog since he/she will cheerfully watch out for the household and rid the property of vermin. Easily trained and happy to please the owner, the breed still needs a trainer with equal endurance. Early socialization is extremely important for them.

2. Kids, Pets, Strangers- Kooiderhondjes are sensitive and don't enjoy loud households and rough play, therefore, households with older kids are a better match. Unless socialized early they may regard strange people and dogs with suspicion. Non-canine pets, especially varmint-like animals are not a good idea. With their families and other trusted individuals these dogs are attentive, lively and well-behaved.

3. Exercise- this breed needs a job-- whether that be as a hunter, patrolling the yard or as an exercise buddy. Although they are very adaptable to indoor living, they still need daily outdoor exercise and, ideally, a large yard. Games with toys, hiking and even swimming will keep these cheerful dogs in good form.

Although the Kooikerhondje will likely be your hunting buddy and household watchman for 12-14 years, they are still susceptible to several serious issues.

• Von Willebrand's Disease results in abnormal and potentially deadly bleeding
• Hereditary Necrotising Myelopathy is a degenerative spinal disease that will eventually result in paralysis
• Epilepsy (seizures)
• Myositis involves the autoimmune inflammation of muscles that can result in many serious issues
• Kidney Disease
• Eye Disease (cataracts, extra sets of lashes)
• Patellar Luxation (slipping kneecap)

Require proof of health (certifications, genetic test results, etc) of the parents for the best possible chances of choosing a healthy puppy. Always take your puppy to scheduled vet appointments as this can help detect and prevent some conditions.