Drentse Patrijshond

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Drentse Patrijshond is a medium size gundog originating in the Drenthe province of Netherlands. It is also known as Dutch Partridge Dog or simple "Drent". These dogs have a history of existence that dates back to 16th century. The breed was developed from the Spioenen dogs that came through France from Spain. It is related to the Small Munsterlander and the Epagneul Francais.It holds resembles to both spaniel and setter types of dogs.

The Drentse Patrijshond has a well proportioned body that shows power and ability to develop necessary speed for a gundog. It stands between 23-25 inches with weight in proportion to the height.

The head is large with broad and slightly rounded skull. Muzzle is wedge shaped with a straight and broad nose bridge. Well developed, brown coloured nose has wide open nostrils. Moderate size eyes are oval in shape and set wide apart, usually with amber colour. The expression is kindly and intelligent. Triangular shaped ears are long, set high and hang down the head. Short neck is powerful and without dewlap.The long and muscular legs help the dog achieve great speeds and run effortlessly on difficult terrain. The body is elongated with a medium length back, deep and broad chest, a well sprung ribcage and well muscled strong loin. Tail is long and thick at the base. It is carried horizontally and never over the back. The coat is medium long with feathers on the legs and longer hair on the front of the chest, giving the impression of a longer hair coat. It comes in white with brown or orange markings.

The dog is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by UKC and FCI.

Color

The dog comes in white colour with orange or brown markings. A black mask is accepted but not desired.

Coat

Medium length coat is dense not curly. It appears longer due to extra hairing on some parts of the body like neck, fore-chest and ears. Also backside of fore and hindlegs, tail and back of the thighs are well feathered.

Personality

The Drentse Patrijshond is an affectionate, loyal, loving and relaxed dog as a family pet. It forms a strong bond with its family and is obedient and even-tempered when around the family. The dog is very sweet, playful and gentle with children. It can get along with other dogs but should be supervised around other non-canine pets due to high prey drive. It is an intelligent dog with a very kind and sweet disposition. Used as a versatile dog for centuries, it has the skills to be a great hunter for all types of game, watch dog, children playmate and even to pull carts. It has strong hunting instinct and goes about its job excellently. The dog will search for prey within gun range. With excellent smelling sense, It can point and retrieve a lost game. Rabbits, hare and foxed as well as birds are on its hunting list. It makes a great hunting companion as well as an esteemed family dog for all the members.

Care

Drentse Patrijshonds need to be brushed and combed regularly to eliminate loose and dead hairs from their coat. These dogs are average shedders and should be brushed more frequently during shedding season.

Training

The dog is docile and obedient to its master. Training should not be a problem with this dog as it likes to please its owner by following his orders. Consistency is the key.

Activity

A hard working dog, the Drent will need lots of activities to be happy and relaxed. A daily walk or jog with playing and running time in a secure and open space is what this dog likes most when it is not hunting with its master. It will suffer if under-exercised.