Kooikerhondje

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Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Kooikerhondje is also known as Kooiker Hound ,Small Dutch Waterfowl Dog, Dutch Decoy Dog, Kooiker Dog, Kooikerhondje and nicknamed Kooiker. It is an old Dutch dog that was developed in Netherlands (Holland) in 16th century as a tolling dog. This spaniel type breed was widely used in 17th and 18th century by Dutch hunters to lure ducks into traps. The traps were set on ponds that were most visited by ducks and upon hunter's signal, the Kooiker would start tolling (a method to catch duck's attention). This cunning and intelligent dog used its bushy white tail to entice the ducks into the trap. This way, a whole flock of ducks was captured in one tolling.

The Kooiker dogs became almost extinct during WW II but revived by one Baroness van Hardenbroek van Ammerstol single-handedly. She managed to find a female Kooiker which became foundation for revival of this ancient breed.

This magnificent looking dog stands between 14-16 inches and weighs around 20-40 lbs. Slightly wedge-shaped head with broad and slightly rounded skull starts off this breed. The tapering muzzle leads to black nose. Almond shaped eyes are deep brown with friendly and alert expression. Medium size dropped ears hang close to the cheek. The ears come with wispy tips, known as earrings Medium length neck is well muscled. The body is slightly longer than tall, back is level and strong, loin is moderately short but muscular and deep and chest is deep with well sprung ribs. The tail is densely feathered and most often would have a white plume. This breed has water-repellent medium length coat that is slightly wavy but mostly straight and comes with dense undercoat. White is the predominant colour with bright orange or red patches that give this dog a head turning look.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI, UKC, KC(UK), AKC(FSS).

Color

The dog comes with distinct patches of bright orange or red on white back ground. For show ring, dogs with black ear tips and white tails are preferred.

Coat

This breed has water repellent double coat. Topcoat is medium in length, slightly wavy or straight. Undercoat is dense and soft. Softer feathering is present on throat, behind the ears, and at the back of the thighs. Ears are also feathered with preferably black fringe.

Personality

Lively, loving, loyal, intelligent, well behaved and alert, the Kooikerhondje makes an equally good house pet as it is a hunting dog. A very friendly dog to those it knows, the dog is happy and lively with its family and owners. Though quiet as a hunting dog, it may choose to be lively when required. It is an eager to please and sensitive breed that is kind and gentle to children it is brought up with. This dog can get along with other dogs if it is raised with them but it is suspicious and wary of strange people and dogs. This makes it a very good watch/guard dog. Being a sensitive breed, the dog needs firm yet gentle training routines. It is known to be sensitive to loud voices and has low pain tolerance so its play with children should be monitored. Socialization and training from early age is a must for this breed. Once trained, this dog will become an excellent house pet and family companion.

Care

The dog has self-cleaning coat that is very easy to clean. Dirt comes off the water-repellent coat easily with simple brushing. Bathe only when needed.

Training

Training a Kooikerhondje can be a challenge as the dog has a sensitive nature. Rewarding the dog on good deeds and reprimanding in firm but NOT LOUD voice will help in training. An experienced trainer who knows how to win a dogs' confidence will be a suitable choice to train this dog.

Activity

This small to medium size dog can fit into apartment life style if its exercise needs are met. Though a fence yard will be ideal for this dog, it will not complain if it is taken for daily walks and provided with sufficient playing time.