Dog Breeds - Nederlandse Kooikerhondje

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection that a particular breed is prone to display towards family members and familiar individuals varies significantly. Certain breeds tend to be distant and indifferent towards everyone except their owners, while there are others that warmly embraceveryone, they are acquainted with treating them as their closest companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience that a breed exhibits towards children, as well as its overall family-friendly nature are essential considerations. It is crucial to supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The overall sociability of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While it is important to always supervise dog interactions and introductions, certain breeds tend to have a natural predisposition for getting along with other dogs, whether it is within the home or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair that a particular breed tends to shed is an important factor to consider. Breeds with high shedding patterns will require more frequent brushing and they are more likely to trigger specific types of allergies. Additionally, they may necessitate more consistent efforts in terms of vacuuming and using lint rollers to manage fur accumulation.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
When assessing a breed, it is crucial to consider the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other types of coat maintenance required. This evaluation should factor in the time, patience and budget you have available for such care. Remember that all breeds require regular nail trimming as part of their grooming routine.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool is an important aspect to consider. If you prefer cleanliness and dislike the idea of dogs leaving ropes of slobber on your arm or creating big wet spots on your clothes breeds with a high drooling tendency may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Double, Wavy
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of welcoming behavior a breed typically exhibits towards strangers varies. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around all strangers regardless of the location. On the other hand, there are breeds that happily embrace the opportunity to meet new people whenever they come across one.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed displays for play even beyond puppyhood is worth considering. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. On the other hand, there are breeds that are content with relaxing on the couch with you for the majority of their time.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The tendency of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers is an important trait to consider. Some breeds are more inclined to react to any potential threat be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are more likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change is an important aspect to consider. This includes their ability to adjust to changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things are significant factors to take into account. Some breeds have a strong desire to please their owner and are generally more eager to learn. In contrast, there are breeds that may have a more independent nature and prefer to do things on their own terms, regardless of commands or training efforts.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise and mental stimulation need of a breed is important considerations. High energy breeds require regular exercise and mental engagement to fulfill their energetic nature. They are typically eager for adventures, enjoy running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low energy breeds are generally content with a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle. They are often happy to spend their time lounging around and snoozing.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization, including barks or howls is a characteristic to consider when evaluating a breed. Some breeds tend to be more vocal overall and may bark at every passer-by or even at birds in the window. On the other hand, certain breeds are more selective in their barking vocalizing only in specific situations. It's also worth noting that some barkless breeds can still be vocal using other sounds to express themselves.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The mental stimulation needs of a breed are vital for their overall well-being and happiness. Purpose-bred dogs in particular often have jobs that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, they may become bored and resort to creating their own activities, which may not align with what you would prefer. Providing the necessary mental stimulation for a breed is essential to prevent behavioral issues and ensure their mental health.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection that a particular breed is prone to display towards family members and familiar individuals varies significantly. Certain breeds tend to be distant and indifferent towards everyone except their owners, while there are others that warmly embraceveryone, they are acquainted with treating them as their closest companions.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The level of tolerance and patience that a breed exhibits towards children, as well as its overall family-friendly nature are essential considerations. It is crucial to supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The overall sociability of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While it is important to always supervise dog interactions and introductions, certain breeds tend to have a natural predisposition for getting along with other dogs, whether it is within the home or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair that a particular breed tends to shed is an important factor to consider. Breeds with high shedding patterns will require more frequent brushing and they are more likely to trigger specific types of allergies. Additionally, they may necessitate more consistent efforts in terms of vacuuming and using lint rollers to manage fur accumulation.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

When assessing a breed, it is crucial to consider the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other types of coat maintenance required. This evaluation should factor in the time, patience and budget you have available for such care. Remember that all breeds require regular nail trimming as part of their grooming routine.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool is an important aspect to consider. If you prefer cleanliness and dislike the idea of dogs leaving ropes of slobber on your arm or creating big wet spots on your clothes breeds with a high drooling tendency may not be the most suitable choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double, Wavy

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of welcoming behavior a breed typically exhibits towards strangers varies. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around all strangers regardless of the location. On the other hand, there are breeds that happily embrace the opportunity to meet new people whenever they come across one.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed displays for play even beyond puppyhood is worth considering. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. On the other hand, there are breeds that are content with relaxing on the couch with you for the majority of their time.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The tendency of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers is an important trait to consider. Some breeds are more inclined to react to any potential threat be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are more likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change is an important aspect to consider. This includes their ability to adjust to changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things are significant factors to take into account. Some breeds have a strong desire to please their owner and are generally more eager to learn. In contrast, there are breeds that may have a more independent nature and prefer to do things on their own terms, regardless of commands or training efforts.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise and mental stimulation need of a breed is important considerations. High energy breeds require regular exercise and mental engagement to fulfill their energetic nature. They are typically eager for adventures, enjoy running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low energy breeds are generally content with a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle. They are often happy to spend their time lounging around and snoozing.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The mental stimulation needs of a breed are vital for their overall well-being and happiness. Purpose-bred dogs in particular often have jobs that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, they may become bored and resort to creating their own activities, which may not align with what you would prefer. Providing the necessary mental stimulation for a breed is essential to prevent behavioral issues and ensure their mental health.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
White & Red	214

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black Tips	053

About The Breed

The Netherlands Kooikerhondje is described as lively, agile, self-confident, good-natured and alert. These dogs are known for their faithfulness, easy-going nature and friendliness within the home. Outdoors, they exhibit their true sporting dog characteristics, displaying keenness, swiftness, toughness, attentiveness and high energy levels. With perseverance and stamina, they enjoy working and have a cheerful character.

The Kooikerhondje is recognizable by its silky all-weather coat, which is predominantly white with red patches. This breed stands out due to its large, black-tipped ears and a richly feathered tail that it proudly wags. They possess a sturdy bone structure expected of a serious hunter, while maintaining a harmoniously built physique with smooth, flowing contours and a springy gait.

In the United States, the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club has been the American Kennel Club (AKC) Parent Club representing the breed since April 2014.

What to Expect When Caring for A NEDERLANDSE KOOIKERHONDJE

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Nederlandse Kooikerhondje: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The Kooikerhondje is generally considered a relatively healthy breed with a long-life expectancy. However, due to its limited founding population, there is a higher risk of certain hereditary conditions within the breed. In order to promote genetic diversity and reduce the occurrence of these conditions, it is essential to follow proper breeding practices. To minimize the impact of inbreeding, breeding programs should aim to reduce the coefficients of inbreeding and maintain genetic variation. Knowledge of genetic lines and diseases within the breed combined with responsible breeding practices can help mitigate the risk of serious illnesses in Kooikerhondjes. Despite adhering to good breeding practices, there are still health concerns that can affect the breed. Some current health issues reported in the Kooikerhondje include polymyositis (PMN), renal disorders and epilepsy. It is important for potential owners and breeders to be aware of these conditions and work with reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and the overall well-being of the breed. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Eye examination - certified through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Patella Evaluation - certified through OFA Hip: certified through OFA Von Willebrand Disease III (Kooikerhondje) (VWDIII) - DNA Test Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy (ENM) - DNA Test

Grooming

	In addition to the usual weekly grooming, it's important to occasionally give your Nederlandse Kooikerhondje a bath to keep them clean and looking their best. Grooming not only enhances their appearance but also provides a wonderful opportunity for you and your furry friend to bond. To prevent problems like overgrowth, splitting and cracking, be sure to regularly trim their strong and fast-growing nails using a nail clipper or grinder. Furthermore, make a habit of checking their ears for any wax or debris buildup to ward off potential infections. Lastly, don't forget to brush their teeth regularly.

Exercise

	Indoors, you'll find a smart, vivacious, joyful, devoted and affectionate companion, while outdoors, this furry friend embodies athleticism, determination, enthusiasm and a bustling adventurous spirit.

Training

	The Kooikerhondje is known for its cheerful disposition, high intelligence and liveliness without being overly hyper. Due to its historical work as a small sporting breed, it possesses a combination of prey drive and energy along with the gentle character of a spaniel. These dogs can display great determination, so it is best to train them using a firm yet gentle approach. Thanks to their cheerful personality, athletic build, intelligence and eagerness to please Kooikerhondjes are considered highly trainable. However, their drive and determination necessitate gentle training methods in order for them to fully fulfill their potential as delightful household pets and reliable companions in sporting activities.

Nutrition

	The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje thrives when fed a high-quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or home-prepared under the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. It is essential to provide a diet that suits the dog's specific age category, whether they are a puppy, adult or senior. As some Kooikerhondjes are prone to gaining weight, it is important to monitor their calorie intake and maintain their ideal weight. While treats can be an effective training tool, overindulgence can lead to obesity. It is crucial to educate yourself about which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, consult your veterinarian. Ensure that clean and fresh water is available to your Kooikerhondje at all times.

Historiography

The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is an ancient breed that has been portrayed in paintings by the Dutch masters since the late Middle Ages. In those times, these dogs were employed in the manmade duck-trapping pond systems known as 'Eendenkooi' before the advent of gunpowder. It is important to note that these 'Duck Decoys' should not be confused with carved wooden decoy ducks. Instead, they were hand-dug ponds varying in size from 3 to 10 acres. Additionally, the breed has a historical connection with Prince William of Oranje, the founder of the Dutch Monarchy. Prince William's own 'Kookier,' named Kuntz was credited with saving the Prince's life from assassins.

However, the breed experienced a decline following the First World War due to the development of more efficient fowling guns that made it easier for hunters to shoot ducks. As a result, the profitability and appeal of maintaining the Duck Decoys decreased leading to the gradual disappearance of the delightful orange-red and white dogs used to lure the ducks.

In the late 1939, as a form of silent resistance against the occupation of the Netherlands, Baronesse von Hardenbroek van Ammerstol took it upon herself to preserve the breed. She distributed black and white photographs of the breed and snippets of fur to peddlers who passed by her estate. If a peddler came across a dog that matched the Baronesse's criteria, she would personally visit the dog using her own bicycle. This led her to discover Tommy, a female dog from the northernmost province of the Netherlands, who became the foundation of her breeding program. From 1942 to 1976, under the name Walhalla, the Baronesse successfully bred 52 litters. The Dutch parent club was established in 1967, and finally, in 1971, the breed received official recognition from the Raad van Beheer (the Dutch equivalent of the AKC).