🐾 Small · Netherlands
The Kooikerhondje is an agile, medium-sized Dutch hunting dog with a striking white-and-orange-red coat, originally used to lure ducks into traps and now valued as an attentive family dog.
The Kooikerhondje is alert, affectionate, and watchful, but can be reserved and sensitive toward strangers. He bonds closely with his family and reacts sensitively to harshness or inconsistency in training.
As a former working dog, the Kooikerhondje needs several bouts of exercise a day combined with mental stimulation, such as scent work, retrieving games, or dog sports. Plain walking usually isn't enough to tire him out.
The medium-length, slightly wavy coat with its characteristic black ear fringes should be brushed about weekly to prevent matting. More frequent brushing may be needed during shedding season.
The Kooikerhondje suits calm, consistent first-time owners with time for engagement and socialization, but is less suited to inexperienced owners in a chaotic environment. His sensitivity calls for an empathetic yet clear training style.
The breed is predisposed to von Willebrand disease, an inherited blood-clotting disorder, as well as necrotising meningoencephalitis (ENM), a rare but serious disease of the central nervous system. Reputable breeders test for these conditions accordingly.
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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.
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