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Kooikerhondje

The Dutch Kooikerhondje has a colourful history.  He was introduced into Holland from Spain in the 16thC by Spanish soldiers who for 80 years occupied the Low Countries.  Prince William of Orange had  Kooikerhondje as a pet and it is reported that this dog saved him from an assassination attempt by  the Spanish by waking him up and warning him.  Following this incident, Prince William always kept one and they started to appear in paintings by the Dutch Masters.

The Kooikerhondje is a smallish dog, about 35 - 40cm and 20 - 24lbs with a distinctively rich colouring.  With a base colour of white he has clear orange-red patches, feathering on ears, throat and legs and a richly plumed tail.

His function was as a decoy dog; these dogs lured wild ducks into the mouths of decoys - traps which become progressively smaller until the trap is sprung and the birds are netted.  It is assumed that the waving plume of the tail as the dog ran back and forth triggers off some sort of response in the birds.

The Kooikerhondje has only been in the UK since 1985, and specimens of the breed are quite hard to acquire from their native land, so it has not had a real opportunity to develop here.  However, given the opportunity the Kooikerhondje could well become quite popular as he is a friendly, cheerful and neat little dog with a great fondness for human company.

To read the Kennel Club Breed Standard for the Kooikerhondje click here.

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Selected Books

The time to make sure that this is the right breed for you is before you bring him home; if you and Kooikerhondje are to be happy together there is plenty of research to be done. Speaking to the Breed club would be a good first step. Even if you do not intend to work him, having an appreciation of Gundog Training will help you understand why he behaves as he does. 

In addition to learning what kind of behaviour is specific to Gundogs, understanding your dog, and what his motivations are on a more general level can save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties.  It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy.  For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation.  The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.

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Kooikerhondje Breed Clubs

KOOIKERHONDJE CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN      Ms Clarke    01280 812281

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Kooikerhondje Rescue and Rehoming

Contact  the Kooikerhondje Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about dogs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own dog, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.

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Kooikerhondje Breeders

We are not aware of any breeders

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