Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Quick Summary
Intelligent, family-friendly sporting dog ideal for active owners. Best suited for those who appreciate historic breeds and can provide consistent exercise and training.
Contents
Weight Range
20-30 lbs
♂ Male: 20-30 lbs
♀ Female: 20-30 lbs
Height Range
36-43 inches
♂ Male: 26-26"
♀ Female: 25-25"
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #85
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Sporting Group
Originally bred for Dutch decoy dogs from the 16th century, used to lure ducks into elaborate trap systems called duck decoys
Popularity
#150
Less common breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 26"-26" |
| Female Height | 25"-25" |
| Male Weight | 20-30 lbs |
| Female Weight | 20-30 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 2/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include purchase price ($1,500-$2,500), supplies, and vaccinations. Monthly expenses cover quality food, routine vet care, and grooming supplies. Consider insurance for potential health issues.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Alert and lively disposition with a gentle, friendly nature. Moderate energy levels make them adaptable companions. Shows devotion to family while maintaining some reserve with strangers. Intelligence and eagerness to please facilitate training.
Social Needs
Moderately social breed requiring regular human interaction. Generally good with other dogs but may be reserved initially. Can handle alone time if properly trained, though prefers company.
Breed Overview
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is a medium-sized sporting dog with distinctive orange-red patches on a white coat. Their feathered ears feature unique black hair tips called earrings. Agile and well-proportioned, they possess a gentle expression with alert, dark eyes. Their balanced temperament combines friendliness with keen intelligence, making them excellent companions and working dogs.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Intelligent and trainable
- ✓ Good family companion
- ✓ Moderate exercise needs
- ✓ Adaptable to different homes
Cons
- ✗ Can be reserved with strangers
- ✗ Requires regular grooming
- ✗ May be vocal
- ✗ Limited breed availability
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Friendly, Alert, Quick |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Grooming Needs | Weekly Brushing |
| Shedding | Seasonal |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 60 minutes of daily exercise through varied activities including walks, fetch games, and agility training. Moderate intensity level suits their sporting nature, with mental stimulation being equally important as physical exercise.
Diet & Nutrition
Requires 2-3 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Special attention needed for weight management due to potential food motivation. Consider age-specific formulations for optimal nutrition.
Feed 2-3 cups of premium dry dog food daily, divided into two meals. Adjust portions based on age, activity level, and weight. Include protein-rich foods suitable for sporting breeds. Monitor treats to prevent weight gain.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Adaptable to apartment living with sufficient exercise. Thrives in homes with secure yards. Tolerates moderate climates best but can adapt to various weather conditions with proper care.
Requires moderate living space with access to secure outdoor areas. Adapts well to suburban homes or rural settings. Can adjust to apartment living if exercise needs are met through regular outdoor activities.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Developed in the Netherlands during the 16th century for duck hunting, these dogs worked in specialized duck decoys - elaborate trap systems. Nearly extinct after World War II, the breed was saved through dedicated breeding efforts in the 1940s.
Historical Purpose
Dutch decoy dogs from the 16th century, used to lure ducks into elaborate trap systems called duck decoys. Their distinctive markings helped attract waterfowl during hunting.
Fun Fact
Their unique black-tipped ears called 'earrings' were historically believed to help attract ducks during hunting.
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Weekly grooming needed for coat maintenance. Requires consistent exercise and mental stimulation. Regular health monitoring for breed-specific conditions essential.