Kooikerhondje Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Kooikerhondje?

Originating in the Netherlands as long ago as the 17oos, the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje was originally bred by duck hunters to be used for luring ducks. They're thought to be descended from the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, which originated in North America.

Although they were known as duck decoys, their job was actually to lure ducks into traps, and they were also used for killing vermin on farms and as watchdogs to keep poachers away.

As they're from the Netherlands, they're also known as Dutch Spaniels, and many people refer to them as Kooikers for short.

After the First World War, the breed came close to extinction due to the availability of more accurate duck-hunting rifles, but this was prevented through the efforts of Baroness von Hardenbroek van Ammerstol who would find Kooikers in the countryside and bring them back to her estate.

In 1999, the first litter of Kooikers were born in the United States, and in 2018 the breed was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club.

Who are Kooikerhondje dogs best for?

Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes are very high-energy dogs, and they're best suited to owners and families who live an active lifestyle and are able to give them plenty of daily exercise.

Due to this, they can be slightly demanding for first-time owners or people who live a more sedentary lifestyle.

Apart from needing lots of exercise Kooikers are pretty easy to care for and can make a friendly and intelligent addition to most families. They're good around kids and other dogs as long as they're socialised early but can sometimes be a bit wary of strangers.

If you're looking for a good-natured pooch that will bring joy, excitement, and boundless energy into your home, then the Kooiker may be just the right choice for you!

How much grooming does a Kooikerhondje need?

The Kooiker's medium-length coat needs to be brushed at least once a week to prevent it from becoming matted and tangled and to stop them from leaving too much dog hair around the home.

You should slightly dampen the coat before brushing and then use a bristled brush on the body and a pin brush on the feathered parts of the coat.

As their coat is waterproof, it doesn't get dirty very often, and you should only bathe them if dirt is visible or they've been for a swim. Their nails will need to be trimmed around once a month or when you notice they're getting too long, and you should make sure to brush their teeth regularly.

Kooikers will shed lightly most of the time, but twice a year, this will increase, and they will lose quite a lot of hair.

Do Kooikerhondje bark much?

Excessive barking is not one of the Kooiker's breed characteristics, and they're not known to be a very vocal breed. This can vary depending on the personality of each individual dog but is certainly not common.

Despite being generally quiet dogs, Kooikers do make good watchdogs as they're very alert and will bark to alert their owners of trespassers.

If your Kooiker is barking more than normal, it could be a sign that they're not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation which can lead to them becoming bored and irritable.

Do Kooikerhondje bite?

A Kooiker puppy does have a tendency to be a little bit mouthy, especially when they're teething, but this is common amongst all dog breeds.

Just like human babies, puppies explore the world through their mouths when they're young and tend to nip. However, with the right training and proper socialisation, this shouldn't continue into adulthood.

What is the temperament & personality of a Kooikerhondje?

Kooikers are very friendly dogs who love long walks, playing games with their owners, and participating in various dog sports. Although they are absolutely full of energy, they do also enjoy downtime and are content spending evenings snuggling on the couch with their owners.

One of the Kooiker's traits is its amazing sense of smell which means they often follow scents when outdoors. You could try taking your Kooiker on a barn hunt, where they have to sniff out safely enclosed rats in a barn, as this is an activity they'll surely love!

What is the weight & size of a Kooikerhondje?

Kooikers are medium-sized dogs, and their weight usually ranges from 9 kg to 13 kg. Their height is typically between 35 cm and 43 cm.

How much training does a Kooikerhondje need?

The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is a very intelligent breed, and though it's friendly, loyal, and loves its owner, it does also have an independent spirit at times, which can make it a little tricky to train.

Due to this, you'll need to start obedience training as soon as you bring your new puppy home, and you'll have to have a good amount of patience with them.

Make sure that the training sessions are well structured and engaging, as Kooikers do have a tendency to get sidetracked if they get bored. Use lots of positive reinforcement and rewards rather than any type of punishment or reprimands.

As the breed can tend to be a bit wary around strangers and other animals, early socialisation is key to making sure you raise an approachable and well-balanced pooch.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Kooikerhondje?

Kooikers are a generally healthy breed, but as with all other dogs, they are susceptible to certain genetic health problems, such as:

• Hereditary Necrotising Myelopathy - a degenerative spinal disease that usually begins with the hind legs becoming paralysed. It is currently incurable and is ultimately fatal.

• Von Willebrand Disease - a condition where the dog's blood doesn't clot properly, which means they bleed excessively when injured.

• Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the dog's hip joint forms abnormally during growth, meaning that it doesn't fit properly into the hip socket. This leads to pain and limping and can cause arthritis.

What is the lifespan of a Kooikerhondje?

The average life expectancy of the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is 12-14 years. To keep your pooch as healthy as possible, take them for regular medical checkups, give them lots of exercise and shower them with love.

How much should you feed a Kooikerhondje?

To keep your Kooiker at a healthy weight, you should only feed them with high-quality, nutritious food. The amount they need will vary depending on their weight, age and metabolism so it's best to consult a vet to work out the ideal diet plan for your dog.

What is the price of a Kooikerhondje in Australia?

As the Kooiker breed is still relatively rare, they are pretty expensive and will cost between $4,000 - $7,000. You should always buy from a reputable breeder as they will perform health checks on their puppies to minimise the chance of them developing serious health conditions in adulthood.