Kooikerhondje Dog Breed Information - All About Dogs

Kooikerhondje

Kooikerhondje

Description:

This rare breed of dog was bred in the Netherlands in the 16th century. The Kooikerhondje (also called the Kooiker Dog) was used to lure and hunt ducks. Unfortunately, during the Second World War, this wonderful breed almost went extinct. However, Baroness van Hardenbroek van Ammerstol managed to restore it in 1943. The Kooikerhondje is relatively bred but is gaining popularity in the United States, Canada, and Scandinavia.

Height: 14-16 inches  Weight: 20-30 pounds  Lifespan: 12-14 years

Characteristics:

The Kooikerhondje is extremely rare outside the Netherlands. This is a dog of medium size, slightly reminiscent of Spaniel or Setter.  He is brave, versatile and agile. Kooikerhondje dog breeds perfectly adept at tracking and hunting game birds. The Comparable Breed: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and Cocker Spaniel.

Character:

This is a lively, attentive and good-natured dog. This breed is not suited for families with small children. The Kooikerhondje is very devoted to his family and extremely suspicious of strangers. Kooikers get along well with other pets, provided that they grew up in the same family. These dogs are wonderful companions and excellent hunters with watchdog skills.

Coat / Care:

The Kooikerhondje has a double, waterproof coat. The length of the outer layer varies from medium to long, it is smooth and slightly wavy. The undercoat is short and dense. Kooikers have a very nice and fluffy tail and feathery decoration on the back of the legs, chest and ears. This dog breed is not too demanding to care for, he requires periodic grooming and bathing only if urgent. It is important to regularly check and clean the dog’s ears.

Health Problems:

The Kooikerhondje is generally healthy dog breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to Epilepsy, Von Willebrand disease, Eye Infection, Patella Luxation (PL) and Myelopathy. The Kooikerhondje has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Weight / Height:

The male Kooikerhondje dog breed’s height is around 15 – 16 inches and weighs around 22 and 30 pounds. Female Kooikerhondje dogs can reach a size from 14 – 16 inches and weighs between 20 and 25 pounds.

Training:

The Kooikerhondje is impressive and extremely sensitive dog. He will not tolerate crude or heavy-handed teaching methods. Therefore, education should be based on kindness, fairness, patience, and consistency.

Activity:

Dogs of this breed are not suitable for keeping in a city apartment. Kooikers need constant physical and mental work. Hence, they thrive in rural areas where they will have enough space for free movement, walking and of course, hunting.

Photo credit: www.Petful.com/Flickr

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