Although the Kooikerhondje is a very old breed originating in the Netherlands, official recognition by the Dutch Kennel Club did not come until 1966 and the United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1996. Originally bred as a working dog, to lure ducks and hunt vermin, the Kooikerhondje is also a loving family member. For many years, the Kooikerhondje was used as a duck decoy and the breed's name comes from the name of the decoy trap "eendenkooi" and means "decoy dog" or "dog of the decoyman." Today, most Kooikers are found in Holland, throughout Scandinavian countries and in Europe. In North America, there are a few in Canada and possibly 100 in the U.S.
He is a kind, attentive, playful and alert dog, always ready and willing to work. The Kooikerhondje is also very sensitive, intelligent, and independent. This breed is not recommended for the first time dog owner as he can be very challenging, requiring strong leadership and gentle handling. With proper training, the Kooikerhondje becomes a deeply loyal and devoted companion. If raised with children, the Kooikerhondje generally gets along very well with them.
Kooikerhondjes also make very good watchdogs as they are naturally suspicious of strangers and protective of their territory. Very rarely will this breed seek attention from a stranger and is more likely to flee or growl if approached.
Because of the breed's working history, the Kooikerhondje is an active dog with a great amount of stamina. His attentive attitude and eagerness to please makes him ideal to participate in many dog sports and activities, such as agility, flyball, discdog, obedience, tracking and hunting. The Kooikerhondje is also known as an avid swimmer and loves the water. This high energy dog must be kept busy to avoid boredom which can lead to destructive behaviour.
The Kooikerhondje's double coat is medium-long and can take up to two years to fully mature. With a soft, silky texture, the coat can be either straight or wavy. The coat colour is a distinct and clear orange-red patches on white. Colour should dominate. One distinguishing feature of the breed is the long black tips that can be seen on the dog's ears. The length and amount of these "earings" are determined by genetics.
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Health Issues:
The Kooikerhondje breed is generally very healthy despite a small gene pool. This is mainly due to very strict breeding rules that have been put in place and responsible breeders working hard to eliminate hereditary diseases through testing and selective breeding. However, there are still some hereditary diseases seen in the breed at times, these include:
- Cataracts — Kooikerhondjes have some eye problems including cataracts. Breeding stock should be tested and found free of cataracts prior to breeding.
- Epilepsy — Epilepsy may be hereditary or idiopathic - caused for some unknown reason. In either case, dogs with epilepsy should not be bred.
- Hereditary Nectrotizing Myelopathy —A degenerative spinal disease, similar to multiple sclerosis in humans. It is a progressive and debilitative disease that always results in the dog being euthanized. Because of selective breeding this disease has become quite rare and any animal suffering from Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy and their direct offspring must be excluded from breeding programs.
- Patella Luxation — This is the abnormal inward or outward movement of the knee. Dogs with this problem often appear bowlegged. This affliction can be hereditary or caused by injury. Breeding stock should be examined by a veterinarian and those found with hereditary patella luxation should not be used for breeding.
- von Willebrand's Disease — A common hereditary bleeding disorder found in dogs. Similar to hemophilia in humans. Dogs affected by this disease and carriers of the disease as well as their parents should be excluded from a breeding program.
If you are considering the adoption of a Kooikerhondje puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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Grooming Information:
The Kooikerhondje's soft, silky coat is worn naturally and requires no special grooming. The breed is naturally clean and described as having a "teflon" coat that dirt doesn't stick to. Grooming requirements are minimal with the occasional bath, regular weekly brushing and trimming of the hair on the pads of the feet.
Like most breeds with drooping ears, the Kooikerhondje is prone to ear infections more so than dogs with erect ears and, therefore, ears must be checked regularly and kept clean, free of dirt/wax build-up.
- Grooming — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
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Training Resources:
The Kooikerhondje is a very intelligent and sensitive breed who can be quite a challenge at times. The breed requires strong leadership with firm but gentle handling. Training should be firm, gentle and consistent. If given the chance, the Kooikerhondje — more so males than females — will try to dominate and may become temperamental.
- Training — For information on training your Kooiker, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Duck Decoy — The name of the Kooikerhondje is irrefutably connected to the duck decoy. The Dutch name "Kooikerhondje" means "dog of the decoyman" or "decoy dog". Duck decoys are originally a Dutch invention and have been known for more than 600 years. Read more about this from the Dutch Kooikerhondje Association.
- Clubs, Sports and Activities — Kooikerhondjes enjoy participating in several dog sports and activities. This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs web site includes information on various dog sports and activities, as well as listings of non-breed-specific Clubs from across Canada. (Note: For Kooikerhondje breed clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — Information regarding various jobs that dogs are involved in, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Police Dogs, Herding Dogs and much more.
