Nederlandse Kooikerhondje

Originating in the Netherlands, the Kooikerhondje worked in eendenkooi (duck decoy ponds). Handlers used the dog’s jaunty, white-tipped tail and animated movement to “toll” ducks down a narrowing canal into trap nets. Portraits from the 16th–17th centuries show similar small red-and-white spaniels. After near extinction in the 20th century, fanciers revived the breed; today it’s recognized internationally and valued as a lively companion and sport dog (obedience, agility, rally, scent work) that still carries its unique “decoy” heritage.

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A small-to-medium, lightly built spaniel-type with a silky, weather-resistant coat and expressive “earrings.”

• Weight: 20–30 lb (9–13.5 kg)
• Height: 14–16 in (36–41 cm)
• Coat Type: Medium-length, flat to slightly wavy double coat with moderate feathering
• Coat Colors: Clear white base with distinct orange-red patches; black ear tips (“earrings”) desirable; white tail tip customary
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Foxy head, almond eyes, moderate stop, well-feathered tail with white tip used for tolling, black “earrings,” lively, efficient gait

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Generally easy-care, but plan for seasonal sheds and feather maintenance.

• Brushing: 2×/week; daily during spring/fall coat blow (line-brush to the skin)
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed; rinse after swims and fully dry feathering
• De-shedding/Detangling: Check ears, breeches, tail, and behind elbows weekly
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 2–3×/week; trim nails every 3–4 weeks
• Trims: Light tidy of feet/feathers only—do not shave the double coat
• Shedding: Moderate year-round; heavier seasonally

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A nimble worker with moderate stamina—mix movement with brain work.

• Daily Exercise: 60 minutes total (split walks + play/training)
• Great Activities: Retrieving games, agility, rally/obedience, scent/nose work, hiking
• Suitability: Houses or apartments with real daily outlets; secure recall practice recommended

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Bright, sensitive, and people-focused—keep it positive and predictable.

• Approach: Reward-based methods; short, varied sessions; avoid harsh corrections
• Focus Areas: Reliable recall, impulse control (doors/squirrels), polite greetings (they can be enthusiastic), calm “place/settle”
• Socialization: Early, gentle exposure to people/dogs/surfaces/sounds (breed can be reserved with strangers)
• Mind Work: Nose games, trick chains, pattern games; use retrieve/targeting skills to channel drive

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Feed for a lean, athletic outline and glossy coat.

• Food Type: High-quality small/medium-breed kibble or balanced fresh diet
• Daily Quantity: ~1.5–2.5 cups/day, split into two meals (adjust to age/activity)
• Diet Advice: Prioritize animal protein; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/coat/joints; count training treats toward daily calories; maintain BCS 4–5/9

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Still uncommon in Canada—plan ahead and verify health testing.

• Breeders: Seek CKC-affiliated preservation breeders who provide vWD/ENM (where available), hip/patella/eye results, and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Sporting-breed rescues and Kooiker breed clubs’ rehoming programs
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club directory (limited listings), Kooiker breed clubs (Canada/US/Netherlands), local obedience/agility clubs (ON/BC/QC) for community and referrals

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Generally healthy, with a few breed-associated issues to screen for.

• Genetic/Screening: von Willebrand disease (Type III)—DNA test available; Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy (ENM)—DNA screening where available
• Orthopedic: Patellar luxation, hip dysplasia (lower incidence but screen)
• Eyes/Immune: PRA/cataracts in some lines; occasional autoimmune-mediated conditions (e.g., polymyositis reported in the breed—discuss family history)
• Other: Ear infections if moisture trapped in feathering
• Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): vWD DNA, ENM DNA (if available), hips/patellas (OFA/FCI), ophthalmologist exams (CAER); discuss any immune or eye history

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Are Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes good apartment dogs?
Yes—if you provide about 60 minutes of daily exercise plus training and enrichment.

Do Kooikerhondjes shed?
Yes—moderately, with seasonal coat blows; regular brushing helps.

Are Kooikerhondjes hypoallergenic?
No. They are not hypoallergenic.

What are the “earrings” on a Kooikerhondje?
Black tips/fringes on the ears—highly desired and part of the breed’s hallmark look.

How much exercise does a Kooikerhondje need?
Around 60 minutes daily plus brain work (nose games, tricks, rally/obedience).

Are Kooikerhondjes good with kids and other pets?
Generally affectionate family dogs; supervise with small pets and teach calm interactions.

Kooikerhondje vs Brittany—what’s different?
Kooikers are smaller, red-and-white with a white tail tip and “earrings,” and often more sensitive/reserved; Brittanys are larger, broader-going bird dogs.

What health tests should breeders do?
vWD Type III DNA, ENM DNA (where available), hips/patellas, and CAER eye exams—ask to see documentation.

Do Kooikerhondjes bark a lot?
Moderate. They’re alert; teach a solid “quiet” and provide exercise/enrichment.

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