KOOIKERHONDJE
APPEARANCE
The Kooikerhondje has a body that is almost square in shape, an uplifted head, a parti-colored coat, and a feathered tail. They have long, hanging ears with wispy tips (called earrings) that are set close to the head and upright, feathered tails. They have shiny bicoloured coats, often predominantly white and chestnut. The fur is medium long and either slightly wavy or straight.
PERSONALITY
Kooikers are intelligent, alert, active, agile dogs, generally with a benevolent nature. Although the Kooiker Dog looks nice and approachable, they are not. They are ready to defend their owners (by ferocious barking) and are generally very reserved towards both strangers and children.
TRAINING
Despite being intelligent, Kooikers are quite difficult to train. They are generally very dominant and temperamental. When training Kooiker Dogs remember that they need to be mentally stimulated, taught in a gentle manner, and be given positive reinforcement as these dogs are also very sensitive.
EXERCISE
This hunting breed enjoy the outdoors and require that they be given regular exercise. If you wish to let your dog stretch his legs and run, release him in a secure area (fenced in yard). If allowed to run in an open area, they may run after small animals that catch their attention.
SOCIALIZATION
Kooikers are not recommended for homes with small or loud, boisterous children. They bond closely to their family and are reserved with strangers. The Kooikerhondje will do well with other pets they have been raised with. They make an excellent hunting companion or delightful family pet.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Kooikerhondje breed is not recommended for apartment or city dwelling. They thrive on physical activity and do best in a rural setting with ample opportunity to run, roam, and hunt.
GROOMING
Kooikerhondje’s require occasional brushing. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary. It is important to regularly check and clean the ears. The breed has a waterproof coat that does not require clipping, with a well-developed undercoat.
HEALTH ISSUES
Life Span:12 - 13 years. They have a relatively small genetic base, so hereditary diseases are somewhat prevalent. These include: von Willebrand’s disease, a blood clotting disorder, Cataracts, Patellar luxation, Epilepsy, Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy, a degenerative disease similar to Multiple sclerosis.
HISTORY
The Kooikerhondje was developed in the Netherlands around the sixteenth century to be a tolling breed. They were used to lure and drive ducks into koois (cages in the form of canals with traps at the ends), where the hunter could easily catch the fowl; and are named after this type of technique.
