Kooikerhondje Dog Information:
The good-natured Kooikerhondje hunting dog breed makes an affectionate family companion. Suspected to be an ancestor of the Nova Scota Duck Tolling Retriever, they hail from Holland and were used to lure ducks into traps for hunting or tagging. They still serve as hunting dogs, but also excel at other dog sports such as flyball.
Kooikerhondje Dog Group: Sporting Dogs.
Kooikerhondje Height: 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder.
Kooikerhondje Weight: 20 to 25 pounds.
Kooikerhondje Life Span: 12 to 14 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
No, the name doesn't translate to cookie dog, although they no doubt enjoys them as much as any other breed. Originating in the Netherlands, this cheerful spaniel appears in paintings dating back to the sixteenth century. They served as a hunting dog, luring ducks within range so they can be shot or tagged, much like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Kooikerhondje History:
The Kooikerhondje was developed in the Netherlands sometime prior to the 16th century to be a breed to lure ducks into traps - a technique also called tolling. They were used to lure 'kooien' (cages in the form of canals with traps at the ends), where the hunter (the so-called Kooiker) could easily catch the fowl.
Kooikerhondje Size:
Kooikers stand 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder and weigh 20 to 25 pounds.
Kooikerhondje Personality:
Friendly, good-natured, and alert, the Kooiker is an excellent family companion with watch dog skills as well as athletic ability that makes them a natural at games such as agility and flyball. As a retriever, they also love playing fetch, especially in the water. Their exercise needs are adaptable: A long, slow stroll around the block or a strenuous hike will suit them equally well. Just be sure they're conditioned first before you start them on any heavy exercise.
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Kooikerhondje Health:
Kooikerhondje are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be subject to certain health conditions. Not all Kooikerhondje will get any or all of these diseases:
Hip dysplasia.
Patellar luxation. Eyes.
Von Willebrand’s disease.
Hereditary necrotizing myelopathy (ENM).
Kooikerhondje Care:
When young, this intelligent breed is surprisingly easy to train. The key to training a Kooikerhondje is not force or repetition, but making training fun for both owner and dog. Kooikerhondje have moderate exercise needs and are satisfied with two or three short walks daily or playtime in the yard. Pay attention to dental hygiene and nail care.
Kooikerhondje Feeding:
The generally recommended daily amount for this breed is three to four cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Kooikerhondje Coat Color And Grooming:
The thick, medium-length Kooiker coat is straight or has a slight wave. The color ranges from orange to deep chestnut red on a white background. On the ears are black tips known as earrings. Light feathering adorns the legs, and the predominantly white tail is well feathered. A good brushing every week more often during shedding season should keep your Kooiker's coat in good condition. The coat is naturally waterproof, and will stay fairly clean on its own.
Kooikerhondje with Children And Other Pets:
Introduce the Kooikerto cats or other dogs when they're young and they'll get along fine with them. Expect them to be reserved toward strangers but eagerly welcoming of friends and family.