Kooikerhondje
The Kooikerhondje is a small Dutch sporting breed with a fascinating history dating back to the sixteenth century.
Originally bred for duck hunting using a traditional method called eendenkooi, the breed's distinctive white-tipped tail was used to lure curious ducks into traps.
9-11kg
Weight
Small
Size
12-15yrs
Lifespan
About the Kooikerhondje
The breed features prominently in Dutch Golden Age paintings, confirming its long-established role in Dutch life. Nearly extinct by the mid-twentieth century, dedicated breeders successfully revived the Kooikerhondje, and it now enjoys growing popularity in Britain and beyond. Standing 35 to 42 centimetres at the shoulder and weighing 9 to 11 kilograms, the Kooikerhondje is a well-proportioned, lightly built dog with an attractive orange-red and white medium-length coat. The breed's distinctive features include its characteristic white-tipped tail and long black ear feathering, known as "earrings," which are considered highly desirable breed traits. Temperamentally, the Kooikerhondje is alert, friendly, and adaptable, typically forming strong bonds with its family. Though initially reserved with strangers, the breed warms quickly to new people. Requiring up to one hour of daily exercise and mental stimulation, the Kooikerhondje makes an excellent companion for active households seeking a manageable, affectionate dog.
Kooikerhondje at a Glance
- Group
- Utility
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 9–11 kg
- Height
- 35–42 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Typical price
- £300–£1500
Kooikerhondje Lifestyle
The Kooikerhondje does well in a smaller home and is happy with a small or medium-sized outdoor space. They are equally happy in town or country.
Dog Food for Kooikerhondje
Top-rated foods for Small breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Kooikerhondje
Kooikerhondje Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Kooikerhondje weighing around 10 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£2.32 - £2.47
Per month
£70 - £74
Per year
£847 - £903
Kooikerhondje Characteristics
The Kooikerhondje is built for activity and needs owners who can keep up and is eager to please and takes to training naturally. They are brilliant with children, but cope with some alone time if properly settled. The coat requires moderate upkeep and produces a reasonable amount of loose hair. They are a highly intelligent breed that needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Kooikerhondje Pros & Cons
Pros
- A charming breed with working heritage and a warm, loyal temperament at home
- Intelligent and eager to please, making training an enjoyable and rewarding experience
- Moderate exercise needs and comfortable in a range of living environments
- Simpler coat care than many spaniel breeds, needing only regular brushing
Cons
- Relatively rare in the UK, meaning higher purchase prices and less choice of breeders
- Needs thorough early socialisation to avoid shyness or wariness around strangers
- A strong prey drive means care is needed around smaller animals
- Sensitive to harsh handling, requiring patient and gentle training throughout
