Everything about The Kooikerhondje totally explained
The
Kooikerhondje or
Kooiker Hound, is a small
spaniel-type
breed of
dog of Dutch ancestry that was originally used as a
working dog, particularly in
duck hunting and tolling. Kooikers were popular in the 17th and 18th century and appeared in the paintings of
Rembrandt and
Jan Steen. The breed is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States and Canada, where it's still relatively unknown.
Description
Appearance
These dogs are around 35 to 40 cm (14 to 16 inches) high at the
withers with a nearly square body that's slightly longer than their height at the shoulders. Kooikerhondjes should weigh 9 to 11 kg (20-24 pounds). They have long, hanging ears with wispy tips (called earrings) that are set close to the head and upright, feathered tails. For
show dogs, black ear tips and white tails are preferred. Tri-coloration occurs, but isn't a recognized variation.
They have shiny bicoloured coats, often predominantly white and chestnut. The fur is medium long and either slightly wavy or straight. The breed has a waterproof coat that doesn't require clipping, with a well-developed undercoat.
Temperament
Kooikers are intelligent, alert, active, agile dogs, generally with a benevolent nature. However, they can be extremely territorial and will bark at strangers. They are usually good swimmers and can generally adapt to different levels of exercise.
Health
Kooikers have good appetites and a tendency to put on weight easily. They have a relatively small genetic base, so
hereditary diseases are somewhat prevalent. These include:
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 (canals with traps at the ends), where the hunter could easily catch the fowl; and are named after this type of technique. The breed almost became extinct after
World War II until Baroness van Hardenbroek van Ammerstol rescued it. The breed was only officially recognised by the
Dutch Kennel Club in 1971 and has since been imported into other countries and recognised officially although the breed is still relatively unknown in North America and not yet recognized as a breed in the
USA or
Canada, although it has been accepted into the AKC's FSS program. In the United States, both the UKC and ARBA recognize the breed.
Some historians believe the Kooiker may have possibly played a part in the development of the
Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Kooikerhondje'.
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