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Need to Know
- Dog suitable for owners with some experience
- Extra training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys vigorous walks
- Medium dog
- Some drool
- Requires frequent grooming
- Quiet dog
- Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual
- Could have issues with unknown dogs but gets along with known dogs
- May need additional training to live with other pets
- May need additional supervision to live with children
- Needs a large yard and does well in suburban and rural areas
- Can be left alone with training
- AKC Registered Breed
Personality
Described as “a little white and orange dog with a big heart,” Kooikerhondje are friendly problem solvers who are always up for a challenge. They love tasks and training. They can be aloof with those they don’t know well.
Kooikerhondje dog comes from the Netherlands, where they have been bred since the 17th century. Descended from Spaniels, they were duck decoys, hence their alternative name of “Dutch Decoy Spaniels.”
The Kooiker dog is the perfect pup for you if you crave a partner in crime for both splashy adventures and exciting training sessions. These energetic bundles love nothing more than hitting the beach for a swim or hitting the pavement for a long walk. They thrive on being active alongside their humans, so they’re best suited for those looking for an active companion.
Kooikerhondjes are not for couch potatoes; these pups need at least an hour of dog exercise per day, ideally more. Unsurprisingly, they adore water, so don’t be surprised if when they see an opportunity to get wet, they go right for it.
While the Kooikerjondje doesn’t require a lot of space, they are happiest with room to roam. Access to various walking routes, particularly those with suitable swimming spots, helps keep these dogs happy.
Interestingly, these dogs have a water-resistant coat that also resists mud. A thorough brush once per week should keep their coif looking chic. Be sure to gently comb the areas around the ear and tail which are prone to tangles.
Don’t let fetch limit your creativity for training the Kooikerhondje. They crave a challenge! They'll be eager to please and will enjoy agility courses and learning commands. Think of yourselves as a dream team, working together to unlock their full potential.
The Kooikerhondje thrives in active families! These playful pups are perfect for older kids who can keep up with their energy and enjoy learning new tricks together.
The cost of a Kooikerhondje from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Kooikerhondje on Purina.
Did You Know?
- In the 1950s, Kooikerhondje appeared on a Dutch cigarette card.
- The first U.S.-born litter arrived in 1999.
- In their decoy days, they had to be masters of subtle communication. This translates to them being highly attuned to their owner's body language and excelling in training that uses positive reinforcement and gentle cues.
- LA Dodger star Shohei Ohtani has a Kooikerhondje dog named Decoy.