Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Holland

MOST SUITED AS Duck hunter's dog, vermin destroyer, and companion.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is 33 - 40cm (13 1/2 - 15 1/2in) and the weight is about 10kg (22lb).

COAT
The medium-length hair is lightly waved. The coat is predominantly white with orange patches and black ear tips - which are known as "earrings" within breed circles.

CARE REQUIRED
This breed needs little attention to its coat. Brush the dogs regularly and keep the ears clean. If necessary, trim excess hair between the pads of the feet.

CHARACTER
This is a cheerful, friendly, and brave dog that is attentive and intelligent, self-confident, and not a friend to all-corners. They seldom bark. They bond closely with their own people and can be a good watchdog if called upon. The Kooikerhondje is so sensitive that it can be rather touchy and it is therefore not a suitable playmate for children.

TRAINING
In common with all breeds, the training of a Kooikerhondje has to be carried out consistently. They are intelligent and eager to learn - properties which make them an easy dog to train, and they are also sensitive to the intonation of the voice so that a tough approach is absolutely unnecessary. The handler must be firm though because over leniency will bring out the breed's dominant trait.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
They get on well with dogs and cats provided they meet them when they are young. This breed is not a friend to all and they are reser­ved towards strangers. In contrast, familiar family friends will get an enthusiastic welcome.

EXERCISE
They like to run about and to frolic. Do not sentence them to three short outings a day. Lots of exercise required. Most of them like to swim and to retrieve. They perform well at obedience and agility skills trials and also shine at fly-ball.