Kooikerhondje Breed Guide

Dec 03, 2024

Meet the Kooikerhondje, a cheerful, pint-sized hunting dog that’s as charming as they are energetic. With their trademark orange-red patches, feathered tails, and bright, expressive eyes, Kooikerhondjes are the perfect combination of beauty, brains, and athleticism. Originally bred in the Netherlands to help lure ducks into traps (yes, they’ve got some real duck charm!), these dogs are now beloved companions known for their intelligence, playfulness, and loyal nature.

Despite their working background, Kooikers are happy to swap duck hunting for backyard games, making them a great fit for active families who can keep up with their playful spirit. And if you’re looking for a dog that’s as loyal as they are affectionate, this cheerful breed might just be your perfect match.

THE BASICS:

Category: Utility
Size: Small to Medium (9-14 kg)
Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours per day
Grooming: Moderate
Coat: Medium length, silky with feathering, typically orange-red and white
Shedding: Moderate
Health Issues: Patellar luxation, epilepsy, hereditary necrotising myelopathy (ENM)
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Home Needs: A secure garden and lots of playtime
Sociability: Friendly, playful, great with kids and other pets, a bit cautious with strangers

HISTORY: THE DUTCH DUCK HUNTER WITH A ROYAL PEDIGREE

The Kooikerhondje’s roots trace back to the 16th century in the Netherlands, where they were used as hunting dogs to assist in a traditional method of duck hunting known as “eendenkooi” (duck decoying). Their job? To lure ducks into traps using their fluffy, white-tipped tails as they pranced along the water’s edge, all while looking effortlessly adorable. It’s no wonder they were favourites among Dutch nobility!

While their hunting days are mostly behind them, the Kooikerhondje has maintained their reputation as a versatile, intelligent, and charming companion. In the mid-20th century, the breed almost went extinct, but thanks to dedicated breeders, their numbers have rebounded. Today, they’re gaining popularity for their friendly, loyal, and playful nature—plus, who can resist those cute, floppy ears?

KOOIKERHONDJE PERSONALITY: ENERGETIC, INTELLIGENT, AND ALWAYS READY TO PLAY

If you’re looking for a dog that’s always up for a game or a bit of fun, the Kooikerhondje is your ideal companion. They’re known for their boundless energy and playful personalities, always eager to join in with family activities. Whether it’s a game of fetch, a hike, or even a swim, these dogs love to be in the thick of things. They’re especially great with kids and other pets, bringing endless fun to the household.

While they’re affectionate with their families, Kooikers can be a bit reserved around strangers. They have a natural watchdog instinct and will often alert you to anything unusual (they might be small, but they’re mighty when it comes to looking out for their people). Early socialisation is key to helping them build confidence and ensuring they’re comfortable in all sorts of social situations. Kooikerhondjes are adaptable, they thrive in homes where they have active engagement and aren’t left alone for extended periods.

Kooikerhondjes are intelligent and eager to please, making them quick learners. However, their playful and occasionally independent nature requires training to be engaging and varied to maintain their focus. Positive reinforcement and plenty of praise (plus a few Scrumbles Treats) will make training sessions a breeze.

HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A KOOIKERHONDJE NEED?

Kooikerhondjes are active dogs with plenty of energy to burn, so they need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. At least 1-2 hours of exercise a day—whether it’s a brisk walk, a jog, or a game of fetch—will keep them content. They’re agile and quick, which makes them great at dog sports like agility, flyball, or even scent work, thanks to their sharp noses.

Because of their working heritage, Kooikers enjoy activities that engage both their minds and bodies, so puzzle toys, training games, and even trips to the park for some off-leash fun are highly recommended. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, they can get bored and turn their attention to more destructive behaviours (your shoes won’t be safe!).

Pro tip: After a day of fun and exercise, reward your Kooikerhondje with Scrumbles Dog Food to help refuel their energy and keep them in top shape.

HOW TO GROOM A KOOIKERHONDJE: FEATHERED AND FABULOUS

With their silky, medium-length coats and gorgeous feathering, Kooikerhondjes are undoubtedly handsome, but their fur requires a bit of regular care. A weekly brush will help keep their coat tangle-free and looking its best, and during shedding season (typically in spring and autumn), you’ll need to up the brushing game to manage the extra fur.

Their ears, with that beautiful feathering, can be prone to matting, so pay extra attention to those areas when grooming. While Kooikers are generally clean dogs that don’t require frequent baths, a rinse may be necessary after a particularly muddy adventure (and believe us, they’ll find the mud!).

Like all dogs, regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are essential. And don’t forget, Scrumbles Gnashers Dental Dog Treats are perfect for keeping their teeth clean and their breath fresh after a busy day of play.

HEALTH: STURDY BUT WATCH FOR KNEES AND NEUROLOGICAL ISSUES

Kooikerhondjes are generally a healthy breed, but like many small to medium dogs, they can be prone to a few health issues. Patellar luxation (a knee problem) is common, so it’s important to keep their weight in check and provide controlled exercise to prevent joint strain. There is also a rare genetic condition that can impact Kooikers hereditary necrotising myelopathy (ENM), a neurological condition, which responsible breeders will screen for.

Another inherited condition, Epilepsy can occur in the breed, so regular vet check-ups and monitoring their health are key to ensuring your Kooikerhondje stays in top form. A balanced diet, such as Scrumbles Wet Dog Food, which is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6, will support their joints, skin, and coat health, keeping them looking and feeling their best.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE KOOIKERHONDJE:

Duck Charmers: Originally bred to lure ducks into traps, Kooikerhondjes would wiggle their white-tipped tails to capture the ducks’ attention—pretty clever, right?
Royal Heritage: These dogs were favoured by Dutch nobility and can even be spotted in old Dutch paintings.
Agile and Quick: Despite their small size, Kooikerhondjes are incredibly agile and excel at sports like agility and flyball.

LIVING WITH A KOOIKERHONDJE: PLAYFUL, LOYAL, AND FULL OF CHARACTER

Living with a Kooikerhondje is like having your very own perpetual playmate. These dogs are full of energy, personality, and an endless desire to have fun. They’re happiest when they’re part of the family action, whether it’s running around in the garden, playing with the kids, or joining you on a weekend hike. Their size makes them adaptable to both larger homes with gardens and smaller apartments, as long as they get plenty of daily exercise.

Kooikers are known for their loyalty, and they form strong bonds with their families. While they may be a little reserved with strangers, they’re incredibly affectionate with the people they know and trust. They’re excellent watchdogs, alerting you to any unusual activity, but they’re not aggressive, making them great for families who want a dog that’s both playful and protective.

They thrive in homes where they can get plenty of mental stimulation and physical activity, and they respond well to positive training methods. With the right care, regular exercise, and a balanced diet from Scrumbles, your Kooikerhondje will be a happy, healthy, and loyal companion for years to come.

IS THE KOOIKERHONDJE THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?

If you’re looking for a dog that’s energetic, intelligent, and always ready for a game, the Kooikerhondje could be your perfect match. They’re ideal for active families who can meet their exercise and mental stimulation needs, and their playful nature makes them wonderful companions for kids and other pets.

With their stunning looks, cheerful personalities, and boundless energy, Kooikerhondjes are sure to steal your heart—and probably a few socks along the way! With the right care, plenty of playtime, and a nutritious diet from Scrumbles, your Kooikerhondje will thrive and bring endless joy to your family.

Why Scrumbles is Perfect for KOOIKERHONDJE

Scrumbles is the ideal choice for Kooikerhondje owners for several reasons:

High-Quality Ingredients: Active and intelligent, Kooikerhondjes need high-quality fuel to match their energy levels and benefit from high-quality, natural ingredients like all doggies. That's why we avoid artificial additives and fillers, ensuring your doggie gets premium nutrition.
Coat and Skin Health: The Kooikerhondje’s silky, feathered coat is a show-stopper, but it requires special care to keep it soft and shiny. Scrumbles’ recipes are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, supporting healthy skin and a luxurious coat. We've got just the thing to help: Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food or Salmon Wet Food for optimal coat care.
Digestibility: All our recipes start with the gut, enriched with pre, post and probiotics, to help ensure easy digestion. Check out our Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for little ones with extra sensitive tums.
Sustainability: As a member of 1% for the Planet and certified B Corp we're committed to eco-friendly practices with recyclable packaging and responsible ingredient sourcing.
Trustworthy Nutrition: Don't just take our word, we're rated 4.5 on Trustpilot with over 5k five star reviews.

The Kooikerhondje’s charm, intelligence, and playful spirit make them a fantastic addition to any active family. Whether they’re racing around the garden, joining you for a countryside walk, or simply cuddling up after a busy day, these cheerful, duck-luring dynamos will bring joy, energy, and loyalty to your home for years to come. With proper care, a balanced diet from Scrumbles, and plenty of mental and physical stimulation, your Kooikerhondje will thrive as a beloved family companion.