Active, affectionate, and easy to train; the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje makes the perfect canine companion. This lively little breed originates from the Netherlands and the name is pronounced 'ney-der-lan-dsuh koy-ker-hoon-tyeh' (or 'koy-ker' for short).
This breed has been around since the 16th century and was originally bred to help hunters catch ducks. Thanks to their intelligence, confidence, and responsive nature, they make excellent working dogs, and they are still used by hunters today.
If you're thinking about getting a Kooikerhondje, they require lots of mental and physical stimulation, so you'll need the best dog toys to keep them entertained and happy. Below, we've revealed everything you need to know about this beautiful red-and-white breed.
Are Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes easy to train?
Yes, Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes are easy to train — especially when they're rewarded with the best dog treats! Ruth Mollema, an expert at Pets4Homes, explains that this breed is known for being quite trainable when they're approached with patience and a gentle touch.
She says: "They’re smart dogs who pick up commands quickly, but they do best with positive reinforcement - think treats, play, and lots of praise. They can be a bit sensitive and even a little stubborn at times, so staying consistent and keeping things fun makes a big difference."
Positive reinforcement for dogs is when you reward the desired behavior, as opposed to punishing the 'bad'; encouraging your dog to repeat the good in the future. This can be done using toys, food, or praise and is the most effective training method.
What temperament and personality do Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes have?
Kooikerhondjes are lively and affectionate with heaps of personality, explains Ruth. They have a sensitive side which means that when you first meet them, they might be a little bit reserved until they get to know you. However, once they're comfortable and feel they can trust you, they're "friendly and loyal for life".
Ruth says: "They’re alert and curious, which comes from their background as working dogs, so they like being engaged and having a job to do - whether that’s a fun game, training, or exploring."
If you decide to bring home a Kooikerhondjes, these eight fun games to play with dogs will keep their brain ticking. You might also want to read our guide on how to play with a dog.
Are Kooikerhondjes good with children?
If you have children, choosing the right dog breed is a big decision. Due to their gentle and affectionate nature, Kooikerhondjes can be great with children when they've been brought up together.
However, Ruth says: "Because they are a bit sensitive, they might not appreciate rough play or too much noise. If kids are taught to interact with them respectfully, these dogs usually do well and can form strong bonds with younger family members."
You might also want to consider these friendliest dog breeds.
Do Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes shed alot?
Ruth explains that whilst Kooikerhondjes do shed, it's not excessive, so you won't have to worry too much about hairs around your home. Their coat is medium-length and sheds moderately all year round, but this is more noticeable during the spring and fall, she says.
To keep their fur healthy and under control, Ruth recommends brushing them regularly. Not only will this keep their coat in tip-top condition and prevent uncomfortable matting, but it's also one of the 32 ways for improving your relationship with your dog. If you're a first-time dog owner, we've created a guide on the best dog brushes to make grooming easier.
Do Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes bark a lot?
Kooikerhondjes are naturally alert and tend to be vocal when they notice something unusual, explains Ruth. So, if you're looking for one of the quietest dog breeds, they might not be the right fit for you.
Ruth says: "They’re likely to bark to let you know if a stranger is near or if something catches their attention. While they can be a bit barky, this trait can be managed with training. Early socialization and teaching them when it’s appropriate to be quiet can help tone down excessive barking.”
If your dog won't stop barking and you need a helping hand, our vet has written a brilliant guide on how to train them out of it and why they might be doing it excessively.
Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes health problems
Kooikerhondjes are a fairly healthy breed with good longevity, according to vet Dr. MacMillan. However, since they're not very common and have a relatively small gene pool, this means that they can have inherited health problems such as the following:
Von Willebrand’s disease
Dr. MacMillan says: "Von Willebrand’s disease is a clotting disorder that can be passed down family lines in Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes. These dogs are deficient in a clotting factor called Von Willebrand factor, meaning they bleed abnormally and much more severely than a healthy dog. This can become apparent if your dog becomes injured or when they have routine surgery, like neutering."
Patella luxation
Patella luxation is also common in Kooikerhondjes, and is where the dog's affected kneecap pops out of place. Dr. MacMillan says the severity can vary, but some dogs might need surgery if it causes painful lameness. Restlessness, shaking and decreased activity are some of the signs a dog is in pain.
Hereditary necrotizing myelopathy (ENM)
Dr. MacMillan says: "Hereditary necrotizing myelopathy (ENM) is a spinal disease that is still being investigated, as there is currently no cure. Signs can start around three to 12 months of age leading to paralysis in the hind legs. Sadly, affected Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes will die of this disease."
Eye abnormalities
Kooikerhondjes might also have eye abnormalities like cataracts and retinal dysplasia, explains Dr. MacMillan. Pedigree dogs are more likely to inherit these problems as their gene pool isn't as diverse.
What health checks are reccomended for Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes?
If you're thinking about getting a Kooikerhondje, Dr. MacMillan recommends the following:
- Buy from a reputable breeder: This reduces the risk of getting a dog with an inherited disease.
- Take a test: You can buy DNA tests that detect myelopathy (ENM) and Von Willebrand’s disease. She says: "Dogs that are found to be carriers of these conditions should not be bred. Breeding dogs can also be screened for heritable eye diseases to reduce the risk of them passing on issues to their offspring."
- Attend regular vet check-ups: As well as visiting your vet regularly, you should keep an eye on your dog for lameness and bleeding abnormalities.
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Rebecca is a vet surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
