Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
- Medium
- Sporting Group
- Popularity rank 158
The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is the little white and orange dog with a big heart: a sporty, eye-catching Dutch companion. Clever and lively indoors, this medium sporting breed turns athletic and eager outdoors.
- Height
- 15 to 16
- inches at the shoulder
- Weight
- 20 to 30
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15
- years, median 13.5
- Senior from
- 10.1
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Temperament
- Alert, friendly, quick
- Coat
- Wavy, Double, medium
- Origin
- Netherlands
- Recognized
- 2018
2018: rank 150, 2019: rank 159, 2020: rank 162, 2021: rank 156, 2022: rank 170, 2023: rank 161, 2024: rank 161, 2025: rank 158
The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje (pronounced Nay-der-lands-say Koi-ker-hond-jay) is the little white and orange dog with a big heart. A medium sporting breed from the Netherlands, it stands 15 to 16 inches tall and weighs 20 to 30 pounds, with a typical lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
You will know one on sight. It wears a silky, all-weather coat of white marked with red patches, large black-tipped ears, and a richly feathered tail that wags proudly. Under the coat sits the sturdy bone structure of a serious hunter, kept in a harmonious outline with smooth, flowing contours and a springy gait.
Temperament is alert, friendly, and quick. Indoors the breed is clever, lively, and devoted; outdoors it shows the working substance behind the elegant look. The Kooiker joined the Sporting Group registry in 2018.
Temperament and needs
Scored 1 to 5 for the breed overall. Individual dogs vary.
- Affectionate with family5 out of 5
- Good with young children3 out of 5
- Good with other dogs3 out of 5
- Openness to strangers4 out of 5
- Playfulness3 out of 5
- Watchdog and protective nature3 out of 5
- Adaptability4 out of 5
- Trainability5 out of 5
- Energy level4 out of 5
- Mental stimulation needs4 out of 5
- Barking level3 out of 5
- Shedding3 out of 5
- Grooming frequency2 out of 5
- Drooling2 out of 5
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
The Kooikerhondje does well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially made or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Match the diet to your dog's life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) and to activity level, and keep clean, fresh water available at all times.
Some dogs in this breed gain weight easily, so watch calorie intake and body condition closely and keep a careful eye on portions. Count treats in the daily total; as a guideline, treats should make up no more than 10 percent of a dog's calories. Treats help with training, but too many lead to extra weight.
Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not, and check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet.
Grooming
Kooikers stay low-maintenance on grooming. Brush the coat once a week and trim the hair around the paws now and then. The coat repels dirt, so baths are rarely needed; an occasional bath keeps it clean between brushings, and grooming time doubles as a good bonding habit.
The long ears trap moisture, which raises the risk of ear infections, so check and clean them routinely to keep wax and debris from building up. Daily activity helps wear the nails down, but trim them periodically anyway, since overgrown nails split, crack, and cause pain.
Schedule professional dental cleanings and brush the teeth regularly at home. Dental chews or treats can supplement that routine.
Exercise
Kooikerhondjes are athletic, driven dogs that need daily exercise through long walks, hikes, and backyard play. At 15 to 16 inches and 20 to 30 pounds, the breed fits a suburban yard, but it is built as a working hunter and a short walk alone will not be enough.
Dog sports give that drive a job. Competitive obedience, tracking, agility, rally, and field events all let the Kooiker put its athletic ability and quick mind to work.
Training
The Kooikerhondje is cheerful, intelligent, and lively, but not hyper. The historic work behind this small sporting breed left it with prey drive, energy, and the sensitive character of a spaniel, and the dog can be very determined.
It trains well with a firm attitude and gentle methods. Kooikerhondjes are intelligent, eager to please, and responsive to positive reinforcement. Keep sessions fun and short to hold their interest.
The drive and determination still need that gentle hand to shape the charming household pet and sporting companion underneath.
Health conditions
6 conditions are documented for the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje.
A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.
- EpilepsyNervous System & Behavioral
- Hereditary Necrotizing MyelopathyNervous System & Behavioral
- Inflammatory MyopathyMuscle
- Patellar LuxationBone & Joint
- Renal DysplasiaUrinary & Reproductive
Show all 6 conditions Show fewer
Sources
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