Dog Breed

Kooikerhondje

Primary image of Kooikerhondje dog breed
Full Name
Kooikerhondje
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Life Span
12 - 15 years
Weight
20 - 26 pounds
Description

Benevolent, Agile, Alert, Intelligent, Active, Territorial

Origin
Netherlands
Bred For
Luring ducks into traps - "tolling"
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Kooikerhondje good with children?

    Yes! The Kooikerhondje is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the Kooikerhondje is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Kooikerhondje friendly with strangers?

    Yes! The Kooikerhondje is naturally friendly with everyone. As always, socialization is always important, but the Kooikerhondje typically loves everyone they meet
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Kooikerhondje friendly with other dogs?

    Yes! The Kooikerhondje naturally loves other dogs. As always, socialization is always important, but the Kooikerhondje typically gets along with every dog it meets
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Kooikerhondje like to cuddle?

    The Kooikerhondje appreciates affection and that includes kisses and snuggles!
    Playfulness

    Does the Kooikerhondje like to play?

    The Kooikerhondje is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Kooikerhondje make a good service dog?

    The Kooikerhondje can be a service dog with the proper training. Kooikerhondjes are not the most common service dog, but they certainly can be if their personality matches- smart, patient, and extremely dedicated to their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Kooikerhondje good for first-time owners?

    The Kooikerhondje is a good breed for first-time owners. A good fit for first-time owners are friendly breeds that are motivated to please their owner. This means they can be trained, and are rarely aggressive and overpowering.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Kooikerhondje be trained?

    The Kooikerhondje is about average when it comes to training potential. The Kooikerhondje can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Kooikerhondje shed a lot?

    The Kooikerhondje sheds a lot! They may still shed less than a few other breeds, but be prepared for dog hair throughout the home and on your clothes.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Kooikerhondje easy to groom?

    The Kooikerhondje requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Kooikerhondje to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Kooikerhondje on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Kooikerhondje need a lot of exercise?

    The Kooikerhondje needs a daily exercise partner! The Kooikerhondje is best suited for a family where it will get plenty of daily exercise; it has so much energy that exercise is mandatory to avoid destructive behaviors.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Kooikerhondje?

    The Kooikerhondje has average intelligence. They are smart and witty, but do not need to be constantly challenged mentally, as some other breeds.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Kooikerhondje bark? Does the Kooikerhondje bark too much?

    The Kooikerhondje barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Kooikerhondjes - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Kooikerhondje a good guard dog?

    The Kooikerhondje is not typically used as a guard dog, although they can be alert and oftentimes notify you if there is a stranger at the door or otherwise something to be concerned over.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Kooikerhondje good at staying alone? Is the Kooikerhondje independent?

    The Kooikerhondje is not very independent and does not do great when left behind for longer than a couple of hours. This is one of the most important things to consider when getting a new dog.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Kooikerhondje a good apartment dog?

    The Kooikerhondje is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
    Size

    How big is the Kooikerhondje?

    The Kooikerhondje is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Kooikerhondje tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Kooikerhondje?

    The Kooikerhondje can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Kooikerhondje tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Kooikerhondje?

    The Kooikerhondje can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Kooikerhondje try to run away?

    It is natural for the Kooikerhondje to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Kooikerhondje a healthy dog? The health of a Kooikerhondje should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Kooikerhondje has many health problems that should be considered. The Kooikerhondje can still live a perfectly healthy life, but it's important to consider all of these health risks ahead of time.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Kooikerhondje?

    It seems like the Kooikerhondje never runs out of energy. If you are looking for a 5 AM run partner, the Kooikerhondje is your dog! A dog's energy level is one of the most important considerations when getting a new dog, and we would only recommend the Kooikerhondje for a family where it will get plenty of exercise.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Kooikerhondje drool?

    The Kooikerhondje drools an average amount- typically only after heavy exercise or if you are eating their favorite human food in front of them.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Kooikerhondje have a large prey drive? Does the Kooikerhondje like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Kooikerhondje has some prey drive, so should not be left alone with very small animals such as birds, mice, or gerbils, but with some gradual introduction should be fine living with a cat in the same home.
    Athleticism

    Is the Kooikerhondje atheltic?

    The Kooikerhondje is a true athlete. The Kooikerhondje is both fast, strong, and has a ton of endurance that suits it well for runs, hikes, and even marathons!
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  1. Sporting
  2. Kooikerhondje
The Kooikerhondje is a purebred dog that falls within the larger Sporting dog breed group.
Sporting group: Sporting dogs are the natural athletes of the dog world. They have high energy, and always look to be stimulated with some activity or challenge. These dogs thrive in the outdoors- particularly the woods and the water. Sporting dogs include the best swimming dogs, retrieving dogs, and other field activities. They have traditionally been bred to assist hunters find and retrieve birds and other smaller hunting game. Sporting dogs are not known as guard dogs, but because of their alertness and loyalty to their family, with proper training they can be good home protectors as well. Over the years they have become extremely well-rounded, so with plenty of exercise can make excellent home companions. They are willing to please their owners, so if you put the time into training and exercise you will be rewarded with an amazing dog.

Kooikerhondjes for adoption

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