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Kooikerhondje
Sporting breed from Netherlands
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Kooikerhondje
The Kooikerhondje is a medium-sized, short-coated spaniel-type dog from the Netherlands, with a distinctive orange-red and white particolored coat and feathered ears. Its temperament is described as friendly, intelligent, alert, energetic, cheerful, and adaptable. The breed belongs to the Sporting group, though its recognition status varies by registry. Estimated adult height is 38–43 cm, weight 9–14 kg, and lifespan 12–15 years. Energy and trainability are both rated 4 out of 5, suggesting a fairly active and responsive dog. Grooming and shedding scores are 3 out of 5, indicating moderate needs. Child suitability and dog compatibility are rated 4 out of 5, while apartment suitability is 3 out of 5. These scores are estimates and individual dogs may vary.
Quick facts
Kooikerhondje at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupSporting
OriginNetherlands
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight9–14 kilogram
Female weight9–14 kilogram
Male height38–43 centimetre
Female height38–43 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Kooikerhondje is an ancient Dutch breed, with origins in the Netherlands. According to one source, it was developed as early as the 16th century to work as a duck decoy dog, luring ducks into traps called 'eendenkooien'. The breed nearly became extinct after World War II but was saved and re-established by Baroness van Hardenbroek van Ammerstol from remaining bloodlines. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2018, but recognition status varies by registry. The breed's history is tied to its working purpose as a decoy dog, though specific dates and health claims are not provided in the available facts.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
9–14 kilogramAdult weight38–43 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsOrange-red and white particoloredRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Friendlyintelligentalertenergeticcheerfuladaptable
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Kooikerhondje-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Kooikerhondje puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight9–14 kilogramAdult female weight9–14 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Kooikerhondje?
The Kooikerhondje is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult height is 38–43 cm, weight 9–14 kg, and lifespan 12–15 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of a Kooikerhondje?
The breed is described as friendly, intelligent, alert, energetic, cheerful, and adaptable. However, individual dogs may differ, and temperament is influenced by training and socialization.
How much exercise does a Kooikerhondje need?
The breed has an energy score of 4 out of 5, indicating a fairly high activity level. Regular exercise is recommended, but specific requirements are not detailed in the available facts.
What are the grooming needs of a Kooikerhondje?
Grooming is rated 3 out of 5 (moderate), and shedding is also 3 out of 5. The short coat likely requires routine brushing, but no specific grooming instructions are provided.
Is a Kooikerhondje suitable for families with children or other dogs?
Child suitability is rated 4 out of 5 and dog compatibility 4 out of 5, suggesting the breed generally gets along well with children and other dogs. However, individual behavior depends on training and socialization.
Can a Kooikerhondje live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated 3 out of 5, indicating it may be possible but not ideal. The breed's energy level and size should be considered.
Where does the Kooikerhondje originate from?
The breed originates from the Netherlands. It was historically used as a duck decoy dog, luring ducks into traps. Recognition status varies by registry; for example, the AKC recognized it in 2018.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.