Kooikerhondje
Temperament:
The Kooikerhondje is a dog breed originating from the Netherlands. The full name of the cute four-legged dog is therefore also "Nederlandse Kooikerhondje". The breed is recognized by the FCI and is classified in group 8 (foxhounds). The Kooikerhondje is a very old dog breed. He is well suited for dog beginners and has a lot of positive character traits.
Characteristics
With a size of about 35 to 40 cm, the dogs belong to the small to medium-sized breeds. On average, they have a weight of about 9 to 11 kg. The life expectancy of the good-natured four-legged friends is about 12 to 14 years and is therefore quite high. The Kooikerhondje is a small to medium-sized dog with a compact build.
The biggest distinguishing feature of the pretty four-legged friends is their coherent cute appearance. The dogs have a well-formed head with faithful dark eyes. The long floppy ears of the animals reach far down. They are covered with long, mostly black hair tips. This is a distinctive visual feature of the dogs.
The coat of the lively Kooikerhondje is white with orange-brown large spots overlooked. The base coat color is always white. The spot size and type of arrangement can vary. However, the head of the animals is usually also orange-brown in color. Often there are markings on the forehead or in the area of the muzzle, which again have white color.
The texture of the coat is very soft and silky. The hair is mostly straight or slightly wavy and about medium length. All in all, the small quadruped already appears visually friendly and good-natured.
Within a short time, the Kooikerhondje has developed from a genuine workhorse to a loyal companion dog. He is ideal as a family dog and impresses with his cheerful and open nature. The Kooikerhondje is considered particularly easy to care for and adaptable.
The dogs are good and happy to be trained and led by their owner. They like to live with their families and quickly adapt to circumstances and conditions. The dogs are trusting and self-confident. This has the advantage that they show no insecurities or shyness in dealing with people. It is not difficult for them to build up trust in people. This is a real plus point in the education of agile animals.
The Kooikerhondje is also perfect for families with big children. Even if the sweet furry noses feel comfortable in the company of the family, there may be problems, especially with newborns and small children, as these dogs can occasionally be sensitive to noise and touch.
Basically, the dogs have no discernible quirks. They have a positive charisma and spread good mood. Nevertheless, the dogs possess a Lot of temperament, which, however, can be very well restrained.
Since they are former hunting dogs, the pronounced hunting instinct still present. The dogs need a lot of exercise and time outdoors. Extensive walks in nature are just the thing. The dogs also like to run around a lot and freely. They pick up scents of other animals and explore their surroundings. This gives them friends.
The faithful companions want to be kept busy in all weathers. If long walks outdoors are not possible, another task should be found for the animal. Here can be for example Dog sports be an option. This master the animals with success and full of verve.
Extensive play with dog toys is another way to keep the dog busy. The Kooikerhondje likes to fetch, Ball games are therefore well suited. Also, the dogs are extremely docile and intelligent. They can learn a lot of tricks. The animals want to be challenged. Therefore, as a dog owner, you should do this as much as possible.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
The diet of the Kooikerhondje is unproblematic. Lots of meat and an all-round balanced diet are an ideal basis. Gladly can the dogs with Treats or Bones to nibble be rewarded.
Among the dog breed are some allergies widespread. In the event that an allergy is present, the diet of the animal must of course be changed. This is then somewhat more difficult. Through the various alternatives, the dog can still be fed healthy. If there is a suspicion of an allergy, this can be clarified by means of a test at the vet.
In principle, the robust dogs have a high life expectancy and usually remain healthy. However, it is different with animals that come from dubious breedings. Since often inbreeding is practiced, the animals suffer from a number of serious hereditary diseases. Widely used are among others Epilepsy, Necrotizing myelopathy or Eye diseases. To spare the animal this suffering it is enormously important to look at the breeders and breeding conditions in detail before buying the animal. The origin of the dogs can determine their entire fate.
Kooikerhondje care
The Kooikerhondje is a low-maintenance dog. To keep the beautiful coat of the animal well-groomed and clean, regular brushing is quite enough. He should be bathed occasionally with a dog shampoo.
The sensitive animal is very important close relationship with its owner. This should be cultivated. The dogs are extremely sensitive. This should also be taken into account in their upbringing. Consistency always plays an important role in education. However, it should in no way be confused with harshness or severity. The dogs should not be frightened or intimidated. Instead, rules should be established and enforced with a cheerful and loving manner.
The Kooikerhondje always wants to please his owner. He accepts leadership well and is therefore quite easy to train. Distinct knowledge in dog training is not necessary. Therefore, they are suitable pets for beginners and novices. Nevertheless, as with all dogs, consistent education is recommended from puppyhood.
Suitable accessories
In principle, the breed does not make any special demands on their habitat. The animals can be held both in the countryside and in the city. However, attention must be paid to the daily necessary exercise. Due to their body size, the Kooikerhondje can also be found in Apartments be held.
You should have a own feeding and sleeping place preserved. This is important so that the animals have their very own and safe retreat. Here they recharge their batteries and come to rest.
Since the dogs are extremely playful and at the same time intelligent, should be dog toys be purchased. Especially balls or frisbees are well suited. These can be used for 'Fetch!' can be used. Also various Skill games offer themselves with this dog breed. Hereby the animals can occupy themselves and are promoted at the same time.
Origin & History
As already recognizable from the name of the animals, the lovable dogs have their origin in the Netherlands. The history of the "Kooiker" goes back a long way. Early reports even speak of the existence of the dogs in the Middle Ages.
The name of the dog breed comes from the Dutch word "Kooi". This denotes a Bird Catcher. The Kooikerhondje has already been an enthusiastic hunter. With his behavior he contributed a great part to the success of the people in the Duck hunting with. By means of its behavior, the little four-legged friend lured the ducks into the trap. There it was then easy for the hunters to shoot the ducks.
Due to its effective help in hunting and cheerful nature, the Kooikerhondje was already then an extremely popular dog breed. People appreciated the dogs very much. Already in the 16th and 17th century the cute Kooikerhondje were kept as family dogs. Here their reputation among the people grew steadily.
With the prohibition of pre-trained bird hunting, there seemed to be no more use for the Kooikerhondje. In the 1930s, the breed was even threatened with extinction. Nevertheless, breeding was carefully resumed to keep the breed alive.
Especially in recent years, the small to medium sized companion dogs are now extremely sought after again. Thus it comes unfortunately more and more frequently to unseriösen breedings, which want to earn fast money by means of the small puppies. Very much to the suffering of the dogs. These are often already sick at birth and grow up under disastrous conditions. When buying such a dog, therefore, special caution is required.
