The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is lively, agile, self-confident, good-natured and alert. The breed is faithful, easy-going and friendly in the home. Outdoors he is a true sporting dog being keen, swift, tough, attentive and energetic. With sufficient perseverance and stamina, he enjoys working and does so with a cheerful character.
The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Beyond regular weekly grooming, the occasional bath will keep the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje clean and looking his best. Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your dog. The strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris, which can result in infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.
Options for exercise include play time in the backyard, preferably fenced, or being taken for walks several times a day. Exercise can also come in the form of indoor activities, like hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or learning new tricks. Certain outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and retrieving balls or flying discs can provide a good outlet for expending energy. If you live in an apartment, even short walks in the hallways can give your dog some exercise, especially during inclement weather. Training for dog sports like agility, obedience, and rally can also be a great way to give your dog exercise.
Some dogs may be faced with health challenges in their lives, but the majority of Nederlandse Kooikerhondje are healthy dogs. Working with a responsible breeder, prospective owners can gain the education they need to learn about specific health concerns within the breed. Good breeders utilize genetic testing of their breeding stock to reduce the likelihood of disease in their puppies.
The origins of the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje (Dutch Decoy Dog) can be found as far back as the 1500s. It is said that the decoy dog owned by William of Orange saved his life by warning him of the Spanish attack. Many of the Dutch Masters painted family portraits that depict a small decoy-type dog. It is believed that this dog originated from the spaniel.
Between 1626 and 1679, the breed was developed to work in the duck decoys. The hunter would train his dog to lure the ducks into a “trap.” While the hunter would hide behind a series of “blinds,” he would signal his dog to walk along side the canal. Upon another signal from the hunter, the dog would then disappear behind the blinds, only to come out again at a different location. The quiet, playful dog would “lure” the ducks deeper into the canal or “pipe” with this weaving behavior. The white bushy tail of the dog would attract the curiosity of the ducks, which would continue swimming deeper into the “pipe.” Eventually the dog would lure the ducks all the way into the catching pen. The hunter would then take the captured ducks to market. By the 19th century, the duck decoy business had decreased significantly, though there are still a few working decoys found in Holland today. They are mostly used for research and tagging of ducks.
By the 1930s this lovely breed was nearly extinct. Through the devotion of M.C.S. Baroness van Hardenbroek, the breed was rediscovered. She began her breeding program in 1939. The Dutch Kennel Club officially recognized the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje in 1966.