Pet Wiki

Drentse Patrijshond

Also called Drentsche Patrijshond, Drent, Dutch Partridge Dog

A friendly, loyal and clever dog that bonds closely with its family and is known for being sweet with children.

SizeLarge
Weight25 to 35 kg (55 to 77 lb)males 30 to 35 kg, females 25 to 31 kg1
Height55 to 63 cm (22 to 25 in)males 58 to 63 cm, females 55 to 60 cm12
CoatMedium, feathered
OriginThe Netherlands, in the province of Drenthe.13
GroupFCI group 7
Recognised breedShort profile
gentle family dog
loyal and intelligent
versatile hunter
123

Personality what they are like

A friendly, loyal and clever dog that bonds closely with its family and is known for being sweet with children. It is fairly easy-going indoors and keen and cooperative in the field.123

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium, feathered

A well-balanced, muscular gundog with a dense, straight coat over a water-resistant undercoat, longer on the ears and neck and feathered on the legs and tail.12

Colourswhite with brown markingswhite and brown with tickingbrown roan12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Drentse Patrijshond. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working gundog that needs regular exercise and enjoys outlets such as field work, retrieving and swimming.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The dense coat does well with regular brushing, paying attention to the feathering.1

Company who they like around

Strongly attached to its household and happiest when included in family life.3

The story where it all began

The Drent descends from spaniel-type dogs that reached the Netherlands from Spain via France in the 16th century. Farmers in rural Drenthe kept the type pure for centuries as an all-round hunting and farm dog, and it was officially recognised in 1943. It is related to the Small Münsterländer and the Epagneul Français.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    When a Drent catches the scent of game, its tail often swings in a circular motion.1

  2. 2

    Dogs of this type appear in 17th-century Dutch paintings, such as Gabriel Metsu's The Hunter's Present.3

  3. 3

    Unlike many continental pointers, the Drent keeps its natural full tail.4

  4. 4

    It was bred by farmers for farmers, expected to hunt both fur and feather and help around the farm.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name Drentsche Patrijshond comes from the Dutch province of Drenthe and its historical use as a hunting dog for partridge (patrijs in Dutch).5

Name ideas for your new friend

FennaJipSanneBramLiekeThijsNoorDaanFleurKeesMilaRutger

A day in the life told by a Drentse Patrijshond

This morning, I woke up to the smell of coffee and the sound of my human's keys. I knew it was time for our walk, and I did my happy dance, which always makes them laugh. We headed to the park, where I proudly carried a stick halfway home before dropping it at my human's feet, hoping for a throw. Back inside, I curled up on my bed, keeping one eye on the kids as they played. When they laughed, my tail thumped. In the afternoon, my human took me to the pond, and I splashed in after a ball, feeling the cool water on my fur. Now, I'm watching the sunset, tired and happy, ready to do it all again tomorrow.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 224, Group 7 Pointing Dogs, Section 1.2 Continental pointing dogs, Spaniel type; standard dated 04.04.2016.1
Raad van Beheer (Dutch Kennel Club)
Officially recognised on 15 May 1943.1
UKC
Gun Dog Group; recognised 1 January 1996.2
AKC
Foundation Stock Service since November 2010.3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Drentse Patrijshond, and at what times?

Feed your adult Drentse Patrijshond at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Times can fit your schedule, but consistency helps their digestion. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6

What should a Drentse Patrijshond eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced dog food suited to their age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw bones. Always consult your vet for a tailored diet plan.7

How often should I bathe a Drentse Patrijshond?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 56 days, but you can adjust based on how dirty your dog gets. General guidance is at least once every three months to keep their coat healthy.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Drentse Patrijshond need brushing?

Pet Wiki's starting plan is to brush your Drentse Patrijshond every week, paying extra attention to the feathered areas. Regular brushing keeps their dense coat healthy and reduces shedding.18 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Drentse Patrijshond's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Drentse Patrijshond need?

Your Drentse Patrijshond needs daily exercise, including walks and play. They enjoy retrieving and swimming, so mix in activities that engage their gundog instincts.13 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Drentse Patrijshond's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Drentse Patrijshond live?

Lifespan varies for each dog, so ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations for this breed.

Is a Drentse Patrijshond good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Drentse Patrijshond is known for being sweet with children and bonds closely with its family. They are generally good with other pets when properly socialized, but always supervise introductions.123

Can a Drentse Patrijshond be left alone?

This breed is very attached to its family and prefers to be with them. They may struggle with long periods alone, so consider their need for companionship. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or trainer.3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard no. 224: Drentsche Patrijshond fci.beused for recognition, size, weight, coat, colour, temperament, history, tail motion
  2. UKC: Drentsche Patrijshond breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, colour, temperament
  3. Wikipedia: Drentse Patrijshond en.wikipedia.orgused for names, AKC FSS, temperament, paintings (secondary)
  4. AKC: Drentsche Patrijshond akc.orgused for farm-dog background, tail
  5. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.