A cheerful, quick and confident little spaniel that stays calm and easygoing at home. It is watchful and has plenty of stamina, yet the standard notes it is not a noisy dog, and it tends to be loyal and friendly with its own people.14
how to spot oneKooikerhondje coat and colours
medium-length, soft double coat
A soft, medium-length coat that lies close and may be straight or gently wavy, over a good undercoat. The ears, legs and tail carry feathering, and the ear tips grow long black hairs that breeders call earrings.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Kooikerhondje. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
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 10every year
by countryIs the Kooikerhondje legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Kooikerhondje in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksKooikerhondje exercise needs
Moderate to active: The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of exercise a day, and the breed enjoys work that uses its agility and keen mind.24
the hands-on bitsKooikerhondje grooming and care
The medium coat sheds and benefits from brushing more than once a week, with extra attention to the feathering on ears, legs and tail.2
where they are happiestKooikerhondje at home
Adapts to town or country living, ideally with a small to medium garden.2
who they like aroundKooikerhondje with people and other pets
A people-oriented family companion that bonds closely with its household.14
where it all beganKooikerhondje history
Kooikers have been kept in the Netherlands since at least the 16th century, where they helped decoy-men draw wild ducks into netted channels by flashing their white plumed tails. The type nearly vanished around the Second World War until Baroness van Hardenbroek van Ammerstol rebuilt it from a bitch called Tommy found in Friesland. Dutch recognition followed in 1971.13
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The dog does not chase the ducks: it plays along the bank waving its white-tipped tail, and curious ducks follow it into the decoy pipe.3
2
Dogs of this type appear in paintings by Dutch masters such as Jan Steen, Rembrandt and Vermeer.3
3
The whole modern breed goes back to a rescue effort begun in 1942 with a founding bitch named Tommy.1
4
The long black hairs on its ear tips are known as earrings.1
5
The breed is thought to be among the ancestors of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name 'Kooikerhondje' comes from the Dutch word 'kooiker', meaning a decoy duck hunter, and 'hondje' meaning small dog, referring to its historical role in luring ducks into traps.3
stars of the breedFamous ones
Pompe A Kooikerhondje named Pompe was the loyal companion of Dutch politician and resistance hero Willem Drees, often seen at his side.3
This morning I checked the garden, all clear of ducks. Then I helped the children find their socks. After breakfast, we went for a sniffy walk where I pointed at a squirrel, but quietly. At home, I curled up on the sunny rug and watched the door, just in case. Later, I played fetch with my squeaky ball. When everyone returned, I wagged my tail and led the way to the couch. A perfect day, my family is my flock.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard no. 314, Group 8 (Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs), Section 2 Flushing Dogs; standard dated 19.01.2011. The Dutch kennel club (Raad van Beheer) accepted an interim breed in 1966 and granted full recognition in 1971.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Utility group (moved from the Gundog group in January 2014); not a vulnerable native breed; Breed Watch category 1.2
AKC
Listed as Nederlandse Kooikerhondje; recognised in 2018 per Wikipedia.3
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
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Kooikerhondje, and at what times?
Feed your adult Kooikerhondje at least two meals a day, as VCA suggests, to match their natural hunger cycle. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Kooikerhondje eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and xylitol, as listed by ASPCA. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.6
How often should I bathe a Kooikerhondje?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if needed, like after muddy walks. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their coat.7Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Kooikerhondje need brushing?
Brush your Kooikerhondje more than once a week, as the Royal Kennel Club advises, to manage shedding and keep their feathering tangle-free. Pet Wiki's plan suggests weekly brushing, which is a good starting point.2Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Kooikerhondje's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor, as per Pet Wiki's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and use a proper dog nail trimmer. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.7Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Kooikerhondje need?
This cheerful spaniel needs up to an hour of exercise daily, as the Royal Kennel Club suggests, and enjoys activities that use their agility and mind. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play to keep them happy and healthy.2Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Kooikerhondje's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily with dog toothpaste, as Pet Wiki suggests, and check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Never push anything into the ear canal, and ask your vet for a dental routine if needed.7Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Kooikerhondje live?
The Kooikerhondje has a lifespan of at least 12 years, according to the Royal Kennel Club. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long, happy life.2
Is a Kooikerhondje good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is loyal and friendly with its own people, and tends to be calm and easygoing at home. They are a people-oriented family companion that bonds closely, so with proper socialization they can be great with children and other pets.14
Can a Kooikerhondje be left alone?
This breed is very people-oriented and bonds closely with its household, so they may not enjoy long periods alone. It varies by individual, so ask a good breeder or your vet for advice on training them to be comfortable alone.
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.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Small Münsterländer
Wetterhoun