🦆 Dutch Kooikerhondje (or Kooiker Dog)
The Dutch Kooikerhondje is a small hunting dog originating from the Netherlands, historically used to lure ducks into traps called kooi. Agile, intelligent, and affectionate, it is now an excellent companion dog, appreciated for its cheerful temperament and loyalty to its owners.
✨ Breed Characteristics
- Name: Dutch Kooikerhondje
- Origin: Netherlands
- Type: Hunting dog, companion dog
- Hypoallergenic? No
📊 Quick Facts
- Weight:
- Male: 9-15 kg
- Female: 9-15 kg
- Height:
- Male: 35-40 cm
- Female: 35-40 cm
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
- Exercise needs: 2 to 3 hours per day
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (possible with a lot of exercise)
🧠 Personality (out of 5 stars)
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Protective: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Vocalizations: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (not very noisy)
- Obedient: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Hunter: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Calm: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🐾 Compatibility with
- Children: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (good companion for families)
- Other animals: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (can coexist with good socialization)
- Strangers: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (can be reserved)
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (possible but requires a lot of exercise)
🧼 Maintenance & care
- Ease of maintenance: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (low maintenance)
- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (moderate)
- Frequency of care:
- Brushing: 2 times a week to avoid tangles and remove dead hair
- Baths: Occasionally, as their coat is naturally water-resistant
- Other care: Regular checking of ears and eyes
💰 Budget
- Purchase price: 1000-2000 €
- Coût annuel moyen (vétérinaire, accessoires, alimentation) :
🏡 Important note
The Kooikerhondje is an active dog that needs regular exercise and stimulating activities to thrive. It adapts well to family life and can live in an apartment if it gets long walks and interactive play. It will particularly enjoy access to a secure garden or regular outings in nature. 🦴🌳