Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate diet, a stable weight, regular activity and serious veterinary follow-up, this breed often reaches 12 to 14 years. Its longevity depends greatly on the quality of the breeding, the prevention of hereditary diseases and the maintenance of good physical condition throughout life.
Build
A robust breed?
It is a rather sturdy dog for its size, able to cope well with an active life and damp conditions. This good overall hardiness does not exempt from vigilance regarding the eyes, the knees and certain genetic conditions identified in the breed.
Watch points
What to watch for
Before adoption as well as throughout life, it is relevant to favor lines monitored from an ophthalmological and orthopedic standpoint. Particular attention must also be paid to a history of neurological or coagulation disorders, even if not all individuals are concerned.
Cataract : An opacification of the lens can progressively impair vision and warrants ophthalmologic monitoring in case of doubt.
Patellar luxation : This knee condition can cause intermittent or persistent lameness and deserves screening in breeding dogs.
von Willebrand disease : This clotting disorder increases the risk of abnormal bleeding and requires particular vigilance in the affected lines.
Epilepsy : Some lines may experience seizures that require a veterinary diagnosis and appropriate follow-up.
Otitis : Drooping, fringed ears must be monitored, especially after wet outings or swimming.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Petit chien hollandais de chasse au gibier d'eau tolerates rather well moderate cold and humidity thanks to its double coat, but it is less comfortable in high heat. In summer, it is better to favor outings during the cooler hours, provide shade and limit intense efforts in the middle of the day.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight remains moderate, but it increases quickly if its exercise needs are not met or if treats are too frequent. Regular monitoring of its body shape, measured meals and sustained daily activity help to maintain a lean, athletic build.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the eyes and knees checked by a veterinarian if a sign appears.
- Inspect and dry the ears after wet outings or swims.
- Maintain a stable weight to limit joint strain.
- Keep up regular preventive monitoring and ask for the tests carried out on the parents before adoption.
Vaccination
Kooikerhondje vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Kooikerhondje? Like all cats, the Kooikerhondje receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Kooikerhondje is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Kooikerhondje vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Kooikerhondje?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Kooikerhondje
Ophthalmological examinations and knee evaluation are particularly relevant in this breed. Depending on the line and the breeding program, genetic tests or targeted screening for coagulation disorders may also be useful before breeding.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
