---
title: "Kooikerhondje - temperament, price, health, breeders | Pedibase"
description: "Everything to know about the Kooikerhondje (Netherlands): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
canonical_url: "https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje"
meta:
"og:description": "Everything to know about the Kooikerhondje (Netherlands): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
"og:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/7857/petit-chien-hollandais-de-chasse-au-gibier-deau-1.jpg"
"og:image:alt": "Dog and cat breeders near you"
"og:image:height": "630"
"og:image:width": "1200"
"og:title": "Kooikerhondje - temperament, price, health, breeders"
"twitter:description": "Everything to know about the Kooikerhondje (Netherlands): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
"twitter:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/7857/petit-chien-hollandais-de-chasse-au-gibier-deau-1.jpg"
"twitter:title": "Kooikerhondje - temperament, price, health, breeders"
---
> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+8
Dogs
# The Kooikerhondje: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Netherlands
A lively, cheerful and agile small Dutch dog, ideal for an active household.
Size MediumLife expectancy 12–14 yearsBudget ≈ €107/monthPuppy €1,000 – €2,000
[Find a breeder 3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kooikerhondje) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=kooikerhondje)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Fair
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Limited
Strengths and weaknesses
- Cheerful dog: He brings a lot of enthusiasm and good cheer to a dynamic household.
- Versatile and agile: His taste for movement and his liveliness make him a good companion for varied activities.
- Reasonable maintenance: His coat requires regular care but remains overall easy to maintain.
- High exercise needs: He does not tolerate inactivity well and needs substantial outings every day.
- Uncommon breed: Its rarity can make it difficult to find a truly reputable breeder.
- Sensitivity to certain hereditary conditions: Choosing the bloodline and screenings are important to limit the risks.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active household: This breed thrives with owners who enjoy walking, playing, and going out often.
- People interested in training: It suits adopters ready to invest time in positive and consistent training.
- House with a well-fenced garden: A secure outdoor space is a real plus for this energetic dog.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary people: Lack of activity does not meet its physical and mental needs.
- Households with little availability: It needs time, interactions, and frequent outings to stay balanced.
- Adopters looking for a very easy dog: Its energy and sensitivity require more involvement than some simpler breeds.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
38 cmKooikerhondje
- Height at the withers
- 35–40 cm
- Weight
- 10–15 kg
- Coat
- Medium-long, straight or slightly wavy
- FCI group
- 8
- Origin
- Netherlands
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the Kooikerhondje in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Petit chien hollandais de chasse au gibier d'eau, also known as the Kooikerhondje, is an ancient Dutch breed linked to duck decoys, where it was used to lure ducks toward traps thanks to its lively movements and its clearly visible white tail. The breed nearly disappeared before being revived in the 1940s by Baroness van Hardenbroek van Ammerstol, whose breeding work made it possible to rebuild a solid foundation. The FCI recognized the breed in 1990.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
This medium-sized dog has a harmonious build and is almost inscribable in a square. Its white coat with red-orange markings is typical, with a medium-length coat lying close to the body, sometimes slightly wavy, and an undercoat that protects against moisture. The drop ears are furnished with fringes, ideally ending in black, and the feathered tail completes an elegant, sporty and well-proportioned silhouette.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The Petit chien hollandais de chasse au gibier d'eau is a cheerful, loyal and pleasant dog to live with with those close to him. He is lively, willing and very active, with a good dose of confidence and determination at work. With the family, he is affectionate without being clingy and can be a little reserved towards strangers, which requires careful socialization.
Playful
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, this breed needs regular activities to stay balanced. It enjoys long walks, scent games, retrieving exercises and activities that engage its body as well as its mind. It can live in the city if its exercise needs are truly met, but it thrives more in an environment offering space and frequent outings.
Training
## Training and socialization
Education must start early and be based on positive, consistent methods motivated by reward. This dog learns well when it understands the meaning of the exercise and can channel its energy into useful work. Brutality must be avoided, as it may cause it to shut down or harm the relationship of trust. Recall, self-control and socialization are among the priorities.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Kooikerhondje
The purchase price varies mainly according to the rarity of the breed, the quality of the lineage, the health tests carried out on the breeding dogs and the seriousness of the socialization work. For a breed that is still uncommon, it is advisable to prioritize the quality of the breeding rather than an abnormally low offer.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Petit chien hollandais de chasse au gibier d'eau is overall a sturdy dog, well equipped for outings in wet environments thanks to its double coat. Like many breeds with a relatively small population, it nevertheless deserves serious selection and careful preventive monitoring in order to limit the expression of certain hereditary or orthopedic conditions.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
This breed needs a balanced, digestible, good-quality diet, adjusted to its age, weight and above all its activity level. A very active dog will not have the same needs as a companion animal that expends less energy.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Dutch name Kooikerhondje refers to the kooien, the traditional duck decoys of the Netherlands. The breed is also nicknamed Dutch decoy dog. One of its signatures is the presence of long black fringes at the tip of the ears, often called earrings, a detail highly appreciated in the standard.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Kooikerhondje
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Dutch Small Waterfowl Hunting Dog suitable for apartment living?
Yes, provided you give it real daily outlets. Without active walks, games, and mental stimulation, it may get bored and become difficult to live with.
### Is it an easy dog for a first-time adopter?
It is not the easiest breed to start with, as it is active, sensitive, and requires consistent training from an early age. A motivated adopter, well supported and available, can however do very well.
### Does it get along well with children?
It can live well with respectful children, especially if it has been well socialized. As always, interactions must be supervised and adapted to the dog's temperament as well as the children's age.
## Find a Kooikerhondje breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Kooikerhondje breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Kooikerhondje breeders by country
[54 breeders of Kooikerhondje in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kooikerhondje/germany) [4 breeders of Kooikerhondje in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kooikerhondje/netherlands) [3 breeders of Kooikerhondje in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kooikerhondje/denmark) [3 breeders of Kooikerhondje in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kooikerhondje) [3 breeders of Kooikerhondje in Switzerland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kooikerhondje/switzerland) [1 breeder of Kooikerhondje in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kooikerhondje/austria) [1 breeder of Kooikerhondje in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kooikerhondje/italy) [1 breeder of Kooikerhondje in the United Kingdom](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kooikerhondje/united-kingdom)
[All breeders of Kooikerhondje in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kooikerhondje)
## Ready to welcome a Kooikerhondje?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kooikerhondje)
## Discover other breeds
[Frisian Water Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/frisian-water-dog)
[Barbet
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/barbet)
[English Cocker Spaniel
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/english-cocker-spaniel)
[Stabyhoun
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/stabyhoun)
[Drentsche Patrijshond
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/drentsche-patrijshond)
```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Find dog and cat breeders near you. France's leading breeder directory, with an interactive map, breed information, and verified reviews.","inLanguage":"en","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/search?q={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity"},"translationOfWork":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje#webpage","description":"Everything to know about the Kooikerhondje (Netherlands): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders.","name":"Kooikerhondje - temperament, price, health, breeders","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje","@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje#breadcrumb"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en#website"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje#/schema/question/1"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje#/schema/question/2"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje#/schema/question/3"}],"potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje"]}],"primaryImageOfPage":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/7857/petit-chien-hollandais-de-chasse-au-gibier-deau-1.jpg","width":1200,"height":630,"inLanguage":"en","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/7857/petit-chien-hollandais-de-chasse-au-gibier-deau-1.jpg"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity","@type":"Organization","description":"Pedibase is a free directory of dog and cat breeders that helps prospective owners find a registered breeder near them.","email":"contact@pedibase.com","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/","contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"contact@pedibase.com"},"logo":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo"},"parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Aurion","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1 rue Pasteur","postalCode":"72000","addressLocality":"Le Mans","addressCountry":"FR"}},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/pedibase","https://www.instagram.com/pedibase_app"]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje#breadcrumb","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Home","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en","position":1},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Dogs","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breeds","position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Kooikerhondje","position":3}]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje#/schema/question/1","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Is the Dutch Small Waterfowl Hunting Dog suitable for apartment living?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, provided you give it real daily outlets. Without active walks, games, and mental stimulation, it may get bored and become difficult to live with."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje#/schema/question/2","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Is it an easy dog for a first-time adopter?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It is not the easiest breed to start with, as it is active, sensitive, and requires consistent training from an early age. A motivated adopter, well supported and available, can however do very well."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje#/schema/question/3","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Does it get along well with children?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It can live well with respectful children, especially if it has been well socialized. As always, interactions must be supervised and adapted to the dog's temperament as well as the children's age."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Pedibase","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg","inLanguage":"en","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg"}]}
```