top of page

BEST BREEDING PRACTICES

Summary: Members who wish to breed Nederlandse Kooikerhondje should do so with the full understanding of the responsibility they bear to the future of this breed. Breeders are expected to understand the breed standard, the traits in a breeding dog’s immediate and extended family, and the application of the principles of genetics. Additionally, breeders should have practical knowledge of mating; care of the bitch in whelp; the rearing of a litter; and the time, effort, and resources to engage in this activity. 

  1. Make all breeding decisions to best benefit the breed. The breeding pair must both be in excellent health and free of any major health concerns.*

  2. Never undertake a breeding unless it is specifically to improve the structure or temperament of the dog that is bred. Breed only if able to distinguish between the correct and incorrect. Such ability presupposes careful study of the breed standard, the basic principles of genetics and the pedigrees of prospective stud and dam.

  3. Breed only Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes with full health clearances according to the Club rules for the country in which they reside. For North America, this includes the following minimum Health Testing required for a CHIC number as reported to OFA: 

    • DNA Testing at the University of Utrecht for ENM and vWD

    • Veterinary examination for Patellar Luxation,

    • OFA eye certification,

    • OFA Hip certification or - if under two years old at the time of breeding - preliminary OFA hip evaluation.

  4. Ideally, dogs and bitches should be two years of age at first breeding. Bitches should have their first litter before six years of age, and should have their last litter no later than eight years of age.

  5. Ideally, all dogs considered for breeding should attain at least a Canine Good Citizen title from the American Kennel Club.

  6. In consideration of the small gene pool, brood bitch and stud dog owners must use restraint and judgment in the repeated use of a brood bitch or stud dog. Care must be used to maintain genetic diversity and breeders should limit the number of puppies produced from any given line or kennel(s).

  7. Remove from a breeding program any dog or bitch that is known to have repeatedly produced any significant condition that affects the physical or mental soundness of the progeny. This information can be gained only through active involvement and life-time interest in all dogs produced.

  8. Repeat breedings of the same two parents are discouraged, unless the first litter produces 3 or fewer puppies.

  9. Under ordinary circumstances, a bitch should deliver no more than two litters in any 24 month period.

  10. Use the stud dog selectively. The stud dog owner should discourage the individual who wants to breed a bitch unsuitable for his stud. The stud dog owner should be certain the owner of the bitch has the necessary knowledge and facilities to care for the puppies as long as it requires to properly place them.

  11. Use the stud dog sparingly. Avoid “popular sire “syndrome by limiting the number of litters the stud dog sires. **

  12. Consider the use of fresh chilled or frozen semen both from within North America or abroad as a way to maintain genetic diversity.

  13. Both owner of the bitch and stud dog shall maintain an active interest in each puppy produced for the lifetime of that puppy.

  14. Provide the best of care to the litter including: feeding a high-quality diet, providing an enriched environment, and appropriate socialization during the entire time in the breeder’s care.

  15. Appropriate veterinary care should be given, including but not limited to de-worming when appropriate, and vaccinations as advised by a licensed veterinarian. Only a healthy puppy is to be turned over to the new owner.

  16. Supply the new owner with instructions in feeding and continued socialization.

  17. Release puppies to a new home only after the age of eight weeks and with a microchip implanted.

  18. Breeders/sellers should request that owners advise them and the Breeding Committee immediately if any diseases or conditions arise at any point in the life of the dog.

  19. Encourage every Kooikerhondje owner to complete health testing on their dog - whether intended for breeding or not - and report to the Breeding Committee as part of the international effort to improve and maintain health and longevity in the breed.

  20. Sell with Limited Registration those puppies sold as pets and not considered to be of show and/or breeding quality. Pet quality Kooikerhondje should not be misrepresented as show/breeding quality.

  21. Not allow any Nederlandse Kooikerhondje puppy or litter to be displayed in public places for the purpose of immediate sale, nor sold to commercial breeders, pet dealers, pet stores, pet wholesalers, or pet brokers, nor offered as raffle or contest prizes, or any other type of giveaway or auction.

​

The “Best Breeding Practices” are subject to revision by the NKCSC Health and Genetics Committee in conjunction with the NKCSC Breeding Committee.  These advisory practices are designed to stay abreast of the advances in animal genetics and husbandry. They represent the latest current knowledge from researchers both in North America and Europe.  References to relevant research articles available upon request. 

 

​

*The potential breeding of any animal with minor abnormalities on health testing should be discussed with the NKCSC Health and Genetics Committee.  ENM carriers must not be excluded from breeding programs, but must be mated only to dogs who are tested ENM Clear.

​

**Consultation with the NKCSC Health and Genetics Committee regarding frequency of use of a stud dog is encouraged.

​

REV: 2021-02

bottom of page