Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of Southern California

A Kooikerhondje (Coy-ker-hun-jah) is a medium-small sporting dog with a big (some say “huge”) personality. Traditionally they were used by the Dutch to catch ducks by luring them into an eendenkooi. But as with many things, mechanization removed the need for the old ways to capture ducks and thus the kooikerhondje lost its job.

Had it not been for a lady with a strong patriotic sense, the Baronesse van Hardenbroek van Ammerstol, the kooikerhondje would have been extinct. The Baronesse started looking for survivors of the breed in 1939. Just two decades later she was able to present almost 80 examples, bred from an original stock of only 12 dogs. Kooikerhondjes appear often in paintings by the old Dutch masters. This served to her inspiration and example; Kooikerhondjes are living history!

Beyond the Kooikerhondje’s attractive look lies something far more interesting. The nature of the dog’s centuries old job required a level of intellect and independence that still shapes the kooikerhondje of today. A highly trainable dog that readily understands and accepts your (trainer) role, they are not slavish remotes but function best when allowed to interpret what it is you need. Therefore they need no strict masters, but flourish in a well focused but harmonious environment where the dog is appreciated for its abilities, given proper attention and allowed to execute the job at hand with its own speed, ability and inspiration. This is your partner.

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After work and play comes rest and a Kooikerhondje too knows how to relax. You will find them next to you on the couch, beside your chair resting against your leg, or dozing off in the backyard basking in the sun. Not every day must be filled with work and action for the Kooikerhondje, though a lazy only life is not a happy life. Their sleep is filled with dreams of cheerful action, puzzles to solve, and adventures with you.