Kooikerhondje
Also called Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, Kooiker, Dutch Decoy Spaniel, Dutch Spaniel, Decoy dog
From The Netherlands, where it worked at duck decoys (eendenkooien).12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
medium-length, soft double coat
A soft, medium-length coat that lies close and may be straight or gently wavy, over a good undercoat. The ears, legs and tail carry feathering, and the ear tips grow long black hairs that breeders call earrings.1
Personality what they are like
A cheerful, quick and confident little spaniel that stays calm and easygoing at home. It is watchful and has plenty of stamina, yet the standard notes it is not a noisy dog, and it tends to be loyal and friendly with its own people.14
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate to active: The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of exercise a day, and the breed enjoys work that uses its agility and keen mind.34
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The medium coat sheds and benefits from brushing more than once a week, with extra attention to the feathering on ears, legs and tail.3
Home where they are happiest
Adapts to town or country living, ideally with a small to medium garden.3
Company who they like around
A people-oriented family companion that bonds closely with its household.14
The story where it all began
Kooikers have been kept in the Netherlands since at least the 16th century, where they helped decoy-men draw wild ducks into netted channels by flashing their white plumed tails. The type nearly vanished around the Second World War until Baroness van Hardenbroek van Ammerstol rebuilt it from a bitch called Tommy found in Friesland. Dutch recognition followed in 1971.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The dog does not chase the ducks: it plays along the bank waving its white-tipped tail, and curious ducks follow it into the decoy pipe.2
- 2
Dogs of this type appear in paintings by Dutch masters such as Jan Steen, Rembrandt and Vermeer.2
- 3
The whole modern breed goes back to a rescue effort begun in 1942 with a founding bitch named Tommy.1
- 4
The long black hairs on its ear tips are known as earrings.1
- 5
The breed is thought to be among the ancestors of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 314, Group 8 (Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs), Section 2 Flushing Dogs; standard dated 19.01.2011. The Dutch kennel club (Raad van Beheer) accepted an interim breed in 1966 and granted full recognition in 1971.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Utility group (moved from the Gundog group in January 2014); not a vulnerable native breed; Breed Watch category 1.3
- AKC
- Listed as Nederlandse Kooikerhondje; recognised in 2018 per Wikipedia.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Kooikerhondje. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Kooikerhondje, and at what times?
Feed your adult Kooikerhondje at least two meals a day, as VCA suggests, to match their natural hunger cycle. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Kooikerhondje eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and xylitol, as listed by ASPCA. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.6
How often should I bathe a Kooikerhondje?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if needed, like after muddy walks. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their coat.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Kooikerhondje need brushing?
Brush your Kooikerhondje more than once a week, as the Royal Kennel Club advises, to manage shedding and keep their feathering tangle-free. Furry Diary's plan suggests weekly brushing, which is a good starting point.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Kooikerhondje's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor, as per Furry Diary's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and use a proper dog nail trimmer. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Kooikerhondje need?
This cheerful spaniel needs up to an hour of exercise daily, as the Royal Kennel Club suggests, and enjoys activities that use their agility and mind. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play to keep them happy and healthy.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Kooikerhondje's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily with dog toothpaste, as Furry Diary suggests, and check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Never push anything into the ear canal, and ask your vet for a dental routine if needed.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Kooikerhondje live?
The Kooikerhondje has a lifespan of at least 12 years, according to the Royal Kennel Club. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long, happy life.3
Is a Kooikerhondje good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is loyal and friendly with its own people, and tends to be calm and easygoing at home. They are a people-oriented family companion that bonds closely, so with proper socialization they can be great with children and other pets.14
Can a Kooikerhondje be left alone?
This breed is very people-oriented and bonds closely with its household, so they may not enjoy long periods alone. It varies by individual, so ask a good breeder or your vet for advice on training them to be comfortable alone.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 314 Nederlandse Kooikerhondje fci.beused for recognition, origin, height, coat, colour, temperament, history
- Kooikerhondje - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, AKC year, history, fun facts
- Kooikerhondje - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for group, lifespan, exercise, grooming, colours, home environment
- Nederlandse Kooikerhondje - AKC akc.orgused for temperament
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.