Kooikerhondje Breed description: Character & Co

What are the typical character traits of the Kooikerhondje?

The Kooikerhondje is very temperamental and has a great urge to move. Therefore, it is best suited for active owners who like to do a lot of activities with him. The animals do not like to be left alone: Ideally, you can take your furry friend with you to work, where it will soon become the darling of your colleagues. The breed is known for its winning and people-orientated nature. If you train the four-legged friend well and take them for exercise during your free time, they will be a quiet companion at home. Thanks to its light weight and practical size, it fits into smaller dog boxes and can also accompany you on holiday. However, the temperamental bundle wants to go out in all weather conditions. You should make sure your dog gets at least an hour of exercise. The breed also proves to be a patient and funny playmate for children.

What are the breed characteristics of the Kooikerhondje?

The approximately knee-high animals show themselves very affectionate and bind themselves closely to you after a short period of getting to know you. If you are new to the breed, you better inform yourself about the Kooikerhondje's characteristics. This includes that they question rules and become a little rebellious if they are not guided in a consistent way. However, if you face them with a confident position from the start and encourage positive behaviour with lots of praise, you will make a friend for life. It is also characteristic that the animals remain playful until old age.

What are typical Kooiker diseases?

With the Kooikerhondje there is a certain risk of them developing the following hereditary diseases:

• Patella luxation: a change in the patella caused by a congenital weakness in the knee joint
• Degenerative Myleopathy: Occurs during the first three months of life and leads to progressive paralysis
• Von Willebrand disease: a bleeding disorder, can lead to increased bleeding of the gums and other symptoms
• Eye diseases
• Epilepsy: increased risk for seizures

What should be considered in regards to Kooikerhondje breeding?

Due to the low population of the Kooikerhondje in the 1940s, the breed was increasingly inbred. When you look at a Kooikerhondje puppy at the breeder, have all the papers of the parents shown to you and check the past generations to see if the names are repeated. Serious Kooikerhondje breeding results in healthy and strong animals, which will surely give you pleasure for a long time.