The Markiesje is an absolutely uncomplicated family dog and companion from the Netherlands.
The origin of the Markiesje
This dog has a long tradition in the Netherlands. Society paintings and engravings from the 17th and 18th centuries show dogs of the Markiesje type. However, the Markiesje has never been much fussed about. So the population of these animals had decreased dramatically in the 20th century. In the 1970s a woman named Mia van Woerden founded the association "Liefhebbers van het Markiesje" (Lovers of the Markiesje). This association still takes care of the preservation of the breed. Another name for this interesting breed is "Hollandse Tulphond" (Dutch Tulip Dog).
The breed characteristics of the Markiesje
Although the Markiesje is a Dutch original, it has not yet been recognized as an official dog breed by the FCI. This is not really understandable, because he has been bred almost pure for centuries. Nevertheless, unofficially he is counted to the FCI group 9 "society dogs".
Within the Netherlands the dog is very well a recognized and by the organized dog breeding cared for breed. For the Markiesje there is a breed standard, stud book and papers.
Among the Dutch, he has retained his reputation to this day as an uncomplicated, petite companion for singles, couples and families.
- old Dutch dog breed
- not recognized by the FCI
- is considered a great family dog