Sporting group
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
A cheerful Dutch decoy dog with a plumed tail and famous black “earrings”.
The Kooikerhondje is a small, spaniel-type dog originally used to lure ducks into traps. It is lively, affectionate and trainable, often reserved with strangers, and suits active homes that enjoy training and dog sports.
- Height
- 14–17 in36–43 cm
- Weight
- 20–30 lb9–14 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Size
- Small
- Group
- Sporting
- Origin
- Netherlands
Coat: Medium-length, slightly wavy coat with feathering; black ear tips (“earrings”). Colours: Orange-red and white.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Kooikers are alert, good-natured and deeply bonded to their families. They are quick learners who enjoy agility and obedience. Many are sensitive and a little reserved with strangers.
They can be cautious or noise-sensitive without good socialisation, and they dislike rough handling. Given exercise and mental work they are calm, pleasant house dogs.
Living with a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Exercise
About an hour of daily exercise with training, games or dog sports.
Grooming
Brush weekly; moderate shedding. The coat is easy care but needs regular attention to the feathering.
Training
Eager and sensitive; reward-based training and early socialisation with people are important.
Kids & other pets
Good with considerate older children. Usually fine with dogs they know; may be reserved with strangers.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but prefers company; may bark when bored.
Home fit
Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.
Is a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje typically lives 12–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Von Willebrand disease
An inherited bleeding disorder; a DNA test identifies carriers.
Hereditary necrotising myelopathy (ENM)
A progressive neurological disease; DNA testing is available.
Patellar luxation
Loose kneecaps occur; screening of parents is recommended.
Eye disease
Cataracts occur; annual eye exams help.
Ask a breeder for
- Patella evaluation
- Eye examination
- DNA tests: von Willebrand disease and ENM
- Hip evaluation
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Nederlandse Kooikerhondje; Kooikerhondje Club of the USA. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
For centuries Dutch duck hunters used “kooien” — decoy ponds with netted canals. Kooikerhondjes waved their white plumed tails to lure curious ducks into the traps. The breed appears in 17th-century Dutch paintings.
After WWII the breed was nearly extinct. Baroness van Hardenbroek van Ammerstol rebuilt it from a handful of dogs, starting with a female named Tommy. The AKC recognised the breed in 2018.
Did you know?
- Kooikers lured ducks by waving their white-tipped tails.
- The black ear tips are called “earrings” and are a breed hallmark.
- A few traditional Dutch duck decoys still work with Kooikers, now mainly to catch and ring birds for research.
Library guides for Nederlandse Kooikerhondje owners
Exercise & Play
Hide and Seek
Brain work that tires busy minds.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje breeder about health screening.
New Dog Owners
The real cost of a puppy: what to budget before you bring one home
Budget for the first year and beyond.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Kooikerhondjes good family dogs?
- Yes, for active families with older children. They are affectionate but can be reserved with strangers.
- Do Kooikerhondjes shed?
- Moderately. Weekly brushing keeps the coat tidy.
- How do you say Kooikerhondje?
- Roughly “KOY-ker-hond-tche”. Many owners simply say “Kooiker”.