Pet Wiki

Kooikerhondje

Also called Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, Kooiker, Dutch Decoy Spaniel, Dutch Spaniel, Decoy dog

A cheerful, quick and confident little spaniel that stays calm and easygoing at home.

SizeSmall
Height35 to 42 cm (14 to 17 in)males 38 to 42 cm, females 35 to 41 cm1
Lifespanfrom 12 years2
CoatMedium-length, soft double coat
OriginThe Netherlands, where it worked at duck decoys (eendenkooien).13
GroupRetrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs (FCI group 8)
Recognised breedShort profile
friendly and good-natured
lively and agile
alert without being noisy
14

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

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

Coloursorange-red and whitered and white12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Kooikerhondje. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • 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

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.24

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.2

Home where they are happiest

Adapts to town or country living, ideally with a small to medium garden.2

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 1971.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 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.3

  2. 2

    Dogs of this type appear in paintings by Dutch masters such as Jan Steen, Rembrandt and Vermeer.3

  3. 3

    The whole modern breed goes back to a rescue effort begun in 1942 with a founding bitch named Tommy.1

  4. 4

    The long black hairs on its ear tips are known as earrings.1

  5. 5

    The breed is thought to be among the ancestors of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Kooikerhondje' comes from the Dutch word 'kooiker', meaning a decoy duck hunter, and 'hondje' meaning small dog, referring to its historical role in luring ducks into traps.3

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

WillemFlappiePienZeeKikiTulpStormLotteFinnSterBorisLuna

A day in the life told by a Kooikerhondje

This morning I checked the garden, all clear of ducks. Then I helped the children find their socks. After breakfast, we went for a sniffy walk where I pointed at a squirrel, but quietly. At home, I curled up on the sunny rug and watched the door, just in case. Later, I played fetch with my squeaky ball. When everyone returned, I wagged my tail and led the way to the couch. A perfect day, my family is my flock.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

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 1.2
AKC
Listed as Nederlandse Kooikerhondje; recognised in 2018 per Wikipedia.3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

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?

Pet Wiki'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 Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki's plan suggests weekly brushing, which is a good starting point.2 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki'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 Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play to keep them happy and healthy.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Kooikerhondje's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth daily with dog toothpaste, as Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki 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.2

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 Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 314 Nederlandse Kooikerhondje fci.beused for recognition, origin, height, coat, colour, temperament, history
  2. Kooikerhondje - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for group, lifespan, exercise, grooming, colours, home environment
  3. Kooikerhondje - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, AKC year, history, fun facts
  4. Nederlandse Kooikerhondje - AKC akc.orgused for temperament
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.