Pet Wiki

Markiesje

Also called Dutch Tulip Dog, Hollandse Tulphond

Alert and cheerful but very sociable, greeting visitors warmly.

SizeSmall
Weight6 to 8 kg (13 to 18 lb)1
Height35 cm (14 in)1
CoatMedium-length, fine, soft, straight, with feathering
OriginThe Netherlands.12
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
friendly and welcoming
alert little watchdog
happy walking companion
12

Personality what they are like

Alert and cheerful but very sociable, greeting visitors warmly. It loves joining its people on outings, yet copes well with being left alone for a few hours, and with good introductions it can live with cats and small pets.12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Markiesje. 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

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium-length, fine, soft, straight, with feathering

A dainty, lightly built little black spaniel type with a gentle expression, a long uncurled tail and a silky, medium-length coat that forms feathering on the ears, legs and tail.1

Coloursblackblack with white markings1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

More active than a lap dog: it enjoys long walks and a good run.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular brushing keeps the soft coat and its feathering free of tangles.1

Home where they are happiest

Its small size and adaptable nature suit a house or apartment, provided it gets daily walks.12

Company who they like around

A companion breed that likes being with its family, but is relaxed enough to spend a few hours on its own.1

The story where it all began

Small black spaniel-like dogs resembling the Markiesje appear in Dutch paintings of the 17th and 18th centuries. In the early 20th century the Dutch dog writer Toepoel suggested such dogs could be restored as a breed, and focused breeding of today's Markiesje began in the mid-1970s.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its English nickname is the Dutch Tulip Dog.2

  2. 2

    Dogs that look like Markiesjes but have no pedigree are called 'look-alikes' in the Netherlands.1

  3. 3

    Three Dutch breed clubs work together on the breed's health and development.1

  4. 4

    Lookalike little black dogs appear in Dutch paintings from the 1600s and 1700s.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Markiesje' is the Dutch word for 'little marquis' or 'little marquess', and the breed is also known as the Dutch Tulip Dog or Hollandse Tulphond. The breed's history is linked to paintings from the 17th century in France, Germany, and the Netherlands, where small black dogs resembling the Markiesje were depicted.3

Name ideas for your new friend

TulpStroopwafelBlijeZonnetjeVrolijkKnoopMistBoterWaffelTulpenHollandsParel

A day in the life told by a Markiesje

I wake up to the smell of coffee and the sound of my human's laugh. I stretch, wag my tail, and trot to the front door to greet the morning postman with a happy yip. After a long walk through the park, I chase a falling leaf and then curl up in my sunny spot. Later, I help my human in the garden, sniffing tulips and chasing a bumblebee. When visitors come, I give each a warm welcome, then settle down for a cozy nap on the sofa. It's a simple, cheerful day.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland
Recognised nationally in the Netherlands as a companion breed (listed under FCI group 9 companion breeds on the Raad van Beheer site).1
FCI
Not (yet) recognised by the FCI.2

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

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

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 Markiesje, and at what times?

Feed your Markiesje at least twice a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Regular meal times like morning and evening work well. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4

What should a Markiesje eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced diet of quality dog food is best for your Markiesje. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and xylitol, which are especially harmful to dogs.5

How often should I bathe a Markiesje?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Markiesje need brushing?

Regular brushing keeps your Markiesje's silky coat free of tangles. Pet Wiki suggests brushing weekly, but you may need to brush more often if feathering tangles easily.16 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Markiesje's nails, and how often?

Trim your Markiesje's nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a proper nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Markiesje need?

Your Markiesje is more active than a lap dog and enjoys long walks and a good run. Daily walks and playtime will keep it happy and healthy.21 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush your Markiesje's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check its floppy ears weekly and keep them dry; never push anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Markiesje live?

Lifespan varies for each dog. Your vet or a good breeder can give you a better idea based on your Markiesje's health and lineage.

Is a Markiesje good with children and other pets?

Your Markiesje is a sociable, cheerful companion that can live happily with cats and small pets when introduced properly. It loves being with its family and is generally good with children.12

Can a Markiesje be left alone?

Yes, your Markiesje can be left alone for a few hours. It's a relaxed companion that enjoys its own company for short periods.12

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. Raad van Beheer (houdenvanhonden.nl): Markiesje houdenvanhonden.nlused for size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history, facts
  2. Wikipedia: Markiesje en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, FCI status, temperament, history
  3. edepot.wur.nl edepot.wur.nl
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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