TOP LEFT : DIANA STRIEGEL-OSKAM ; TOP RIGHT : NOR CAL BULLDOGGER ; BOTTOM : NEDERLANDSE KOOIKERHONDJE CLUB OF THE USA
Temperament
The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is described as a lively , energetic and cheerful companion , full of self-confidence , good-natured and alert but not noisy . Note : This does not mean silent ! They are faithful and friendly toward their own family , but may be reserved with others .
In addition to calmly luring ducks into traps , Kooikers were expected to eliminate vermin and alert for intruders ; hence , they are keenly aware of their environment . They have a high prey drive with abundant perseverance and tenacity .
A true Sporting dog lives beneath the dirt-resistant coat — agile , attentive and energetic , with a zest for working . They thrive with a job to do , whether it ’ s jogging with their owners , chasing squirrels out of the yard or dashing through an agility course . An outlet for vigorous exercise is important .
Their fast reflexes and quick reactions make them less suitable for families with small children , unless raised from puppyhood together , or for inexperienced dog owners . Sometimes food and / or toy possessive , they prefer to have a “ space bubble ” and can be sharp with dogs they do not know , making dog park outings challenging .
The Breed Standard
The standard of the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje has been revised and was approved by the AKC parent club , the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the United States of America Inc . ( KCUSA ). It will be effective , according to information received from the AKC , on April 1 . The approval for the move to the Sporting Group is near the end of the process .
There are some significant changes as we strive to describe the important points of this breed so as to keep American dogs consistent with the breed in its country of origin .
First of all , this is a Sporting dog — hardy , free moving and able to work all day long at his assigned tasks . Kooikers were used to lure ducks into elaborate man-made traps . They silently followed hand signals while circling reed blinds to draw the ducks further into the “ pipes ” leading from hand-dug ponds . As such , they covered many miles each day and must be fit and athletic in order to do so .
Second , proportions are important ! The dog should be only slightly longer from point
� DQ : black and white or tri-color . � 1 1 ⁄ 2 over at any age or 1 1 ⁄ 2 under � after 1 year of age . � Black earrings are desirable , � black tail ring permitted . � Some black hair in the � orange-red acceptable . � Dark , almond eye . � Dark pigmentation . � Scissors bite preferred . � Complete dentition desirable . � White : blaze , belly , legs , � tail plume , chest . � Orange-red : cap covering head , � ears and cheeks . � Distinct body patches surrounded by white . � Predominantly orange-red on the torso . � Little to no ticking preferred . � Coat : medium length , soft hair , � straight or slightly wavy , with undercoat , � no feathering below hock joint . � Neaten feet only . Open or � curly coat undesirable . � Dogs : 16 ” � Bitches : 15 ” � When moving : tail carried level or almost � straight up , not curling over back .
of shoulder to point of buttock than he is from withers to floor . The elbow should be at the exact midpoint between withers and floor , and the chest should reach at least to the elbow with good rib spring without being barrel shaped or narrow .
Third , this is a small dog , but not a Toy dog . The ideal size is 16 inches for a dog and 15 inches for a bitch . There is now a disqualification for size in the revised standard : 1 1 ⁄ 2 inches under the ideal size after 1 year of age or 1 1 ⁄ 2 inches over the ideal size at any age .
Fourth , the head is a blunt wedge viewed from all angles , with a clearly visible stop that is not deep . The eye is almond-shaped ; the pigment should be dark and the expression should melt your heart .
Fifth , the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje would best be described as moderately angulated with corresponding reach and drive . They should not cross over nor be stilted but move with a flowing and light-footed gait .
Sixth , the Kooiker has substance but must never be coarse or overdone nor weedy or light boned . The happy , harmonious appearance is best described as “ pleasing .”
Seventh , the tail is the breed ’ s primary tool in luring ducks . The tail bones themselves must reach at least to the hock . The
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Moderate angles
Level back
Slightly rounded croup
Elbow to ground equals elbow to withers
Slight tuck-up Moderate reach / drive
Muzzle : blunt wedge - almost parallel planes .
� Orange-red and white . � Lively and agile � Good-natured . � Alert . � Not noisy . � Self-confident . � Slightly longer than tall .
Checks : � Proportion . � Size . � Tail carriage . � Color . � Earrings . � Trimming .
Well feathered white plume
MARCH 2017 DOGS IN REVIEW 83