Kooikerhondje

The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, usually shortened to Kooikerhondje, is a small Dutch sporting dog once used around duck decoys called eendenkooien. Its job was to move cheerfully along screens and paths, using its waving white tail to lure ducks toward the trap while staying responsive to the kooiker. The breed is lightly built, spaniel-like, and orange-red and white, with feathered ears that may have black tips known as earrings. Although it looks decorative, it comes from a practical working background requiring quickness and self-control.

In modern homes, Kooikers tend to be bright, sensitive dogs that enjoy training games, nose work, agility, and regular walks without needing the space of a large gundog. They can be reserved with strangers, so early social exposure is useful, especially for busy households. The silky coat sheds and needs routine brushing behind the ears, on the tail, and on the breeches. Because the breed has a relatively small population, buyers should seek breeders who discuss health testing for conditions such as von Willebrand disease, patellar issues, hereditary necrotizing myelopathy, and breed-specific inflammatory disorders.

Colors: Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, White and Orange, White and Red Orange, Yellow