Kooikerhondje
Dutch Decoy Dog, Kooiker Hound, Small Dutch Waterfowl Dog
The Kooikerhondje is one of only two decoy dogs, the other being the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever from Canada. A decoy dog works in the field very differently than other gundogs. They lure waterfowl into traps or entice them within range of their hunter’s gun by using their tails. By slowly waving their tail they peek the birds’ curiosity and can lead them toward the dog, and in turn the cages.
Their name is derived from the word “kooien”, which is the type of cages used to trap the ducks. These specific duck hunters were called “kooikers”, and the dogs became “kooiker’s hondjes”, which translates to “Kooiker’s dogs”.
Their name is derived from the word “kooien”, which is the type of cages used to trap the ducks. These specific duck hunters were called “kooikers”, and the dogs became “kooiker’s hondjes”, which translates to “Kooiker’s dogs”.
Kooikerhondje Standards
- 14-16"
- 20-24 lbs
- small, spaniel-like breed
- medium-length, hanging ears
- long tail
- medium-length coat, feathering on ears, tail and legs
- white and red
- black tips on ears preferred
History of the Kooikerhondje
The Kooikerhondje was developed in the Netherlands and has existed since at least the 17th century. In their homeland they are famous for saving Prince William of Orange during a Spanish attack. When intruders broke into his residence, it was his Kooiker that woke him and allowed him to escape. Despite being well known in their homeland the Kooikerhondje was nearly extinct after the second World War. But thankfully the breed was saved by Baroness Hardenbrock van Ammerstol who had a fondness for them. She scoured the countryside for enough specimens to create a true breeding stock. With the help of other dedicated breeders she restored the bloodline. Today, the breed is secure and their following is taking route in North America, including recent recognition by the American Kennel Club (2018). In the Netherlands they continue to be used to trap birds, but now to help save them. Today about 100 Kooikerhondje are employed with conservationists to tag rare birds using the same decoy techniques from centuries ago.