Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY 2.5 dog breed · 927 on Animalso
Kooikerhondje: Origin, Purpose and Size
- Animal
- Dog
- Origin
- Netherlands
- Height
- 35 cm
The Kooikerhondje is a small spaniel-type dog from the Netherlands. It began as a working dog, especially in duck decoys, where it helped lure ducks. The breed dates to the 16th century and appears often in Dutch Golden Age paintings.
What the Kooikerhondje was bred to do
The Kooikerhondje is a dog breed of Dutch ancestry. It was originally a working dog, particularly in decoys used to lure ducks.
Its history reaches back to the 16th century. The breed appears frequently in paintings from the Dutch Golden Age.
Origin and basic size
This breed began in the Netherlands. You can compare it with other entries in dog breeds from the Netherlands.
Height is given as 35, with no measurement unit stated. Weight and life expectancy are unspecified.
What stands out
The Kooikerhondje combines a small size with a documented working role in duck decoys.
Its Dutch origin and long recorded history give it a clear place among dog breeds.
Details to keep in mind
The height figure has no stated unit. Weight and lifespan are unspecified.
The breed’s origin and historical work are known, but further traits and care details are unspecified.
No purchase price listed
No purchase price, plan or buying information is provided for a Kooikerhondje.
Who may want another entry
Someone looking for a cat or horse should choose a page for that species instead. The Kooikerhondje is a dog.
Readers who need weight or lifespan figures will need additional information.
Verdict
Choose this breed entry if you want a small dog with Dutch roots and a documented duck-decoy role. Its history includes a 16th-century record and appearances in Dutch Golden Age art.
Do not use this page alone when your decision depends on weight, lifespan, temperament or care, because those details are not covered here.
What stands out
- Small dog breed with a height of 35.
- Dutch ancestry and Netherlands origin are clearly documented.
- Bred for a specific working role in duck decoys.
- History reaches back to the 16th century.
Worth knowing
- The height figure has no unit.
- No weight is recorded.
- No life expectancy is recorded.
- Temperament and care details are unspecified.
Suits
- Readers comparing small Dutch dog breeds
- People interested in duck-decoy working history
- Those seeking a spaniel-type dog entry
Think twice if
- You need a listed weight or lifespan before comparing breeds.
- You are looking for a cat or horse breed instead.
In short
The Kooikerhondje is a small Dutch dog with a specific working past: helping lure ducks in decoys. Its origins reach to the 16th century, and its presence in Dutch Golden Age paintings adds historical context. Height is 35, with no unit stated; weight and lifespan are unspecified. This page suits readers beginning a breed comparison, especially those interested in Dutch dogs and traditional working roles. Choosing an individual dog also depends on information about temperament, care and other traits.
Questions
What kind of animal is a Kooikerhondje?
It is a dog breed, specifically a small spaniel-type dog of Dutch ancestry.
Where does the Kooikerhondje come from?
The breed originated in the Netherlands.
What was the Kooikerhondje bred to do?
It was originally used as a working dog, particularly in duck decoys to lure ducks.
How old is the breed?
The breed dates back to the 16th century.
How tall is a Kooikerhondje?
Height is given as 35, but the measurement unit is unspecified.
Where can I compare it with other dogs?
You can compare it with other dog breeds or with dog breeds from the Netherlands.
More dog breeds from Netherlands
Dutch Tulip Dog Netherlands Photo: Sietske van Maanen · Public domain 
Photo credits9 photographs on this page
- Kooikerhondje — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY 2.5 · file page
- Drentse Patrijshond — Eric Broeksma · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Dutch Shepherd — Teunie · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Dutch Smoushond — Jovare · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Dutch Tulip Dog — Sietske van Maanen · Public domain · file page
- Keeshond — dancing with wolves · CC BY 2.0 · file page
- Saarloos wolfdog — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Schapendoes — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Wetterhoun — Pleple2000 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.