Kooikerhondje
Cheerful, lively, and affectionate, the Kooikerhondje brings endless energy and charm to any home. A quick learner, this breed thrives as a playful and loyal companion.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
38–41 cm (male)
36–39 cm (female)
WEIGHT
9–11 kg (male)
9–11 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Kooikerhondje: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Kooikerhondje isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Kooikerhondje's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Kooikerhondje is friendly, alert, and affectionate, typically forming strong bonds with family while remaining reserved with strangers. This breed is sensitive and thrives on companionship.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, responds well to training
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Enjoys interactive games and gentle play
Adjusts fairly well to new situations
Strengths
- Intelligent and quick to learn commands
- Loyal and forms strong family bonds
- Agile and enjoys active outdoor activities
- Generally good with respectful children
- Moderate grooming needs for coat maintenance
Challenges
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Can be reserved with strangers at first
- Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
- May chase small animals due to prey drive
- Sensitive to harsh corrections or loud environments
Protect your Kooikerhondje
Kooikerhondje can develop patellar luxation and eye disorders. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Kooikerhondjes are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
The Kooikerhondje is intelligent, quick to learn, and generally responds well to positive, consistent training. They can be sensitive to harsh methods, so gentle guidance is recommended.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Kooikerhondjes have moderate to high energy levels, requiring daily walks, play, and mental stimulation. Regular physical exercise and activities like agility help prevent boredom and maintain their well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Kooikerhondjes are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Kooikerhondje would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Eager to please but may challenge inexperienced owners with their energy
Apartment Living
Adapts to apartments if exercised daily but prefers more space
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with active families that offer plenty of physical and mental stimulation
Kids
Gentle with children when supervised and properly socialized from a young age
Multiple Pets
Gets along with other pets if socialized early, but may chase smaller animals
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and can develop separation anxiety
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Kooikerhondjes compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kooikerhondje
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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