The Kooikerhondje has a long history. As early as in the 17th century, this small, spaniel-like hunting dog was a popular motif of the well-known Dutch painters Jan Steen and Jan Vermeer. You can find him on numerous paintings. Although Kooikerhondje saved the life of the Dutch father of the country, Prince William of Orange (1533-1584), waking him up as murderers invaded the castle, it was considered extinct between the two world wars. At the beginning of the forties, Mrs. Baronesse van Hardenbroek from Ammerstol took on the breed and had such dogs searched. In the north of the Netherlands, a Kooikerhondje named "Tommy" was found, which is considered since then as the ancestral mother of Kooikerhondjes. Also the two males "Bobby" and "Bennie" from the area could be brought to the breed and in 1943 the first litter was born. After World War II, there were only 25 of these dogs left, the ancestors of all Kooikerhondjes living today. In 1967, the breeding club for this breed was founded in Holland. On 20.12.1971 she was recognized there nationally. The international recognition by the FCI took place on 31.03.1990.

Holland - one third of its area is below sea level. Countless rivers, lakes and canals run through the land, providing an optimal habitat for waterfowl. It is therefore not surprising that hunting for flying ducks has been established here for centuries. Special safety gears were built and the Kooikerhondje used in them. It ran along the banks of appropriately designed canals (duck coats), not visible through reed mats, to attract the curious, but always ready-to-fly ducks that were fed there. The ducks knew the dog with the magnificent white tail that always wagged and danced. So they got into the Fangreusen at the end of the channels, from which there was no escape.

Today, this fishing method is used only for scientific purposes. The Kooikerhondje also paid attention to house and yard, but only struck, if there was a reason. A versatile dog, he also hunted rats and mice.

The Kooikerhondje was optimally suited for his tasks: With his skill and optimal size, he was able to walk through the undergrowth and jump without getting stuck somewhere. The white-red-brown coat was always good to see, especially the bushy, white tail. It was calm and balanced - otherwise it would have chased the ducks - but very active, lively and enduring. These qualities have remained until today. The hunting drive is still available, but can be well controlled.

The prerequisite for this, of course, is that the Kooikerhondje be carefully educated. Since it is a bit shy, frightened and very sensitive, it must be done consistently but quiet. You should never act coarsely or loudly on the dog, otherwise you only distract him. It is also not necessary, because the Kooiker is very intelligent and learns fast, so that you will quickly succeed with motivation and rewarding the dog. The Kooikerhondje needs a very close and constant contact with the family, because it enjoys to work for his master and to be with him, whereby it is satisfied, if it may be quietly in the proximity. The dog should be given a certain respect, especially children must take into account his needs. It needs a lot of exercise every day, it also runs effortlessly on the bike (if it is at least one year old) or likes to be active in dog sports.

The Kooikerhondje is slightly longer than high, the withers height is 35 to 40 cm, the weight is 9 to 13 kg. The coat is slightly wavy to smooth, medium long, white with clearly delineated red plates. The dark color should predominate on the back. The brown, slightly almond-shaped eyes are almost always in dark fur, and the ears are reddish brown with long black hair, the "Oorbellen", ie earrings. A blaze that is as uniform as possible makes the catch, nose and forehead appear alive in white fur. "Freckles" are not desired. The tail, which reaches up to the ankle with the vertebra, is well feathered, and the hair on the chest and forelegs should be longer. Male dogs are usually a bit more powerful and masculine.