What distinguishes the Kooiker from other dog breeds?
Kooikerhondjes are neither small Setters or Retrievers, nor are they larger Cavalier Spaniels with a better heart! Whilst a Kooikerhondje can certainly be described as a sporting dog, its mentality and nature is a far cry from a Labrador or Golden Retriever, or a Terrier or Guardian breed.
As already mentioned under the menu item "The Kooikerhondje", Kooikerhondjes were used in the so-called "Entenkoois" to lure ducks into the trapping facilities on their own. This work requires a high degree of intelligence and independence. In addition, they protected the area from intruding humans, dogs or duck predators and hunted rats and other vermin that posed a threat to the nesting ducks or their owners' food supply. These traits are more likely to be seen in breeds such as working and guard dogs, or at best a terrier, but are NOT seen in most sporting dog breeds.
What characteristics can be challenging?
Kooikerhondjes are loyal, very intelligent, independent and have a predatory instinct. If you break their trust, it is a long way to regain it.
If the Kooikerhondje barks at a postman, is suspicious of people approaching its owner, takes a little longer to accept a new dog in its environment or chases cats in its neighbourhood, it means nothing other than that it is protecting its area from intruders, freeing its human from danger and defending its territory.
Some of these situations would be considered inappropriate behaviour in other breeds. In the Kooikerhondje, these are behaviours that have been selected over generations in their ancestors. In other words, the character traits of a Kooikerhondje may be correct for the breed, but wrong for certain owners who cannot cope with them.
What kind of person suits the Kooikerhondje?
People who are familiar with the Kooikerhondje's characteristics and who want to influence them positively by means of loving and consistent training are ideal as future Kooikerhondje owners.
