A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.
From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as unacceptable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.
Brief Historical Summary
Thought to date back to the 16th Century. In 1942, the Baroness Van Hardenbroek van Ammerstol began to recreate the Kooikerhondje. In 1966 the Raad van Beheer adopted the interim breed and in 1971 the breed was officially recognised. The Kooikerhondje was and still is used in the duck decoys. His task is still to lure the ducks into the decoy with his gaily waving tail; he does not hunt the ducks. He calmly moves between the decoy screens in order to provoke the ducks’ curiosity and lure them further down the decoy pipe where the ducks are captured in a trap.
General appearance
A small, orange-red parti-coloured dog. High head carriage. An untrimmed coat with well-feathered tail.
Important Proportions: Almost square body, the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks slightly longer than the height at the withers. Skull and muzzle are of about equal length.
Temperament
Lively and agile, self-confident and with sufficient perseverance and stamina, good natured and alert, however not noisy. The breed is faithful, easy-going and friendly to known people, but aloof to strangers..
Head and skull
Skull moderately curved. Length of skull and muzzle approximately equal. Stop clearly visible in profile but not too deep. Muzzle slightly wedge shaped, not too deep. Well filled under the eye. Lips close fitting and well pigmented. Nose black.
Eyes
Deep brown, almond-shaped, surrounded by orange-red hair. Black eye rims. Friendly and alert expression.
Ears
Medium sized, set just above eye level; pendant, carried close to the cheeks without fold, never flying. Well feathered, black tips (‘ear rings’) which develop with age, highly desirable.
Mouth
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaw.
Neck
Well muscled, of moderate length. A slightly heavier coat around the neck is highly desirable.
Forequarters
Well-laid shoulder with upper arm well angulated and of approximately equal length. Elbow lies close to the body. Strong, slightly sloping pasterns. Forelegs straight, of sufficient bone, moderately feathered.
Body
Length of body from point of shoulder to point of buttock slightly longer than height at withers. Strong, level back. Chest reaching to the elbows with well-sprung ribs. Sufficiently developed forechest. Slight tuck up.
Hindquarters
Strong and well muscled, moderately well angulated and hind legs parallel when viewed from the rear. Slightly sloping croup. Hocks well let down. Well feathered to mid-thigh.
Feet
Small, compact and slightly oval.
Tail
Tail set follows line of croup, reaching to the hock. Carried at or above the level of the back. Never curled. Well feathered with white plume.
Gait/movement
Flowing and springy with good extension and rear drive.
Coat
Medium long, slightly waved or straight; not curled, close fitting. Hair texture not too fine, well developed undercoat. The coat on the head, front part of the legs and the feet should be short. Well-feathered tail, moderate feathering to underline and back of legs; never below the hocks.
Colour
Size
Height: dogs 37-42 cms (14½-16½ ins); bitches 35-40 cms (14-16 ins).
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
*Note for prospective puppy buyers
Size – The Kennel Club breed standard is a guide and description of the ideal for the breed; the size as described does not imply that a dog will match the measurements given (height or weight). A dog might be larger or smaller than the size measurements stated in the breed standard.