Taking the plunge

WHAT'S GOING ON AT POUNDLANE FROM 2020

Taking the plunge

2/14/2022

Kooikerhondje

Interesting to read about Outcross program initiated for Kooikerhondjes with the first outcross to the Working Cocker Spaniel with discussions about other crosses including the Poodle and Brittany as some of the most popular suggested breeds to be used.
'The Kooikerhondje (Dutch for "Duck catcher's small dog") is a small spaniel-type breed of dog of Dutch ancestry that was originally used as a working dog, particularly in an eendenkooi (duck decoy) to lure ducks. Kooikers were popular in the 17th and 18th century and appear in the paintings of Rembrandt and Jan Steen. The breed is gaining popularity in the United States, Canada and Scandinavia, where it is still relatively unknown.' (souce wikepedia)

4 Comments

Lynn Hine

2/15/2022 01:59:10 am

Very interesting!
When we started our search for a puppy several years ago, the Kooiker was very high on our wish list.
They are a lovely breed but the tiny gene pool made almost impossible to break into what is quite a closed group of ownership.
The GB club were very helpful with information but the breeders are incredibly protective.
They are a very sensitive breed and, following an in-depth chat with an owner/behaviourist, we decided that it was probably too big a challenge for us as first-time owners.

Jane

2/16/2022 12:55:33 pm

I did consider this breed as a potential cross but, was told they could be a bit aloof. They have such a small gene pool (hence the Dutch breed club looking at crossing) and as you said, "breeders are incredibly protective" which is going to be the death knell for lots of breeds. The problem with breed clubs is the speed with how they progress, to much talking about what to do, rather than doing. It seems they have had a few years of discussing this and so far it looks like only one litter on the ground. I understand the Working Cocker cross as the first step, as the cocker will be a far easier breed to bring in because they are numerous and within the working dog community crossing is not so looked down on. You have to be careful on what type, probably trialing types, as they are not so heavy in type but, can be more hypo in drive. Also that they have good eye anatomy and not to jowly. Shame because I think the Brittany would offer a good cross with maybe a line to the Miniature Poodle to bring back the size and stop to much loosening around eyes and muzzle. I have remarked a few times on some of my dogs looking a bit Kooikerhondje. One of the hardest things for them will be finding the genetics to bring in from other breeds as the breed protection drawbridges are drawn up. Which we have seen with the Norway judgement on Cavalier and Bulldogs. Let's hope once the dust settles that some breeders can reflect, look at the science, look at the dog and realise things have got to change or else they will lose their breed.

kathy

2/15/2022 08:15:10 am

Hi Jane , re the dutch spaniel - by friend has one and I am sure she would be happy to discuss the pluses and minuses of having one! And problems getting one - I am not sure if you have my number - if not please send an email

Jane

2/15/2022 11:22:12 am

Hello Kathy, I remember you telling me your friend has one. Not interested in getting one, just interested to hear that they have started a crossbreed project and the breeds they are looking at using.
Thanks though!

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Welcome to this blog. I am Jane, a hobby breeder, situated in North Devon, England, UK (map at bottom of page ,shows where we are) on a quest to breed a healthier small spaniel similar to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
If you are reading this, you have most probably come from my main website The POUNDLANE spaniel
Problems with putting anymore blogs on that website, I have now started this blog from 2020.