Welcome to the website of the Ex Metullo Kennel!

As a biologist by profession and a lifelong dog lover, I came to dog breeding rather late — although it had been my wish for many years. My Hovawart female, Tuka, born in 2006, was unfortunately not approved for breeding due to poor hip results. Even though we knew from young age that she would not be part of a breeding program, she was a cherished member of our family for almost 13 years.

It was in 2019 that I first came across a photo of a Kooikerhondje. The breed is very rare in Slovenia and not something one often sees. I soon contacted the Slovenian cynologist Polona Peršuh, the first person to bring Kooikerhondjes to Slovenia, who let me see her dogs. My wish to have one of my own only grew stronger. In 2021, we were lucky to welcome a female from the Czech kennel Serenity Hill — Butterfly Serenity Hill — to our home in the village of Metulje in Southern Slovenia.

The dog’s name may sound amusing to Slovenian readers, as Metulje resembles the Slovenian word metulj, meaning butterfly. However, the name actually derives from Metullum, an ancient Illyrian settlement that once stood here. It therefore felt natural to name my kennel Ex Metullo, meaning from Metullum.

In everyday life, we call our dog Bistra, which in Slovenian means bright. It’s a rather bold name, but she’s such a quick learner that she certainly lives up to it.

In September 2025, we had a successful mating with Amadeus of Kooikermagic from Austria, so we are now counting down to the arrival of puppies! They are expected at the end of November.

Until then, I invite you to read more about this beautiful breed. I am often surprised that the Kooikerhondje has not yet become more popular in Slovenia — but perhaps Bistra and I can help change that a little.