The Kooikerhondje is a medium-sized dog. Males stand around 40 cm tall, while females tend to be slightly smaller. The body shape is nearly square, meaning it’s well-balanced rather than elongated.
The head is elegant and softly shaped — not too large or heavy — with a slightly rounded skull, a gentle, friendly expression, and a well-proportioned muzzle that blends smoothly into the face. The ears are medium-sized and set high, hanging close to the cheeks with long, silky hair. The tips often carry distinctive black hairs known as “earrings,” which reminded me of my Dachshund, Vidra.
The coat is fairly long, and yes — these dogs do shed throughout most of the year. Shedding becomes more noticeable during seasonal changes or hormonal cycles (especially in females). If you usually wear light-colored clothes, you’ll hardly notice it; otherwise, a good clothes brush is a must.
Spending a lot of time outdoors, I initially worried that a white dog would always look dirty. But they seem to have a kind of self-cleaning ability — once the mud dries, it simply falls off the soft fur, and soon the dog looks clean again. Regular brushing keeps the coat in good condition, and beyond that, the Kooikerhondje requires little extra grooming.
Given their background as a sporting breed, Kooikerhondjes are naturally agile and quick. Their energy and attentiveness make them excellent dogs for agility and other active pursuits. However, they don’t need endless hours of exercise — they are just as happy spending quiet time indoors with their family.
One typical characteristic of Kooikerhondjes is their initial reserve toward strangers — both dogs and people. They may bark and appear anxious at first, but once they get to know someone, they usually become friendly and affectionate. My dog Bistra, for instance, loves to cuddle and often lies on my lap, though she dislikes being held tightly. I’ve heard similar experiences from other owners. This trait isn’t necessarily a problem, but it can make vet visits a bit more stressful. Because of this sensitivity, the breed may be less suitable for families with very young children. If children are old enough to understand and respect a dog’s boundaries, however, they make wonderful companions — their high energy levels match active kids perfectly.
Kooikerhondjes are cheerful, eager to work, and quick learners. They’ll be as obedient as you train them to be, which is why I always recommend attending at least some form of dog training class. It gives the dog valuable experience in listening and behaving outside the home, especially around other dogs and distractions. They’re generally not noisy dogs — they’ll bark to alert you when someone approaches, but rarely without a reason.