Kooikerhondje Breed Profile

Head: Mesaticephalic skull type, moderate in size, somewhat shaped like that of a blunt wedge. It is in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is sufficiently broad and may appear slightly arched in profile and flat when viewed from the front. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles.

Eyes: Moderate in size, almond in shape, and dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.

Ears: Fairly large in size. Set somewhat high, being higher than eye level, but just below the plane of the skull. The ear leathers are medium in length, reaching the inner corners of the eyes when extended forward. They hang close to the head, without a fold or "fly-away" appearance.

Muzzle: The muzzle is full and broad, tapering slightly from the broader base toward the nose. The plane (or bridge) of the muzzle is straight and level. The upper and lower jaws are well developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipey or weak.

Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black.

Neck: Moderate length allows for good head carriage. It is strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers slightly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.

Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well-developed without being excessively pronounced.

Body: Compact, solid, and of good substance. The body is never racy nor refined, nor heavy and cloddy. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.

Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. The toes are well-webbed for swimming.

Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, usually level with the topline to gaily, but never tucked. The tail is of a moderate length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, gently curved, or sabered.

Movement: They have a smooth, flowing gait with graceful movements. Energetic, effortless, and efficient, the characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: The Kooikerhondje breed, with their cheery disposition, attractive good looks, can-do attitude, and compact size, is considered by many in the native Netherlands to be the idyllic companion dog. The dogs are loyal, sweet, and devoted to their people. They are energetic and lively out in the open and calm indoors. They are friendly dogs, but they can be indifferent to somewhat aloof toward strangers. Regular training and exercise are recommended for this breed, as pent-up energy can manifest in behavioral issues later down the road.