Often referred to as the Kooiker Hound, the Kooikerhondje is a small breed of gundog derived from the Netherlands around the 17th and 18th centuries and was popularly used for working such as duck hunting and tolling.

Whilst often used as a duck decoy, the Kooikerhondje was also raised as a general all purpose dog as well as guard dog, rat and mice catcher, mole hunter and in later years a pet.

For generations, the Kooikerhondje would use his exceptional intelligence and agile nature to attract ducks into traps called 'Kooi's' built by his master. A Kooi consisted of a curved ditch leading out from a pond, to which a Kooikerhondje would then parade his feather-like tail in front of his prey, luring ducks into the trap.

The Kooikerhondje is a great swimmer and its gleaming white and rich chestnut coat is fully waterproof, aiding his performance when out in water and attracting that necessary attention from his feathered prey.


This year the Kooikerhondje Great Club of Great Britain will be celebrating their 20th anniversary along with a 25th birthday celebration since Inga and Baron became the first Kooikers to be imported into the UK. Browse their website for more information about the breed and this year's anniversary.


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