Coikerhondje is a rather rare breed of dog, whose homeland is the country of the Netherlands. Animals belonging to this breed are distinguished by a friendly and cheerful character. In addition, they are quite unpretentious regarding their care and maintenance.
Origin history
Coakerhondier (or Dutch Spaniel) is a Dutch dog breed that has long been used for purely practical purposes. For example, in the beginning the animal was used to corral ducks. Coikerhondje is a Dutch word consisting of two other, shorter words kooiker and hond.
If we translate such a phrase into Russian, then we get "Duck hunter dog." Despite the fact that the Netherlands is considered the birthplace of the dog around the world, inside the country this information is clarified and reported that dogs first appeared in the state province of Friesland.
Of particular interest is the story that one of the representatives of this breed saved Prince William II of Orange in 1591. Legend has it that Coquerhondier woke the sleeping young man at the moment when the Spanish army suddenly attacked the camp in which the prince was. This incident left a bright mark in the general history of the country. In addition, the event served as the reason for the recognition of the Dutch spaniel as a national property of the Netherlands.
It is important to note that images of dogs of this breed are quite common in paintings by famous Dutch artists. Moreover, the beginning of this trend dates back to the distant XVI century.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the popularity of Dutch spaniels decreased significantly. Accordingly, many nurseries and individual breeders suspended their work. However, such a sad trend, fortunately, did not last long. Already in 1942, active work began to restore and revive the breed. The initiator of such an activity was Baroness Van Hardenbrock Van Ammerstol. She initiated a search for thoroughbred Coikerhondier representatives across the country.
Thanks to such a large-scale effort, preliminary standards for the breed were adopted in 1966, and already in 1971 it was recognized at the official level.
Description
Coikerhondje is a breed of dog that is distinguished by a fairly proportional physique. The animal is small in size: its height at the withers is about 40 centimeters, and its weight does not exceed 10 kilograms. The anatomical features of the animal are of interest to researchers. So, the head of koikerkhondye has average length indicators, but the skull is quite wide and has rounded outlines.
The muzzle is wedge-shaped in shape, it narrows to the bow. The nose and lips are painted black. The bite of the animal is considered scissor-like, however, there are individual representatives of the breed, the bite of which is tick-shaped. It should be noted that such a deviation is within acceptable limits. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown in color.
Both puppies and adult Dutch spaniels have a rather long neck with pronounced musculature. Despite the fact that the back is not long, it is quite straight and strong. The chest is also quite well developed.
The tail may look different: be straight and set high or have a vertical direction. Limbs vary by location. So, the hind legs are set at a slight angle, and the front legs are parallel to each other.
The animal is quite fluffy, but the hairline has a moderate length. It is noted that Dutch spaniels are dogs whose hair is wavy and soft to the touch. The undercoat of the dog is well developed. The hairline is unevenly distributed over the body of the animal. For example, the throat, sternum, and limbs are covered with longer hair than other parts of the body.
As for the coloring, then, as usual, it is two-tone. The main background color is white, but asymmetrical spots of a tan tint are located on the body. A mandatory characteristic of coickerhondier is the presence of a colored area around the eyes. Also, ears must be painted without fail.
You can be almost sure of the pedigree of the dog, if at the tips of its ears there is a small amount of elongated black hair.
Character Features
The nature and behavior of the animal played an important role in its distribution and popularization. The thing is that the Dutch Spaniel is a cheerful, active and energetic dog. She makes good contact with people, shows friendliness and good nature.
I must say that despite the fact that the animal quickly becomes attached to all members of the family in which it lives, showing affection for all households, it will be considered only one person as the owner. It is in relation to him that coikerkhondye will show the greatest devotion and loyalty.
The Dutch Spaniel is a dog that will selflessly guard the territory entrusted to it, without letting outsiders to it. For strangers (for example, guests who come to the house), the cookerhondier will be treated with some caution and caution, however, there will be no reason to show aggression. Representatives of this breed are mostly angry in relation to rodents.
Therefore, you should refuse to purchase a dog of this breed if hamsters, rats or mice already live in your house.
Despite the fact that the animal is very fond of attention from the owner, it does not show excessive obsession. However, in order for koikerkhondye not to feel loneliness or boredom, the dog should be provided with constant active activities: outdoor games and frequent walks. In this way, the animal will require time.
It is worth remembering that The Dutch Spaniel does not get along well with children. It is unlikely that he will show any aggression towards them, but he will not feel any special love either.
What to feed?
To date, owners of four-legged pets are presented with a huge selection of options suitable for compiling a dog's diet. Of course, the preferred option (more healthy and natural) is considered the option of feeding natural products.
However, in this case, you will have to make a diet yourself and make sure that it is saturated with all the elements that are necessary for the normal growth and development of the animal (proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and other useful ingredients).
In addition, you should avoid prohibited foods, carefully monitor portions and monitor the freshness and quality of dog food.
It is in connection with such difficulties that the majority of dog breeders prefer a feeding system called BARF, which involves the use of ready-made dry feed and mixtures, which are sold in zoological stores and in zoological markets. This option is much more convenient in terms of time, and sometimes cash costs.
But it is worth considering that you can not buy the cheapest compositions. Choose only those manufacturers who have a good reputation, time-tested. It is also worth giving preference only to those foods that belong to the class of "premium" or "luxury".
How to care?
A dog belonging to the Coikerhondier breed does not require specific or complex care. It is quite undemanding and unpretentious in content. This is manifested in the fact that the animal does not require a large space, it can be kept even in an urban environment, in a small-sized apartment. Although it is still more preferable to keep the dog in the house, which is endowed with a plot.
Adequate exercise for the pet should be provided. - make sure that the dog leads an active lifestyle. To do this, you should constantly play with the animal, as well as conduct training.
As for the hygiene procedures, they are the same for the Dutch Spaniel as for the dogs of many other breeds. Koikerhondje should be bathed in warm water as they become dirty, using suitable dog detergents. They also need to clean their eyes and ears with cotton buds and discs.
Do not forget about clipping and regular combing. This set of procedures will ensure a neat and well-groomed appearance of the dog, and will also maintain the health of the animal. Mandatory medical procedures include timely vaccination, as well as the treatment of animals from fleas, worms and other harmful organisms.
In addition, do not neglect regular visits to the veterinary clinic in order to monitor health and prevention (it should be done at least once every 6 months).
Parenting
Education and training in relation to koikherkhondye - important and necessary processes. In the early stages of an animal’s life, it is important to ensure maximum socialization for it. However, training should not be under pressure, it is important to raise the animal quite softly and gradually. Any pressure on the dog can cause its isolation and refusal to make contact with people.
Basic commands and tricks should be explained to animals from the first months of life.If possible, write down your Dutch spaniel for dog training courses and entrust the dog's training to professionals.
In addition, such courses will be useful on the part that will allow your four-legged pet to communicate with other dogs. Due to the fact that the spaniel has quite developed mental abilities, he quickly and easily learns, and therefore often participates in a variety of sports competitions.
All about the Coikerhondier dog breed see below.
