A friendly, alert and good-natured dog with people, the Kooikerhondje can be aloof with those he doesn't know but is loving to his family. He can be problematic with other dogs, so early, thorough socialisation is especially important. The Kooiker loves training and being given new challenges.

The Kooikerhondje dog breed ('kooiker's dog', also known as a 'Kooiker' dog) has been a recognised breed in the Netherlands since the 17th century, thought to descend from spaniel-type dogs that arrived in the area from Spain in the 16th century. The breed's originally function was as a decoy dog – a job that some still perform to this day. The dog would attract the ducks' attention and lure them to the kooiker (the person in charge of the hunt) and his nets. The breed has changed little over the centuries, as shown in art from the Dutch masters.

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

The Kooiker dog needs at least an hour's daily exercise. Unsurprisingly, he loves the water and will often dive into any he finds on a walk. As well as the canine sports (agility etc.), some Kooikers still work as duck decoys – either for hunting or for the birds to be tagged.

Health and Common Issues

As a result of careful breeding, most previously recognised inherited conditions in the breed (such as epilepsy and slipping kneecaps) are now rarely encountered.

Best Family Dog Breeds

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.