About the Kooikerhondje Standard

Characteristics:  The little spaniel that worked formerly and still is working successfullyin duck decoysis a true sporting dog with a lively temperament.  It is harmoniosly built.  Its coat is shiny, nicely colored and well feathered.

Classification F.C.I.:  Group 8, Section 2 (flushing dog)

General Appearance:  Agile parti-colored dog with a nearly squarebody.  It has a well feathered tail and an uplifted head.

Important proportions:  The length is slightly more than the heightat shoulder.  Length of the skull about equal to muzzle.

Temperament:  Cheerful, not noisy, easily kept, very dependent on its domestic environment, friendly, good natured and alert.

Head

Skull:  Sufficienty broad, moderately domed

Stop:  Clear, bu not too deep

Nose:  Black

Muzzle:  Not too deep in profile

Lips:  Not overhanging

Cheekbones:  Well filled

Pattern:  A blaze is preferred; coloried cheeks

Eyes:  Almond shaped, deep brown with a friendly, alert expression

Ears:  Medium sized, set on just above the line from the point of the nose to the corner of the eye; no white, hanging close to the cheeks.  Long feathered, black tips (earrings) are preferred.

Teeth:  The standard bite is scissors, pincer bite admitted.

Neck:  Straight and well muscled

Body

Back:  Strong

Brisket:  Deep with sufficient spring of rib

Tail:  Carried on level with the back or slightly above, not curled

Legs and Feet

Forelegs:  Straight and not too heavily feathered

Hindquarters:  Breeches long feathered: No feathering below the hock; the tarsal joint sufficietly angulated

Feet:  Small, with toes close; covered with short hair

Coat

Hair:  Medium long, with a slight wave or straight; no curls and close fitting.  Hair not too fine, well developed undercoat

Color:  Distinct and clear orange ed patches on white.  Color should be dominant.  Black and white and three colored dogs are not permitted

Gait/Movement:  Should be flowing and springy, not stepping

Height:  At shoulder from about 14-16 inches

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended in the scrotum