Drentsche Patrijshond Dog Breed

Below are the details and specs for the Drentsche Patrijshond dog breed.

This is considered a medium-large sized breed with males measuring 23 to 25 inches at the shoulders. Females are slightly smaller at 21.5 to 23.5 inches. Members of this breed generally weigh 40-65 pounds.

Overall, this breed is intelligent and intuitive, yet slightly stubborn. They are a seamless addition for a hunter as well as a loyal and affectionate family companion. Drentse are athletic and curious but calm indoors. They are gentle and tolerant with kids and friendly towards other pets if trained appropriately. Those with varmint like pets such as rabbits and mice should consider another breed. Members of this breed make good watchdogs and do not hesitate to bark at strangers; they are not aggressive but will be reserved at first.

Members of this breed are considered medium maintenance. The least time will be spent grooming since, besides weekly brushing, ear cleaning is the major concern. They are shedders, however, and some cleanup will be required for their medium length coats. Drentse need plenty of exercise, 1-2 hours per day outdoors, but if this requirement is met they make calm indoor companions. This breed is said to be very intelligent and intuitive but stubborn, you will need to keep their attention with lively yet gentle training techniques; luckily they are said to not need overly frequent repetition once they have mastered a command.

The Dutch claim the predecessor to the Drentse, the Spaniel, made its way to the Netherlands via the French (although it originated in Spain) in the 1500s; however, the closest breed in regards to appearance is the Small Muensterlander, which resides just across the German border. In the Drenth region, these dogs did not mix with other types and so remained distinct. The locals referred to them as "Partridge Dogs" and they were primarily employed as fowl hunting and retrieving dogs. They are prized for their adaptability in both fields and marshes and are particularly useful in finding game that was missed. They are said to form an intuitive bond with their master, following their lead in the hunting field and not straying out of the guns range. Notably this breed was used for many purposes due to the ability of any person, from peasant to lord, to hunt in the region; these dogs were companions, family guardians, hunters or varmint as well as more prestigious game.

In 1943 the Drentse was recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club and in 1948 the Nederlandse Vereniging (breed club) was started. Members of this breed did not make their way to the United States until the 60's where they are considered a rare breed with less than 100 documented individuals. They were recorded in the Foundation Stock Service in 2010 and the Drentse Patrijshond Club of North America was also recognized in this year.

A bit longer than tall and sturdily muscled, this dog does not appear out of place in the gun dog group; their closest relative in regards to looks is the Small Muensterlander and they are frequently confused with Springer Spaniels. While they are not lacking when it comes to hair, they may appear to have more coat than actually exists due to an abundance covering the head, ears, tail and feathering of the legs. This dense hair is typically straight with wavy areas on the ears, back and tail. The very bushy tail is carried hanging with an upward curve at the end and is said to move in a circular motion when on the trail of game. The muzzle is wedge shaped with a brown nose, above which sits oval wide-set eyes that are preferably amber but can be dark in color. The ears are broad, hang close to the head and are covered in wavy hair.

Members of this breed are primarily hunting dogs and intuitively form a seamless connection with their master. The "Partridge Dog" designation by their native country is slightly a misnomer; they are very versatile in the hunting field and have a long history as not only a pointing dog for fowl but a hunter for varmint and family companion. Drentse are not running, fast paced hunting dogs but more stable and leisurely, preferring to stay within gun range. They can be calm indoor pets if given enough outdoor exercise.

Their loyalty and intuitive intelligence transcends the hunting arena and transitions nicely into a family companion. They are gentle, intelligent and easily trained, harsh words or methods are not necessary for this breed. There are some that say Drentse are stubborn which means you must find a balance between positive, patience and confidence in yourself as the alpha. It is advised that 8-12 weeks is the best time to train your puppy for this breed. They enjoy your attention and have a high desire to please, but most owners agree they are capable of spending time alone without destroying your home.

Drentse are loyal family and home protectors and, although they are not aggressive, will bark at strangers when necessary. The Dutch say that this is also a way of greeting for the breed. Around the house they will be affectionate and may follow "the boss" around quite a bit. They should not be solely outdoor dogs for this reason.

The typical Drentse Patrijshond will leave 10 to 12 years. They have few well documented health issues besides Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Hereditary Stomatocytosis, a disease of the red blood cells that can result in anemia and is sometimes associated with liver disease and gastritis.