Origin
The Drentsche Patrijshond is a hunting dog that has its roots in the province of Drenthe (located on the northeast side of the Netherlands).
The Drentsche Patrijshond bears some resemblance to both spaniel and setter types of dog.
During the 17th century, the Drentsche Patrijshond appeared in two of Gabriel Metsu’s paintings, such as The Hunter’s Present and The Poultry Seller.
An exceptional pointer and retriever, this breed has been used often to hunt fowl. They adapt equally well to the field or marshes making them the favorite of many hunters.
The breed standard was first developed and approved in 1943 by the Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied (Dutch Kennel Club).
Approximately, there are around 5000 of these dogs registered by the Dutch breed club that operates in several places including Belgium, Denmark, Scandinavia and North America.
Traits and Behavior
Because this breed was purposely developed as hunting dogs, their behavior conforms to its purpose, which is that they are trainable and easily obey the commands of their masters or trainers.
A laid back dog, exhibit a calm character, most especially, during hunting time wherein they patiently wait for their owner’s signal to retrieve fowls.
Despite an impressive show of traits and behavior, this breed is not for everyone. While they show good intelligence and loyalty, repetitive training and coaching tires them easily and can be a significant factor not to follow orders.
It takes a long time for training to reap the desired results as these dogs mature only after three years.
When they reach maturity, these dogs can be relied on as good pets and companions. They are lively, energetic and fun-loving. They are sociable to humans and other dogs, as long as they were earlier trained to socialize.
Since they are highly intelligent, the trainer must be consistent and firm in his commands for these dogs to become active, faithful, and useful.
Pet Care and Diseases
These dogs are easy to maintain. Regular combing or brushing will do and an occasional trimming as well. Bathing may be necessary, also regularly, as they are constantly exposed to mud and dirt from the hunting and running that they are involved with.
They are not recommended and not adaptable in apartment living. They need a large, open space to breathe, run around, and use a lot of their innate energy.
And since they love the outdoors, they should be given ample time for active exercises like swimming, walking, and running.
Aside from providing a good home environment, regular exercise is also needed. Their kind of food must be a mix of meat and vegetables.
Noted health diseases, although on a case-to-case basis, on them are:
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Hereditary stomatocytosis
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Deafness
- Entropion
- Ectropion
Appearance
The Drentse Patrijshond is a well-built breed. Adult males stand between 23-25 inches tall at the withers while adult females stand between 22-24 inches tall. Most of these dogs weigh around 40-65 pounds. The head of these dogs is the arched and broadhead. The oval eyes are medium in size and are amber in color.
The ears are set high and fall along their cheeks. The nose is black. They have a short and strong neck with a deep chest. They have powerful loins.
The tail of these dogs is set high. The hair on the ears is long and preferably wavy.
They have a dense coat that comes in one acceptable color combination, primarily white with brown markings. Markings can be found on the ears and around the eyes.
General Information
The life expectancy of this breed is about 12-15 years. Litter size: 4-8 puppies. Other names include Dutch Gundog, Dutch Partridge Dog, Drent, Drentsche Patrijshond and Drentse Partridge Dog.
Breed Club
Visit these dog club websites dedicated to Drentse Patrijshonds. Click this link: