| Country of Origin: | Netherlands |
| Registries: | DRA, NAPR, AKC/FSS |
| Breed Group: | FCI : Group 7 Pointing Dogs Section 1: Continental Pointing Dogs, 1.2 Spaniel type #224, UKC Gun Dog |
| Occupation: | Hunter, watch dog, child playmate, used to pull the dog-carts |
| Size: | Height: 55 to 63 cm (22 to 25 inches) Weight: 18 to 30 kg (40 to 65 pounds) |
| Longevity; | 12 – 13 Years |
| Exercise: | Moderately Intense and Frequent |
| Training: | Need to socialize |
| Grooming: | Average |
| Colors: | Brown & White, Orange & White, Tri-color |
Drentsche Patrijshond is known and unchanged for centuries; it is the dog from the Netherlands who strongly resembles of Spaniel and Setter. It is considered that this breed originated after firearms started to be used in hunting.
It comes from the province of Drenthe, the northeast of the Netherlands, where he’s known for more than three centuries. Unfortunately, little is known about this breed even in their home country. It is believed that this breed originates from the old spaniel (also called Spanjoelen) that came through France to Spain.
In 1943 the breed was officially recognized by the “Road van Beheer of Kznologisch Gebied” in the Netherlands. In 1948 a club for this dog breed was founded by the Dutch association “De Drentsche patrijs HONDA”.
Drentsche Patrijshond is the most reliable in the hunt for quail, other birds and other small game hunting. Drentsche Patrijshond is ideal for hunters who want to hunt in their spare time without too much effort. Usually these dogs are taught to detaily browse the area looking for prey without departing too much from the hunter.
When they find the prey, these dogs notify the hunter by whisking their tail. They’ll let the prey when the hunter gets in range shot. The dog then indicates the location and brings the affected prey.
Today there are about 5000 registered copies of the breed and are mainly located in the territory of the Netherlands. Known and unchanged for centuries, the Drentsche Patrijshond just feels good in the plains and in the swamp while hunting birds, especially grouse. These dogs have many qualities and are easy to train.
Drentsche Patrijshond is prized for very sensitive sense of smell and solid marking and proved to be excellent retrievers. The straight structure, coat and temperament are close to the classical Setter.
Their head is broad and flat with a wedge-shaped and developed nose. Amber eyes are full of life. The ears are adorned with long hair. The chest is deep with long fins. The tail is elongated and hanging idle, raised when the dog is in action. Their thick hair is of medium length on the body and on the ears. Drentsche Patrijshond is white in color, with brown or orange markings. Thick hair that covers almost the entire body requires a lot of grooming with removing dead hair.