Drentse Patrijshond

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Drentsche Patrijshond

Other names

Drent’scher Hühnerhund
Drentsche Partridge Dog
Dutch Partridge Dog

Country of origin

Traits

Classification & standards
FCI	Group 7 Section 1 #224	standard
UKC	Gun Dogs	[? standard]

Notes

The UKC does not have an official breed standard.

The Drentsche Patrijshond is a rare dog breed, not widely known even in its country of origin, The Netherlands, although breed clubs operate in Belgium, Denmark and Norway, and a small number of American breeders have recently introduced the dog to the United States. The Drentsche Patrijshond, also known as the Drentsche Partridge Dog or Dutch Partridge Dog, bears some resemblance to the spaniel and setter families. An excellent pointer and retriever, this dog is often used to hunt fowl and adapts equally well to the field or marshes.

1 Description
- 1.1 Appearance
- 1.2 Temperament
2 History
3 External links
4 References

[edit] Description

[edit] Appearance

Valid color is white with brown or orange markings. Mostly white with large brown plates. There is usually one plate that covers the backside above the tail. Tricoloured, with the addition of tan markings, is permissible. A mantle is permissible, but generally less desired. Size: 55 to 63 cm (22 to 25 in). See further, FCI-Standard N° 224 I 05.05.2003 I GB , link below.

[edit] Temperament

Though the breed shows a strong hunting instinct in the field, and can be quite driven, these dogs tend to be more relaxed in the home than many of the hunting breeds. They are strongly attached to family members, loyal, and of sweet disposition, particularly with children.

[edit] History

The Drentsche Patrijshond originated in the 16th century from the Spioenen (or Spanjoelen) which came to the Netherlands through France from Spain- whence the spaniel category. In the Netherlands, these dogs were called partridge dogs. In the eastern parts of the country, particularly the province of Drenthe, the dog was kept a purebred.

The rural Province of Drenthe was unusual, in that it allowed "even" the common gentry the right to hunt. Thus, the local mayor, the farmer, and the "landed" population in general needed a dog to support their pursuit of various small game. For over 300 years, the Drent was that dog. Unlike many other hunting breeds, which were developed by, and for, the "upper crust" only to hunt, the Drent was expected to hunt all game, and also pull duty as watch dog, child playmate, etc. Some were even used to pull the dog-carts of the day.

Perfectly suited to the walk-up hunter, the Drent is thorough, in order to find all the game on the smaller plots available in Drenthe. It hunts with good speed, within reach of the gun. As with most European versatile breeds, the Drent points and retrieves, and will hunt "fur", including rabbit, hare and fox.

The breed was officially recognized by the Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in 1943, although its presence had been visible for centuries, including in Dutch master paintings (see Rijksmuseum online for portraits by Vermeer, Rubens, et al. that include this breed.) Today, the Drent is a favorite hunting dog throughout its native country of The Netherlands, with approximately 5,000 dogs registered with the breed club.

[edit] External links

[edit] References

This article does not cite any references or sources. (February 2007)
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