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Dutch Partridge Dog Breed Description

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Breed Organization

Drentse Partridge Dog Club of North America

Native Country
The Netherlands

Other Names
Drentse Partridge Dog, Drentsche Patrijshond, Drentse Patrijshond

Life Expectancy
Approximately 11-13 Years

Litter Size
No Litter Information Available

Breed Group
AKC-Foundation Stock

General Description

The Drentsche Patrijshond is a versatile spaniel-type hunting dog from the Dutch province of Drenthe. Called the Dutch Partridge Dog (or "Drent" for Drenthe) in English, approximately 5,000 dogs are registered with the breed club in the Netherlands, and breed clubs operate in Belgium, Denmark, Scandinavia and North America. The Drentsche Patrijshond bears some resemblance to both spaniel and setter types of dog. An excellent pointer and retriever, this dog is often used to hunt fowl and adapts equally well to the field or marshes.

Valid color is white with brown or orange markings. Mostly white with large brown plates (spots). There is usually one plate that covers the backside above the tail. A mantle (large marking across the back) is permissible, but generally less desired. The coat is medium long, with feathers on the leg and longer hair on the front of the chest, giving the impression of a longer-haired coat. The Drentsche Patrijshond is 22 to 25 in at the withers. The breed weighs 48-73 pounds on average.

Breed Standard

Head: Broad and flat. Slight stop. Straight nosebridge. Wedge-shaped muzzle. Brown nose.
Ears: Covered with long hair, hanging flat against the cheeks.
Eyes: Amber.
Body: Compact. Deep chest. Long ribs. Broad loin. Powerful back. Fairly long, slightly sloping croup.
Tail: Long, hanging down at rest, raised in action.
Hair: Thick, medium in length on the body. Feathering on the ears, legs, and tail.
Coat: White with brown or orangish spots.
Size: Dog: 57 to 63 cm (22,5-24,8 in).Bitch: slightly less.
Weight: 20 to 25 kg (44-55 lb).


History

The origins of the Drentsche Patrijshond are in the 16th century, from the Spioenen (or Spanjoelen) which came to the Netherlands through France from Spain, and is related to the Small Munsterlander of Germany and the Epagneul Français of France. In the Netherlands, these dogs were called partridge dogs.

The presence of the partridge dogs had been visible for centuries. Before formal recognition as a modern breed in 1943, the type had been kept separate from other dogs as an undocumented breed for centuries in the rural province of Drenthe. As the Drentsche Patrijshond is a breed developed in the Netherlands, the breed standard was first developed and approved in 1943 by the Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied (Dutch Kennel Club), the Federation Cynologique Internationale national kennel club for the Netherlands. The Federation Cynologique Internationale recognised the breed using the standard developed by the breed's country of origin as the standard to be used in international competition. The United Kennel Club in the United States also recognises the breed using the outdated (February 1994) Federation Cynologique Internationale standard.

In November 2010, the AKC recognized the Drentsche Patrijshond Club of North America (DPCNA) and the Drentsche Patrijshond was added to the AKC Foundation Stock Service Program, allowing owners of registered Drents to participate in AKC sanctioned events such as hunt tests and agility competitions, starting in 2011.


Behavior

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.

Happiest when working alongside a hunter, the Drent enjoys the company of humans in the great outdoors. Several brisk turns around the park will satisfy it as well. Although it will come home and quietly assume its position on its bed, it should not be mistaken for a sedentary dog, the breed will suffer if insufficiently exercised.

Function

The province of Drenthe 300 years ago was unusual, in that it allowed the common gentry the right to hunt. The local mayor, the farmer, and landowners in general developed dogs to support their pursuit of various small game. Unlike many other hunting breeds, which were developed by, and for, the elite or nobility only to hunt, the Drentsche Patrijshond 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. For over 300 years, the Drentsche Patrijshond type has been an all-around dog.

Perfectly suited to the walk-up (upland) 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 Drentsche Patrijshond points and retrieves, and will hunt both birds and small mammals, including rabbit, hare and fox. Today, the Drent is a favorite gun dog throughout its native country of the Netherlands, with approximately 5,000 dogs registered with the breed club.


Health

Breed health concerns may include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and hereditary stomatocytosis.



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