Drentsche Partridge Dog
Other names: Drentse Patrijshond, Drent, Dutch Partridge Dog
The Dutch Partridge Dog is a versatile hunting breed. It bears a close resemblance to the spaniel and English setter breeds. Happiest when they're working or exercising, these dogs are best suited to the rural lifestyle and may struggle to adapt to urban environments. The Dutch Partridge Dog has a loyal and sweet-natured disposition. They form exceptionally strong bonds with their owners and are really good around small children.
Key facts about the Drentsche Partridge Dog
Origins and history
The Partridge dog was developed in the Drenthe region of the Netherlands during the sixteenth century. Although she was primarily used as a hunting and retrieving dog, she often did extra work as a guard dog.
The Drentse Patrijshond is also much stronger than she looks and many farmers and merchants used this breed to pull carts loaded with goods.
Today, there are an estimated 5,000 Partridge Dogs registered in the Netherlands. It remains relatively unknown throughout the rest of the world and wasn't recognised by American Kennel clubs until 2010.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Drentsche Partridge Dog
Adult size
Female : Between 22 and 24 in
Male : Between 23 and 25 in
Weight
Female : Between 55 and 68 lb
Male : Between 66 and 77 lb
Coat colour
Brown and white, tri-colour, with or without flecks or spots.
Type of coat
Short, dense, waterproof coat. Feathery around the tail, ears, and legs.
Eye colour
Dark brown, amber.
Description
This is a well-proportioned dog with a strong, muscular frame that allows her to reach the speed necessary for a hunting dog. She has a dense white coat with large brown markings, and a deep chest with a long, well-developed rib cage. She has a wedge-shaped head, short muzzle and long, hanging ears, and her wide-set eyes give her an intelligent expression. These dogs can easily be mistaken for a Springer Spaniel or English Setter.
Good to know
This dog needs lots of high-energy exercise. This need can’t be overstated. Without enough physical stimulation, a Partridge Dog will become a very unhappy dog.
She is still very much a working dog in her native Netherlands. So think carefully before adopting one. The Drentse Patrijshond is nowhere near as domesticated as some other breeds.
One of the peculiarities of this breed lies in the fact that, during the search, her tail is agitated by a rotary movement, more and more rapidly as she approaches her prey.