Drentse Patrijshond, Hunting dog

The Drentsche Patrijshond is a dog breeds versatile spaniel-type hunting dog from The Netherlands 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 and Norway. A small number of American breeders have recently introduced the dog to the United States, where it is marketed as a rare breed. 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.

Drentse Patrijshound Appearance

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. Tricoloured, with the addition of tan markings, is permissible. A mantle (large making across the back) is permissible, but generally less desired. The Drentsche Patrijshond is 55 to 63 cm (22 to 25 in).

Drentse Patrijshound Temperament

Though the dog breeds 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.

Use of Drentse Patrijshound Use

The Province of Drenthe three hundred 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 dog breeds club.