DRENTSE PATRIJSHOND

COUNTRY: Netherlands

WEIGHT: 50 pounds

HEIGHT: 22-25 inches

COAT-; Thick and straight, with abundant feathering on legs, feet, tail and ears

COLOR: White with brown, orange, or,
occasionally, brown/tan patches; with or without ticking or roaning

GROUP: Gun Dog

Originating in the province of Drente, the source of his name, the Patrijshond appears in paintings done several centuries ago. He probably was created soon after the first use of firearms. His history is of the same pool of hawking or setting dogs, from which all of the setters and spaniels descended. Always a favorite dog for the weekend hunter in the Netherlands, there are about 6,000 of the breed, almost all in its native country.

He is a pointing dog and a fine retriever, as well as a quiet and well-mannered companion. Hunters also find him good for water work. His most admired quality is that he naturally hunts "under the gun."

Although searching thoroughly, he stays close to the hunter, never straying beyond gun range, and frequently looks to his master for direction. Partridge and quail are not so numerous as they once were in the Netherlands, but the dogs do not have to worry about unemployment—they have adapted well to hunting the still plentiful rabbit and pheasant. Due to his fine nature, he has gained some demand as a companion dog and house pet.

The name is often shortened to Drent (plural Drenten), which is also what people from this province are called. In body type, he is a heavier built dog than the Small Munsterlander, and perhaps most resembles the German Longhair, with a smaller and more refined head. His tail is left long in the style of the setter and, when on scent, is swung around circularly. Due to his gentle, obedient and meek nature, harsh training is unnecessary and, in fact, is counterproductive. The breed base is small, and there is nowhere to go for new blood, so the breed association is actively advising breeders and testing dogs in form and function to ensure all breeding stock is sound.