Kooikerhondje health: what owners should know
Conditions the Kooikerhondje is known to be prone to, breeder screening and everyday habits that help.
Two inherited conditions stand out in Kooiker health. Hereditary necrotizing myelopathy is a nerve disease that affects young dogs, and von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder; DNA tests exist for both. Epilepsy, cataracts and slipping kneecaps are also seen. Responsible breeders DNA test for these conditions, check knees and eyes, and share health information through breed clubs.
Ask any breeder for DNA results on both parents. At home, keep your dog fit and lean. See a vet if a nail trim or small cut keeps bleeding longer than a few minutes, if a young dog becomes wobbly or weak in the back legs, or if your dog has a seizure.
Numbers worth knowing
Life expectancy
12 to 15 yrs
Senior care
Individual assessment
age alone does not define care needs
Typical breed weight
9 to 12 kg