| Country of Origin: Holland Breed Status: The Drentsche Patrijshond is an internationally recognized purebred. Distribution: While internationally recognized by the FCI and a popular choice among Dutch hunters, the majority of the approximately 6,000 members of the breed are largely restricted to Holland, although breed clubs do exist in Belgium and Denmark. Etymology: Drentsche Patrijshond translates into English as Drentsche Partridge Dog, a name given in reference to its area of origin in the province of Drenthe and to its original use as a partridge dog. Other Names: Drent, Drentsche Partridge Dog, Dutch Partridge Dog Breed History: When the Spanish invaded Holland during the sixteenth century, they brought with them early setting dogs that had originally come from France. These dogs mixing with the native Dutch dogs are what gave rise to the Drentsche Patrijshond. In the centuries following its creation, the Drentsche Patrijshond was often crossed with foreign breeds. It was only in the eastern portion of the country, particularly Drenthe but also neighboring provinces including Friesland, Groningen and Overijssel where the breed remained pure. On May 15, 1943 the Raad van Beheer (national kennel club of Holland) recognized the Drentsche Patrijshond. This was followed five years later by the formation of the first breed club, the Nederlandse Vereniging "De Drentsche Patrijshond", on June 5, 1948. Appearance: The Drentsche Patrijshond is a well-proportioned breed of spaniel type. The height for both sexes ranges from 21.65 to 24.8 inches (55 to 63 cm) at the withers, although a slightly larger size is allowed if the dog is properly proportioned. The skull is broad and slightly rounded. A barely perceptible furrow runs from the stop halfway up to the moderately developed occiput. The stop is shallow and when seen from the front or sides appears to slow gradually into the muzzle. The wedge shaped muzzle is blunt at the base. The nasal bridge is broad and preferably straight, although a slight arch is allowed. The lips are dry and non-pendulous. The well-developed nose is brown in color and possesses wide-open nostrils. The Drentsche Patrijshond has a scissor bite. The moderate sized eyes are wide-set, oval in shape, and amber in color. The high-set, close hanging ears are broad at the base before ending in a blunted point. When drawn forward the ears should reach within three fingers’ breadth of the tip of the nose. The powerful neck is dry and medium in length. The body is slightly longer than it is tall. The deep chest reaches the elbows and is broad in front. The ribs are well sprung. The powerful back is medium in length. The abdomen is slightly tucked up. The round or oval feet have tight, arched toes. The high-set tail reaches to the point of the hocks. When at rest, the tail hangs down with the lower half slightly curved upwards. When in action, the tail is carried horizontally, with the lower half carried in a slightly upward curve. A notable characteristic of the breed is that it moves its tail in a circle when searching for game, especially when it has obtained a scent. The dense coat covers the body, and while not long on the body, gives the impression of such. The outsides of the ears are covered with abundant, wavy hair. The inside rims of the ears are richly feathered. The hair on the neck and chest is longer than that of the body. The legs and tail are feathered. The area between the toes is covered with dense hair. The Drentsche Patrijshond is white with brown or orange patches and sometimes tan markings. The color may or may not be speckled. Less desired, but still allowed is a mantle of brown, orange, or tan. Personality and Uses: The Drentsche Patrijshond is a versatile breed of gundog capable of pointing and retrieving from both land and water. In the past, the breed was most often used to hunt partridge, grouse, and quail. As it original quarry began to grow less plentiful in Holland, the breed began to be used on more numerous prey such as pheasant, hare, and rabbit. The Drentsche Patrijshond searches thoroughly, but with good speed as it stays close to its master, never moving beyond the range of the gun and looking back frequently for directions. The heavy coat of the breed can be a slight hindrance during early season warm weather hunts. In additional to its role as a gundog, the Drentsche Patrijshond is often used as a watchdog and companion. In the past, the breed was even used to pull dogcarts. The Drentsche Patrijshond is a quiet, friendly, intelligent breed. Harsh training should be avoided as it is considered counterproductive to such a meek and obedient breed. The coat is considered fairly self-cleaning, other than a brushing after a day spent in the field, so baths are rarely needed. |