Yes, it really exists, the chicken dog. However, this does not mean a dog that looks like a chicken, but a dog that specializes in hunting poultry, in general terms. Thus, we are actually dealing with different breeds of dogs. Among others, we can find in this section the Old Danish Pointer, the Drentscher Chicken Dog as well as the Portuguese Chicken Dog.
Today we will deal with the Drentscher Hühnerhund.
Character of the Chicken Dog
The character is quickly described, because it shows itself exactly as you would want a dog to be:
- Intelligent
- Inquisitive
- Willing to learn
- Good-natured
- Obedient
- Loyal
- Fond of children
- Courageous
- Fearless
With all these positive qualities, he is also a workhorse. What more could you want?
The historical background of the Chicken Dog
As early as the 16th century, this breed was bred in the Dutch county of Drente and trained specifically for poultry hunting. Since this was a common “prey” in the 16th century, it was initially trained on partridges. Even though the breeding has expanded and developed over these long years, the dog breed was not recognized by the FCI until 1943. From this it was classified in the category 7, section 1.2 – Spaniel, No. 224 with working test.
Through many years of development of the dog, he has been able to establish himself for many tasks: Retriever and pointing dog, but also family and companion dog and even as a guard dog, he is a dog that is very versatile and likes to express all these facets as well. It is impossible to pigeonhole him.
The Drentscher Chicken Dog is still internationally known under the following names: Dutch Patrige Dog, Drentse Patrijs, Drentjes Patrijshond.
The colors of the chicken dog
The Drentse hen dog is predominantly white with brown spots or stripes. Larger brown spots may also occur. The colors orange-white or even tricolor are also quite common. The coat is relatively short to medium length and may occasionally be wavy. Striking are the hangings on the ears, which make him unmistakable.
Coat care is quite uncomplicated, but should be done regularly to prevent matting. Especially the ears need attention in this regard.
What are the demands of the chicken dog?
The Drentscher Hühnerhund is an agile, cheerful, friendly dog with a very high demand for exercise. Who decides for him, should like to go for a long walk. Because the small round around the block would have to be repeated already various times in the day, in order to be able to do justice to the activity requirement of the Teres. Certainly, this can also be met with dog sports. Agility is just as conceivable as Mantrailing, Agility, Obedience, Flyball or Dog Frisbee, Canicross or similar. It is important to challenge the dog physically, otherwise he will get bored. If you have the possibility to shift activities into the water in summer, you should plan a lot of time at the lake, river or sea. For here, too, he is fully in his element.
Because this dog loves man so much and is so devoted to him, it has been found that he is excellent for training as a rescue dog, school dog or therapy dog.
However, in addition to exercise, bonding with the family is also very important to him. Every member of the family is important to him. Regarding this, it should be kept in mind that this dog also likes to stand at the garden fence as a protector of his family, loudly announcing strangers and “intruders”. No, he would not approach them. But he will give them an escort to the house and, if in doubt, make it emphatically clear whether they are wanted or not. A little more education is needed here, so that he learns to select who belongs to the family and who does not. For this he has earned his place directly in the middle of “his” people.
As far as education is concerned, this is a dog of choice. Because he is easy to lead, willing to learn and ready to repeat the lessons in case of mistakes (both from the owner’s side and his own) until they can be executed correctly. One thing, however, must be absolutely observed: Coercive measures of any kind should be avoided as much as possible. This dog, despite his “activity” as a hunting dog, shows such a gentle character that any coercion would harm him. If he receives the proper training, he will prove to be not only a great hunting dog, but an almost perfect family dog.
In terms of care, no surprises are to be expected.
The Chicken Dog and its health
The Chicken Dog is a pure, very original breed of dog. For this reason, hardly any hereditary diseases are to be expected. A special health and robustness are in his blood. However, ear infections and hip dysplasia are to be expected. The ears should therefore be cleaned and checked regularly. Hip dysplasia can be stopped by special care by breeders.
Advantages and disadvantages of the chicken dog
With this dog you have hit the jackpot. He is friendly, intelligent, easy to lead, easy to train and happy to take a permanent place within his families. All this works perfectly, as long as his urge to move, which he possesses as a hunting dog, is fulfilled. This can be a problem for his owner, because he demands not only long walks, but also frequent activity during the day. Since this urge can also be met with some dog sports, it is never boring with this dog. Even small children can already provide him with exercise up to a certain point with throwing balls or similar. He will thank them by always keeping an eye on them.
Of course, this dog has an innate hunting instinct. It is also equally certain that even with the best training, he is still best kept on a leash as long as he is not on duty as a hunting dog. You should not put your hand in the fire for him to prove that he actually listens to call. You can never be 100% sure with a hunting dog, because they carry a certain independence as an innate ability.
The perfect person for a chicken dog
The chicken dog has a great urge to move, so it is important to “catch” a family where daily exercise is also a big issue. Whether jogging, running on the bike or just “only” fast walks and of course in the Somme the one or other bath in the water. This person should have understanding for the fact that the dog, which is actually a hunting dog, and be able to deal with him consistently, but still gently and lovingly. Any coercive action is a small death for this dog.
The perfect owner of the chicken dog fully integrates it into the family. This is not a problem, as the Chicken Dog is naturally very fond of children and enjoys bonding with them in play and sports.
Ideally, the family owns a garden where the chicken dog can occupy himself alone or with other dogs of the family, and most importantly, clearly mark out his territory.
Buying the puppies of the chicken dog
The Drentscher chicken dog is rather rare to find in a shelter. This dog you simply do not give away again! Therefore, it makes sense to buy it as a puppy directly from a reputable VDH breeder. Because they are sought after by both hunters and private individuals (as a family dog) due to their task as a hunting dog, you should look around in time for a breeder whose breeding lines suit you.
To find this out, various conversations with breeders are necessary. Because, of course, the breeding lines differ from each other in small points. But breeders know very well to whom their dogs fit best. Therefore, you should not take it personally if a breeder decides not to give a puppy. Puppies are also small personalities that, God knows, do not suit everyone. An important aspect that is sometimes forgotten.
First equipment for the chicken dog
- Dog collar
- Dog harness
- Dog leash, additionally possibly a drag line
- Water and food bowl, if possible easy to clean
- Dog bed / blanket for the resting place
- Long hair brush
- Undercoat brush
- comb / lice comb
- possibly clippers (but these should only be used if you really know how to use them).
- dog food
- possibly toys
- possibly treats
Dog food for the chicken dog
For this dog a high quality dry food or fresh meat is recommended. BARFING is an option as well as freshly cooked food. One to two meals per day is advisable, as this dog is a greedy representative of his species. Therefore, unfortunately, he tends to extreme gorging and also overweight. If there are indeed periods when he cannot be moved as often as he should be, the food rations should also be cut, as hard as it is.
Conclusion
For sporty people, who can meet the strong urge to move the Drentscher Chicken Dog, this dog is a real blessing! He has all the positive attributes that one would want in a dog. In addition, he is quite easy to care for as long as he is physically and mentally exercised. But remember one thing: a hunting dog is always a hunting dog and should therefore always be kept on a leash for his own protection.
FAQ
Is the Drentscher chicken dog a good family dog?
The Drentscher Chicken Dog is very fond of people. Fond of children, obedient and absolutely easy to take care of – that’s exactly how you want a family dog to be. BUT he has a strong urge to move, which must absolutely be met.
Is it true that the Drentscher Hühnerhund belongs to the rather expensive dog breeds?
Unfortunately, this is correct. The price for a puppy at a regular, reputable breeder is at least $1,800. There is unfortunately no upper limit in this regard. The price depends primarily on the breeding line.
Can beginners keep a Drentscher chicken dog?
Since the chicken dog wants to please people, it will not only present itself docile, but always perform its tasks perfectly or at least as well as possible. The beginner can get support in this regard in a good dog school and thus learn together with the dog.
Where does the Drentscher Chicken Dog originally come from?
He finds his origin in the Netherlands.
Can the Drentscher Hühnerhund be kept in a household with other dogs without any problems?
He is very social. So if he is used to other dogs / animals in the household from a young age, this should be absolutely no problem.
How much does a chicken dog cost?
These dogs are very valuable, as a hunting dog and also as a new family member. Since the number of breeders is manageable, the prices are quite respectable: from $1,800 a puppy is available. Depending on the breeder, this price can easily exceed the mark of $2,200.
Where does the chicken dog come from?
The Drentscher chicken dog originally comes from the Netherlands, exactly from the region of Drentje.
How old does the chicken dog become?
This dog may well reach a ripe old age of 14 years.
What is the size and weight of the chicken dog?
We can measure a height at the withers of this dog between 55 to 63 centimeters, with the male showing a little larger than the female. The same can be noted for the weight: it is between 25 and 35 kilograms.
How many puppies does the chicken dog get?
The litter size turns out differently. On average, 4 to 8 puppies can be expected.
Is the Chicken Dog a hunting dog?
Yes, this dog is a hunting dog that can be trained especially to hunt poultry of any kind on land, but also in water. For this reason, he is very popular among hunters. Because he is both easy to train, obedient, but also easy to lead, so he is the perfect hunting companion.
Is the chicken dog a family dog?
The Drentscher Chicken Dog is as much a perfect family dog as it is a hunting dog. But there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the dog does well as a pure family dog. For example, he has a great urge to move, which must be met. Ideally, several people have time for long walks, jogging laps or laps on the bike. In between, he then loves to play with the children in the garden.
As a physical balance, various dog sports can also be done with him. In this regard, it is best to try out what suits you both best. You should also have fun with dog sports.
Can the chicken dog be kept in a (city) apartment?
If you only look at the size of the dog, this should not be a problem. However, the problem for living in a city apartment is rather the urge to move, which cannot be adequately met in a city. Surely there are dog runs, dog meadows and dog sports fields. But whether these are in your direct neighborhood? And then there is the matter with the independent occupation in the garden.
For the good of the dog, it should not be kept in a (city) apartment.
