Drentsche Patrijshond
DRENT-suh pah-TRICE-hond
Netherlands· Drenthe, north-eastern Netherlands
The Drentsche Patrijshond is a medium-sized Dutch pointing breed considered one of the oldest and least altered gundog breeds in Europe.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush, more when moulting
Coat length
Medium
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
12-13 years
Town or country
Flexible with sufficient exercise
Garden size needed
Medium or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Drentsche Patrijshond
The heathland and small farms of Drenthe province produced a versatile, adaptable pointing dog that could work closely with its handler, guard the farm and hunt partridge, remaining virtually unchanged since its medieval origins.
- Region
- Drenthe, north-eastern Netherlands
- Climate it was bred for
- Cool, damp lowland farmland and heath
- Original job
- Versatile pointing and farm dog for hunting partridge
The long read
About the breed
Its long history as an all-purpose farm and hunting dog in Drenthe shaped a close-working, versatile pointer with a strong bond to its handler and a calm, steady disposition in the field.
At home it is affectionate, loyal and good with children, though it is also alert and can be reserved with strangers, making it a capable watchdog as well as companion.
Today it remains popular in the Netherlands as both a working gundog and family companion, with a small but dedicated following internationally, particularly in Scandinavia and North America.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Drentsche Patrijshond greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Drentsche Patrijshond is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Drentsche Patrijshond's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1500s
Ancient ancestry
Dogs closely resembling the modern breed are recorded in Dutch paintings and documents from this period.
1870s
Recognised type
The breed was recognised as distinct from related continental pointing breeds such as the Small Munsterlander.
1943
Breed club founded
A Dutch breed club was established to protect and promote the Drentsche Patrijshond.
1949
Official standard
The first formal breed standard was adopted.
1990s
International spread
The breed gained a small but growing following outside the Netherlands, especially in Scandinavia.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest and strong loin.
- coat
- Medium-length, straight or slightly wavy, with feathering on the legs, ears and tail.
- ears
- Set at eye level, hanging close to the cheeks, feathered.
- eyes
- Oval, brown, with a lively, intelligent expression.
- head
- Moderately broad, with a well-defined stop.
- size
- Dogs 58-63cm, bitches 55-60cm
- colour
- White with brown or orange patches, often roan or ticked.
- temperament
- Loyal, watchful, affectionate and versatile.
- general appearance
- A medium-sized, well-proportioned spaniel-like pointing dog, alert and lively.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
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Made for the Drentsche Patrijshond
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Drentsche Patrijshond illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Drentsche Patrijshond Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Drentsche Patrijshond illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Drentsche Patrijshond Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Drentsche Patrijshond illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Drentsche Patrijshond Mug
Ceramic mug with the Drentsche Patrijshond illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Standard Lead
Padded-handle 1.2m lead in Pawpoint tan.
Fits any dog
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