Drente Partridge Dog

The origin of the breed begins in the 16th century with the spioenen or spaniolen, Spanish dogs that came to the Netherlands via France. In the eastern part of the country, particularly in the province of Drenthe, dogs were raised in pure breed without any mixing with other foreign breeds. On May 15, 1943, the breed was recognized by the Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland and the Nederlandse Vereniging de Drentsche Patrijshond, the breed club was created on June 5, 1948. The project was encouraged by Baroness van Hardenbroek and Messieurs van Heek junior and Quartero. The breed is related to the Small Münster Spaniel and the French Spaniel.

The Drenthe Partridge Dog is described in the FCI standard as gentle, loyal and intelligent. Training should be done gently.

The Drenthe Partridge Dog is a well-proportioned spaniel with dry musculature. The body must reflect power and also the ability to run at a speed suitable for a hunting dog. The length of the body is slightly greater than the height at the withers. The tail reaches the hock. The muzzle is wedge-shaped; it is slightly shorter in length than the skull. The lips are fairly dry and not pendulous. Well separated from one another, the eyes are of medium size and oval shape, amber in color. Attached high, the ears fall well against the head without forming folds. Fairly long, they nearly reach the tip of the nose when stretched. Broad at the attachment, they end in a blunted point. The coat is medium-long, smooth or wavy but never curly. The ears, neck and chest are well furnished. It forms fringes on the front and back limbs. The tail is bushy and abundantly furnished on all sides. The coat is white with brown patches, spotted or not. The ears are brown, as is the hair around the eyes. Coats presenting a mixture of brown and white hairs, with or without markings, are less sought after, as are coats with a mantle.