Drentsche Patrijshond
德倫斯獵鷓犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Drentsche Patrijshond ('Drent') is a Dutch partridge dog descended from spaniel-type pointers that reached the Netherlands from Spain via France in the 16th century and were bred pure in the province of Drenthe, where the breed stood on three pillars: versatile hunting dog, farmyard dog and playmate to the children. The FCI standard describes a dog that hunts within gun range, keeps in touch with its hunter, points rock-solid and retrieves, needing little training — and warns that its gentle character makes forceful methods harmful. It barks to announce visitors, is reserved with strangers until welcomed, and is loyal, intelligent and, the AKC says, exceptionally good with children.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 55–64cm |
| Weight | 25–33kg |
| Life expectancy | 11–14years |
| Breed group | AKC: fss FCI: 7 |
| Role | Sporting |
| Coat | Medium coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 45–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 5/ 5 |
| Barking | 1/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 3/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 3/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Elbow dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited eye condition reported in the breed; DNA tests and eye examinations are available. Ask your vet or breeder about eye screening.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is reported in the breed. Ask your vet about thyroid testing if you notice weight gain, lethargy or coat changes.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is reported in the breed. Ask your vet promptly if your dog has a seizure.
Von Willebrand disease
An inherited bleeding disorder reported in the breed; a DNA test is available. Ask your breeder about testing and tell your vet before any surgery.
Urinary stones
Urinary stones are reported in the breed; DNA tests exist for some forms. Ask your vet about diet and about any straining to urinate.
Cherry eye / eyelid problems
Eyelid and tear-film problems (cherry eye, entropion, dry eye) are reported in the breed. Ask your vet if the eyes look red, sore or weepy.
Behaviour
Hunts within range, points like a rock, soft nature
The FCI standard describes an ideal dog for varied hunting that works within range of the gun and keeps in touch with its hunter as an innate quality; its tail circles when it scents game, it points solid as a rock and waits — looking back for its master if that takes long — and it retrieves and finds lost game in field and water. These traits are innate and need little training, and because of the breed's gentle character the standard says forceful training methods are harmful.
Announces visitors, then makes friends
The AKC says the Drent is expected to bark to announce visitors to the home or farm — without showing aggression or fear — and is often reserved towards strangers until its owner welcomes them, so it may seem shy at first but is never fearful; with proper upbringing it is a pet of exceptional value as well as a hunting buddy. The trait chart rates it 5/5 with young children and other dogs and for trainability, 3/5 for energy and 1/5 for barking. The parent club describes it as equally happy cuddling on the couch or retrieving game.
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 5/5, barking level 1/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Drentsche Patrijshond
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Drentsche Partridge Dog (standard no. 224, group 7)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Drentsche Patrijshond — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Drentsche Partridge Dog — FCI standard no. 224 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]FCI-Standard No. 224 — Drentsche Patrijshond (Drentsche Partridge Dog) — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]The Drent — Drentsche Patrijshond Club of North America — Drentsche Patrijshond Club of North America (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.