Pointer Large size 20-30 kg

Drentsche Patrijshond

A gentle, versatile Dutch pointing dog - affectionate and family-friendly while still a capable gundog for active homes.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Large
Size
20-30 kg, 55-63 cm
High
Activity
High but balanced hunting energy
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles normal days if exercised
Easy
Trainability
Willing and sensitive to training
Moderate
Coat care
Medium coat, regular brushing
Excellent
Fit with kids
Excellent with children
Good
Other pets
Generally sociable with pets
Light
Health burden
Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy

The Drentsche Patrijshond typically weighs 20-30 kg, stands 55-63 cm, and lives 12-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a gundog that switches off indoors and dotes on the family,
you hike, hunt, or do dog sports several times a week,
you prefer soft, reward-based training - this breed wilts under harshness,
you are patient enough to wait: litters are few and waitlists are normal.

Do not consider this breed if…

exercise would be a leashed block walk twice a day,
the dog would be alone most workdays - it is family-oriented,
you want instant availability; sourcing one takes months to years,
heavy-handed training styles are your default.

A typical day with a Drentsche Patrijshond

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Long walk with off-leash time and sniffing
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rests quietly where the family is
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Retrieve games or a short training block
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Main outing: field work, swimming, or a run
  5. 19:00 · Evening
    Gentle house dog, keeps a paw on someone
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Sleeps soundly after a full day

Temperament and training

Family attachment Very high
Trainability High
Sensitivity High
Hunting drive High
Guarding tendency Moderate
Independence Low
Common owner mistakes
Using harsh corrections on a soft, sensitive breed and creating shutdown · Skipping recall training and then fighting the pointing-dog nose forever · Buying on impulse from the first available litter instead of a health-tested one

Family and environment

Kids Excellent
One of the friendlier gundogs with children of all ages.
Dogs Good
Sociable; typically easy in multi-dog homes.
Cats Conditional
Fine when raised together; birds and small pets are riskier.
Apartment Conditional
Possible only with serious daily outdoor work.
House with a yard Suitable
Ideal base for a dog that wants both action and family time.
City Manages
Adaptable if the exercise budget is honest.
Countryside Ideal
Field and water work is what it was bred for.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hip dysplasia Screen breeding stock
Progressive retinal atrophy Genetic eye disease
Chronic ear infections Check drop ears regularly
Hereditary stomatocytosis Known blood disorder in the line

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Similar versatile pointer, slightly easier to find
Small Munsterlander
An affectionate, versatile pointing dog that thrives on work and company - ideal for hunters and active families, poor for sedentary homes.
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Fellow rare Dutch all-rounder, same family focus
Stabyhoun
A rare, versatile Dutch farm dog that is patient, gentle, and eager to please - an easygoing family and hunting companion when given daily activity.
View profile →
Widely available pointing breed with more energy
Brittany Spaniel
A bright, tireless bird dog and affectionate family companion for active homes - its high energy quickly overwhelms sedentary owners.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Drentsche Patrijshond cost?
In the US expect roughly $1,500-$2,500 from the handful of club breeders, and be ready for a waitlist - this is a rare breed with few litters per year, and some buyers import from the Netherlands, which adds $1,000+ in transport. Over 12-14 years, food and routine vet care typically add $15,000-$25,000 or more.
Is the Drentsche Patrijshond good for families?
Yes - this is the breed's strong suit. The Drent was bred as an all-round farm and hunting dog that lived with the family, and it remains gentle, affectionate and patient with children. The condition is exercise: an under-worked Drent is a restless, whiny house dog, not a calm one.
How much exercise does a Drent need?
Plan on 1.5-2 hours daily, with real off-leash running, swimming or field work several times a week - a pointing breed needs to use its nose and legs, not just walk on pavement. Meet that and it is notably calm indoors, which is rarer among gundogs than people expect.
How rare is the Drentsche Patrijshond?
Rare. There are only a few thousand worldwide, most in the Netherlands; the US population is small and litters are infrequent. Practically, that means waitlists, travel to meet breeders, and a small gene pool - so ask hard questions about hip scores, eye testing and hereditary stomatocytosis in the line.