Paintings a few centuries old depicting the breed, have also been found. The Rijksmuseum online portraits by Vermeer, Rubens, et al show the breed. Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland officially recognized the breed in 1943, and in 1948, the breedclub Nederlandse Vereniging ‘De Drentsche Patrijshond’ came up. The breed is rare in the US though the Federation Cynalogique Internationale (FCI), the premier European kennel, recognizes the Drent.
Appearance
Details: The Drentse Patrijshond is a medium-sized well-proportioned dog with a beautiful, feathered tail. The head is slightly small and broad with a rounded skull and moderately long pointed muzzle. The eyes are medium-sized and oval while the ears are set high, broad at base and drooping by the sides of the head. The body is slightly longer than its height. The tail is long, thick and richly feathered forming a plume at the lower half. It droops in relaxed state and is carried at body level in alert state.
Average height and weight (mature size and weight): 22-25 inches, 44-55 pounds
Color / coat variations: The color is generally white with large patches of brown, orange, or brown/tan. The coat is dense, straight, and moderately long with abundant feathering on legs, tail, and ears.
Care
Lifespan: 12-13 years
Litter size: 3-7 puppies
Grooming and shedding: The Drentse Patrijshond is an average shedder. Regular brushing and combing is necessary to remove loose, dead hair.
Food habits: Drentse Patrijshonds do well on a good quality dog food. Excessive feeding needs to be avoided.
Climate and environment: The Drentse Patrijshond is most comfortable in open spaces and marshy lands.
Temperament
Behavioral aspects: Drentse Patrijshonds are always eager to please their master and family members. A hard worker, the breed is also well known for its gentle, meek, and quiet nature. The hunting instincts are strong. Adaptable by nature, these dogs require experienced owners that have the time for training and exercise. They enjoy moving around the garden and smelling different objects.
With children: The breed is affectionate with children.
With other dogs and animals: The breed may be good with other dogs and larger animals, however, owing to its hunting instincts, it may not be good with smaller animals especially, rabbits, hare, pheasants, fowl etc.
Training and learning rate: The Drenste Patrijshond requires little training and responds best to gentle and firm training methods. Harsh training will not give the desired results.
Activity Level
Agility: The breed is agile and a swift hunter.
Affinity to water: The breed likes to swim and is good at hunting in water.
How noisy are they: The breed is not snappy by nature and barks occasionally.
Exercise: The Drentse is an active dog that requires regular sessions of exercise and play.
Health issues: The Drentse Patrijshond is generally a very healthy breed.
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