Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 22nd February 2026
Drentse Patrijshond
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 22nd February 2026
The Drentse Patrijshond (pronunciation: da’rinse-ah puh’trice-hoon) is a medium-sized, versatile hunting dog developed in Drenthe (a Dutch province) by farmers for hunting vermin, transporting dairy to the marketplace, and doing other tasks. It is characterized by a moderately long, wedge-shaped head, well-developed, brown nose, slightly tapering muzzle, medium-sized, oval eyes, high-set ears, powerful neck, deep chest, round or oval feet with tight, arched toes, and a moderately long, furry tail.
Drentse Patrijshond Pictures
Quick Information
| Other Names | Drent, Drentsche Patrijshond, Dutch Partridge Dog |
| Coat | Dense, straight, water-resistant; throat, fore-chest, and ears have longer hair than other body parts |
| Color | White with brown marks |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Group | Sporting Dog, Gun Dog, Spaniel-type Dog, Continental Pointing Dog |
| Lifespan | 11-14 years |
| Weight | 48-73 lbs |
| Size | Medium |
| Height | 21-25 in |
| Shedding | Average, seasonal |
| Temperament | Loyal, sweet, intelligent, sensitive |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Litter Size | 4-8 puppies |
| Good with Children | Yes |
| Barking | Occasional |
| Country Originated in | Netherlands |
| Competitive Registration/ Qualification Information | UKC, AKC (FSS), FCI |
Video: Dutch Partridge Dog Retrieving from Water
History
The Drentsche Patrijshond is considered to have descended from the Spanish pointing dogs that were brought to the Netherlands through France in the 1500s. Called the Partridge Dogs by the Dutch people, they were represented in some 17th-century paintings by Gabriel Metsu.
These dogs remained undocumented for several centuries until they were formally recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club in 1943. The DPCNA (Drentsche Patrijshond Club of North America) was acknowledged by the AKC and added to its Foundation Stock Program in November 2010.
Temperament and Behavior
Since it is smart, devoted, and gentle by nature, the Drentse Patrijshond is a highly regarded family pet besides being an excellent hunting companion. It bonds well with its people and is well behaved with children.
Although it is not usually shy or fearful, it can be reserved around strangers until welcomed by the owner. It is always watchful of its surroundings and will bark to announce intruders to the home.
An excellent hunter on diverse terrain, the Drent keeps in touch with its hunting partner. While approaching the prey, it points toward the game and waits patiently for its master to come near. If it waits for a long time, the Partridge Dog looks back for the hunter.
Care
Exercise
Being a moderately energetic breed, the Drent needs regular exercise and occasional mental stimulation. It loves running around a large yard or going out for a hike with its family members. It may also be trained for participating in agility, canicross, or other dog sports where it could be mentally and physically be engaged.
Grooming
It does not require much grooming except that its coat needs to be combed to loosen its weak hairs, brushed with a pin-brush for dead hair removal, and finally have the dander cleaned up using a boar brush. During the shedding seasons, this grooming session should be followed on a weekly basis, but one or two sessions may be skipped at other times of the year.
Health Problems
The Drent may suffer from some diseases or health concerns including cryptorchidism, hemophilia, hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, von-Willebrand disease type-I, retinal dysplasia, entropion, ectropion, progressive retinal atrophy, and distichiasis.
Training
The Partridge Dog’s smart, attentive, and enthusiastic disposition makes it fairly easy to train. Make sure that its training sessions are not monotonous with repetitious activities.
Obedience
Although it is known to be a docile dog, it may occasionally show some stubbornness and have an independent streak. Start your dog’s obedience training session by teaching it to respond to come, stay, go, sit, heel, and leave it commands. You may as well enroll it in a group obedience training class.
Leash training
Introduce your Drent to a collar and leash, and let it wear the collar for a short period during which you are giving it treats or playing with it. Teach a sound cue so that the moment it turns toward you give it a treat. Make the sound cue again, and then take a few steps back to make it come toward you. Practice walking your pup in a distraction-free room before moving outside.
Feeding
Give your Drentse Patrijshond a quality dry food and be sure to adjust its daily calorie intake depending on its activity level.
Interesting Facts
- The Drentse Patrijshond is also an excellent retriever and can find a lost game.
FAQ’s
