The price for a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje puppy from a reputable breeder can go as high as $2,500. Meanwhile, you could pay $50 to $500 if you get the dog from an adoption agency or a shelter.
However, it’s still possible to find a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje at $600 or $800 from a breeder.
That said, these dogs are hardworking and particularly skilled when it comes to catching ducks. So, they can certainly make up for their hefty price if you’re into hunting!
3 Factors That Affect the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Price
The breed might seem expensive initially, but there are a few factors that affect the price.
Scarcity
The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is rare as a breed and a recent inclusion to the puppy population in the United States.
In fact, some people might even look into Dutch breeders to get one of those pups!
You can find a directory of breeders listed with the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the United States of America (NKCUSA). However, the list isn’t as extensive as other dog breeds.
Demand
Only a handful of people know about this dog breed and its specifics. Naturally, it won’t be everybody’s first choice.
Luckily, more awareness about the Kooikerhondje dogs has been growing with every generation. So, the population will hopefully grow once the demand increases.
Pedigree
Purebreds can be more expensive than mixed breeds. So, if you want to pay less, consider a mixed-breed Kooikerhondje for your household instead.
Beyond the Adoption Price of a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
The Kooikerhondje’s adoption fee isn’t the only amount you have to spend on your puppy. It’s just the beginning of his life with you, after all.
You still have to spend on training, supplies, and grooming. Plus, you’ll also need to cover insurance and vet bills since the Kooikerhondje breed is prone to some health issues.
The Average Annual Cost of Owning a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
On average, the yearly costs can go up to $7,000.
Don’t let that number shock you; you can still save some bucks if you groom and walk the pup yourself.
Let’s take a look at the breakdown of the costs per month.
Food
Pups tend to go through dog food rather quickly.
As your Kooikerhondje dog gets older, you can feed him 1 ⅓ or 1 ¾ cups over two feedings per day. This amount is the most appropriate for an adult dog, with an average weight of 20-30 pounds.
All in all, it’s reasonable to expect to spend $50 to $100 per month on basic dog food.
That said, these dogs could use some variety during mealtimes, and you probably don’t want to stick to kibble only. Instead, you can try including some of the following treats:
- Pork ears
- Chewing sticks
- Bones
- Fish
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Blueberries
These treats can add more to the monthly cost, though.
Health
Generally, you’ll have to deal with a lot of vet bills with pups to cover early check-ups and neutering.
For instance, you’ll need to consider the following vaccinations for your little Kooikerhondje:
- Rabies
- Kennel Cough
- Leptospirosis
- Canine Parainfluenza
- Canine Parvovirus
- Canine Distemper
- Canine Coronavirus
On the other hand, an adult Nederlandse Kooikerhondje will require a yearly check-up. The visit can cost around $45 to $150.
Grooming
You can give the Kooikerhondje puppy a bath once a month since his coat can clean itself. You might also want to trim his nails in the same session.
Additionally, this dog should get weekly brushing and grooming since he’ll shed moderately.
Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes also need professional teeth cleaning once a year, which could set you back anywhere from $500 to $900.
You can limit the professional grooming session to 4-7 times per year at an estimated cost of $90 per session.
Insurance
The Kooikerhondje is a relatively healthy dog breed, but they’re still susceptible to some hereditary problems, including the following:
- Eye Diseases
- Polymyositis
- Epilepsy
- Patella Luxation
- Hereditary Necrotising Myelopathy
- Von Willebrand Disease
So, you might want to get pet insurance when your dog is still just a puppy. The plans could range from $60 to $120 per month, but you can tailor the coverage as he ages.
Some plans only cover the basics, like injuries and regular trips to the vet. The more pricey policies will eventually cover your pup’s health needs when he becomes a senior dog.
Toys
Buying your pet Kooikerhondje a new toy 1-2 times a month is not unheard of since the breed is energetic.
Pups, particularly, are capable of demolishing a soft plush within just minutes. So, the cost of new toys might be higher during this stage.
On average, this can set you back $15 or $30 per month.
Well-made toys can cost more, but they could save you more money in the long run.
Training
The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is highly trainable.
Just keep in mind that these working dogs do better in training when accompanied by their owners. As it happens, there are training classes that encourage owners to go with their pups.
Each class can be around $30 to $120, depending on your area.
The total cost will vary based on how many professional sessions your pup needs. If you can tackle the basics at home, you can save some money.
Exercise
Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes are a lively breed. This means that they’re going to need at least an hour of exercise a day, including walking.
You can also add more fun with scent work to stimulate the dog’s senses.
On average, dog walking services can cost $15 to $25 for 30-60 minutes. This will increase the annual cost, but it might be a good option if you have a rigid work schedule.
However, the Kooikerhondje might not do well with other dogs. So, you’ll need to opt for a private walking service if you can’t walk him yourself.
Other Costs
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje are rascals and can make quite a mess if you leave them alone often. In this case, you can consider a dog sitter service, which can cost around $30 a day.
Plus, the initial supplies include starter collars, leashes, and food bowls. So, you can set a one-time budget of $180 to $220 for those.
Calvin is the co-founder and one of the main contributors to dogtemperament.com. He has been an avid dog lover all his life. He enjoys researching and sharing great ideas on how you can avoid common pitfalls of dog ownership and build the most loving and enjoyable relationship with your dog.
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