Drentse Patrijshond

FriendlyIntelligentEager to pleaseHigh energyLoyal

The Drentse Patrijshond is a versatile gundog from the Netherlands, bred to point and retrieve birds. At home he is friendly, eager to please, and usually gentle with children and other dogs he grows up with. He is affectionate with his family but can be reserved with strangers, so early and steady socialization helps.

Day to day, he needs a lot of physical activity and mental work. Daily walks alone are rarely enough; scent games, fetch, tracking, and training sessions suit him well. Without an outlet for his energy he can become restless or start inventing his own projects around the house.

Good for: Active families with space and time to exercise

Size	large
Weight	55–77 lb
Height	22–25 in
Exercise	about 120 min a day
Shedding	moderate
Origin	Netherlands

Before you choose a Drentse Patrijshond

He needs far more daily exercise and mental stimulation than most first-time owners expect, so commit to that before adopting.

Living with a Drentse Patrijshond

Exercise

Plan for at least two hours of active exercise daily, including running, swimming, or field work. Mental tasks like scent work or training count toward his needs.

Grooming

His medium-length, weather-resistant coat needs brushing a few times a week to keep it clean and tangle-free. He sheds moderately, with heavier shedding in seasonal changes, and only needs occasional bathing.

Health

Drentse Patrijshonden can be prone to hip dysplasia and certain eye conditions, as well as ear infections given their floppy ears. Ask a vet about screening and regular checkups appropriate for this breed.

Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Ear infections

Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.

The numbers for a Drentse Patrijshond

Feeding, adult

3.5–4.75 cups a day

About 1,436 kcal, roughly 27 lb of dry food a month at 55–77 lb. Start here and adjust to the bag and your vet. Portion calculator →

What a year costs

$2,350–$4,000

Food about $1,056, plus routine vet care, parasite preventives and gear. US averages; insurance and emergencies on top.

Weather

Watch above 72°F, stop at 82°F

Coat or short walks below 32°F. Big dogs overheat before small ones: water on every warm walk, and pavement checked with the back of your hand.

LIVE · New York

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Walk index

Heat, pavement and UV for your dog.

Right now

Latest dog food recalls

Aunt Millie s Bakehouse Whole Grain White Hot Dog Buns 6" Sliced 2 OUNCE. 12 unlabeled 12CT PKGS per sale unit case, product code 7502. Net. Wt. 18lbs.
Perfection Bakeries LLC · Sep 13 · Undeclared sesame

Breadman Brioche products in plastic bags: Brioche Toast, 2 lb. (1 loaf/bag), Brioche Buns, 40oz (10 buns/bag), Brioche Sliders, 50oz (25 sliders/bag), Brioche Hot Dog, 40oz (10 buns/bag)
Breadbox Co. · May 16 · Undeclared Yellow No. 5

Our Family White Hot Dog Enriched Buns, 8 count 12oz. retail unit UPC 0-70253-75107-3
Perfection Bakeries LLC · Mar 21 · undeclared sesame

All recalls →

Questions owners ask

Does the Drentse Patrijshond shed a lot?

He sheds moderately year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes. Brushing a few times a week keeps loose hair under control.

Can a Drentse Patrijshond live in an apartment?

It is possible only if you can provide long daily walks, runs, and mental work. Without that, he is likely to become bored and restless indoors.

Is the Drentse Patrijshond good with kids?

He is generally friendly and patient with children, especially when raised with them. Supervise young kids, as his energy and size can cause accidental bumps.