The Kooikerhondje, also known as Kooiker, Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, Dutch Spaniel, Dutch Decoy Spaniel, is a small, intelligent, active dog that originated in the Netherlands, where it has always been highly prized for its job of luring ducks into the traps and nets of hunters. Some people believe that these charming dogs are the foundation of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and they are sometimes referred to as Kooiker Hounds.
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Kooikerhondjes are generally not aggressive but can be sensitive and reactive, especially towards other dogs when on a leash or in unfamiliar environments. Their reactive behaviours, such as barking or snapping, usually stem from fear or anxiety rather than true aggression. They are naturally alert and territorial, which means they may bark to alert their owners of strangers or intruders, but this is typical breed behaviour rather than aggression.