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DRENTSE PATRIJSHOND |
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Originating in
the province of Drente, the source of his name, the Patrijshond appears
in paintings done several centuries ago. He probably was created soon
after the first use of firearms. His history is of the same pool of hawking
or setting dogs, from which all of the setters and spaniels descended.
Always a favorite dog for the weekend hunter in the Netherlands, there
are about 6,000 of the breed, almost all in its native country.
He is a pointing
dog and a fine retriever, as well as a quiet and well-mannered companion.
Hunters also find him good for water work. His most admired quality is
that he naturally hunts "under the gun."
Although searching
thoroughly, he stays close to the hunter, never straying beyond gun
range, and frequently looks to his master for direction. Partridge and
quail are not so numerous as they once were in the Netherlands, but
the dogs do not have to worry about unemployment—they have adapted well
to hunting the still plentiful rabbit and pheasant. Due to his fine
nature, he has gained some demand as a companion dog and house pet.
The name is
often shortened to Drent (plural Drenten), which is also what people
from this province are called. In body type, he is a heavier built dog
than the Small Munsterlander, and perhaps most resembles the German
Longhair, with a smaller and more refined head. His tail is left long
in the style of the setter and, when on scent, is swung around circularly.
Due to his gentle, obedient and meek nature, harsh training is unnecessary
and, in fact, is counterproductive. The breed base is small, and there
is nowhere to go for new blood, so the breed association is actively
advising breeders and testing dogs in form and function to ensure all
breeding stock is sound.
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