Breed History
The Drentsche Patrijshond, also called the Dutch Partridge Dog or Drent, is a breed that has been imported to North America from it’s home country of the Netherlands. Recognized by the Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied on May 15, 1943, the breed has become increasingly popular among foot hunters and families alike. The Drent is known for it’s hunting prowess, as well as it’s sweet nature and love for its family.
The breed has distant common ancestry to the Small Münsterländer and the Epagneul Français. The 5th of June 1948 the Dutch breed club was founded, the Vereniging “De Drentsche Patrijshond”. The Dutch Drent breed club has founded the Drent breed on three "pillars": hunting, pet qualities, and watch dog. During the breed's long history of over 300 years, the Drent had to pull "triple duty". Not only was the dog expected to help put meat in the pot, it was expected to warn of visitors to the farm or estate without fear or aggression, and to be a pet "par excellence" for the family. This is what makes the Drent such an ideal hunting dog for us in the US. Not only are they intelligent enough to be useful in hunting a variety of game, they are also marvelous additions to the family. The Drent is a true versatile hunting dog.
A Drent will grow to between 21.5 - 25 inches tall at the withers, depending on sex. They have a medium length coat which requires little grooming except weekly brushing.
The breed has distant common ancestry to the Small Münsterländer and the Epagneul Français. The 5th of June 1948 the Dutch breed club was founded, the Vereniging “De Drentsche Patrijshond”. The Dutch Drent breed club has founded the Drent breed on three "pillars": hunting, pet qualities, and watch dog. During the breed's long history of over 300 years, the Drent had to pull "triple duty". Not only was the dog expected to help put meat in the pot, it was expected to warn of visitors to the farm or estate without fear or aggression, and to be a pet "par excellence" for the family. This is what makes the Drent such an ideal hunting dog for us in the US. Not only are they intelligent enough to be useful in hunting a variety of game, they are also marvelous additions to the family. The Drent is a true versatile hunting dog.
A Drent will grow to between 21.5 - 25 inches tall at the withers, depending on sex. They have a medium length coat which requires little grooming except weekly brushing.
Field Use
For the sportsman who wants to hunt leisurely without too much physical effort in the varying fields, this is the ideal dog. The dog hunts within range of the gun and searches for game without going too far away from the hunter. Keeping in touch with the hunter seems necessary for him. When approaching the game he points as firm as a rock and impeccably at a moderate distance. When pointing, the dog is waiting for the hunter to come near; when this takes a long time, he will look back for his master. Since his North American introduction, the Drent has proven to be an excellent choice for many hunters. He has the adaptability needed to hunt all manner of upland game and waterfowl. After the shot, he retrieves from land and water and has a reputation as a determined and efficient finder of lost game. These characteristics are innate, therefore he needs little training. Because of his gentle character, it is wrong to train him with force.
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 Riley (Brooke/Fowler 2013)
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What Else Can the Drent Do
Drents need interaction and do best with active families. Your Drent will need to be walked daily, preferably let out to run uninterrupted for an hour or more. A Drent needs an outlet; a cooped up Drent can be problematic, as the are very smart creatures.
There are Drents being used in all kinds of upland and waterfowl hunting, tracking, agility, skijoring, canicross, and bikejoring.
A Drent loves to be involved with his people. Even if it is just sitting quietly nearby; Drents are soft tempered, stubborn, and highly intelligent. Harsh treatment or training will not work well with this breed.
There are Drents being used in all kinds of upland and waterfowl hunting, tracking, agility, skijoring, canicross, and bikejoring.
A Drent loves to be involved with his people. Even if it is just sitting quietly nearby; Drents are soft tempered, stubborn, and highly intelligent. Harsh treatment or training will not work well with this breed.
The Drent in North America
The DPCNA was established to develop and maintain the Drentsche Patrijshond as a field ready and family oriented versatile pointing dog in North America as the breed is kept in its native homeland, the Netherlands. The primary objective of the organization is to establish a sound breeding program based on adherence to the Dutch standard for type, coat, conformation, the elimination of physical defects, and of course field use. A strong emphasis will be placed on the dogs’ hunting abilities; nose, pointing, cooperation, temperament, and water work.
Please click on the club's logo on the left to visit the DPCNA's website!
Please click on the club's logo on the left to visit the DPCNA's website!
L to R: Fowler, Paxson, Jorja, and Booker @ the 2012 DPCNA Annual Club Meeting held in Idaho.
