Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes are typically sensitive, quick to startle, and can be reserved with unfamiliar people or rough-playing dogs; a calm, predictable approach helps. Busy, noisy lobbies, sudden touch over the head, and close contact with boisterous dogs can increase stress. They retain a prey/chase instinct, so be mindful of small pets moving nearby and use secure, low‑traffic pathways. Ask owners about handling preferences (e.g., slow introductions, owner present) and consider a quiet room or car check‑in when possible. If you observe escalating fear or safety concerns—stiff posture, growling, lip lift, snapping, lunging, or panic—notify a clinician immediately and move the dog to a quieter, secure area.
Front desk script: This breed can be sensitive to noise and new people. Would you prefer a quiet check‑in or to wait in your car, and are there any handling triggers we should avoid (sudden touch, other dogs)? We’ll do a slow, calm introduction and keep distance from busy areas. If we see signs of escalating stress or unsafe behavior, I’ll alert our medical team right away and relocate you to a quieter space.
Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes have several inherited risks tied to a small gene pool: a severe bleeding disorder (von Willebrand disease Type 3), a juvenile spinal cord disease (hereditary necrotising myelopathy/ENM) that progresses to hind‑end wobbliness and paralysis by ~6–15 months, and an immune‑mediated polymyositis that can cause generalized weakness and difficulty swallowing; patellar luxation, epilepsy, and some eye issues (e.g., cataracts, distichiasis) are also reported. Screening programs and DNA tests exist for vWD‑3 and ENM, and a DNA‑based risk test for polymyositis was announced in 2025. Front‑desk red flags to escalate immediately: unexpected heavy or persistent bleeding (including nose, mouth, urine, or stool), repeated seizures, sudden inability to stand or rapidly worsening hind‑limb ataxia, or marked trouble swallowing—treat these as emergencies and direct to ER now.
Front desk script: This breed has known inherited risks, especially a severe bleeding disorder (von Willebrand type 3), a juvenile spinal cord disease (ENM), and an immune‑related muscle disorder (polymyositis). We also keep an eye on patellar, seizure, and eye concerns. If an owner reports unusual/heavy bleeding, repeated seizures, sudden hind‑end wobbliness or inability to walk, or trouble swallowing, tell them this is an emergency and route to immediate care. For routine check‑ins, record any breeder screening results (vWD/ENM/PM) and note patella/eye findings in the chart.
Small, active sporting dog (~20–30 lb) that thrives on daily exercise, training, and weekly brushing; affectionate with family but can be reserved with strangers. For puppies or new patients, ask for and bring DNA results for von Willebrand disease type III (severe bleeding tendency), hereditary necrotizing myelopathy/ENM (juvenile paralysis), and the Kooikerhondje polymyositis risk variant, plus any patella, eye, and hip screening records. Schedule regular wellness and preventive care; keep nails, ears, and teeth maintained. If you see uncontrolled bleeding, repeated nose/gum bleeds, dark urine or stool, sudden hind‑limb weakness/paralysis, or trouble swallowing, seek emergency care immediately and call us on the way.
Front desk script: They’re medium‑small, energetic dogs that need daily activity and weekly brushing. Do you have DNA results for von Willebrand disease type III, ENM, and the polymyositis risk variant, plus patella/eye/hip clearances? Please email or bring copies so we can add them to the medical record. If you notice uncontrolled bleeding or sudden hind‑leg weakness, go to the nearest ER now and call us en route.
Front-desk sees Kooikerhondjes for: ear scratching/head-shaking or smelly discharge typical of spaniel-type drop ears; questions about breed DNA or pre-op screening (polymyositis/PM, hereditary necrotising myelopathy/ENM, and von Willebrand disease type 3); calls after prolonged bleeding from minor wounds, nail trims, or heat cycles; intermittent hind‑limb ‘skipping’ or sudden lameness suggestive of patellar/knee issues; first-time or cluster seizures; adolescent hind-end wobbliness or progressive incoordination (often 6–15 months old); new generalized weakness, trouble swallowing, or voice/bark change; and eye cloudiness or irritation. Escalate immediately for uncontrolled bleeding, seizures lasting >5 minutes or multiple in 24 hours, collapse, or rapidly worsening weakness/paralysis.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—let me get a few quick details (age, when this started, what you’re seeing, any recent injuries/meds, and if the dog can walk normally). If there’s active heavy bleeding, a seizure over five minutes (or more than one in a day), collapse, or fast-progressing hind-end weakness—please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now; I can call ahead. If the pet is uncomfortable, not bearing weight, has ear pain/discharge, eye redness/cloudiness, or you’re concerned about breed DNA/bleeding risk before a procedure, I can arrange a same-day appointment and provide arrival instructions.
Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes have a silky, medium-length coat with feathering on ears, legs, and tail; routine weekly brushing keeps the coat tidy and helps distribute natural oils, with only occasional baths to avoid stripping the coat’s protective oils. Their drop (pendulous) ears and love of outdoor activity/swimming mean moisture and debris can get trapped, increasing ear infection risk; plan regular ear checks and dry ears promptly after wet activities. Front desk should expect seasonal owners’ requests for brush-outs and can book extra coat-care sessions around heavier shedding or after boarding/swim periods. Escalate if owners report ear pain, foul odor, dark discharge, persistent head-shaking/tilt, or a swollen ear flap—these need a same-day veterinary ear exam rather than a grooming visit.
Front desk script: This breed’s feathered, medium-length coat does best with routine brush-outs and only occasional baths. Because their ears hang, please tell us right away if you notice odor, discharge, head-shaking/tilt, or a puffy ear flap—we’ll book a same-day vet check instead of grooming. If the dog has recently been swimming, we can schedule a quick ear check with the care team. For routine care, we can set up regular brush-outs and add extra sessions during heavier shedding.
Front-desk intake for Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes should screen for breed-linked issues that affect routing: ask about any history of easy bruising or prolonged bleeding and any known DNA results (vWD Type III), and flag charts before dentals/sedation; confirm age and ask about progressive hind-end wobbliness in young dogs (6–15 months; concern for ENM) or episodes of weakness/difficulty swallowing (polymyositis). If the caller reports uncontrolled bleeding, black/tarry stools, gum/nose bleeding, collapse, rapidly worsening inability to walk, or choking/aspiration signs, instruct them to proceed to emergency care immediately. Intermittent “skipping” hind‑limb gait without severe pain can be booked as a standard exam; non‑weight‑bearing or marked pain warrants a same‑day visit. Note many Kooikers are sensitive with strangers—offer quieter times and a calm lobby handoff.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Kooikerhondje—I'll note any bleeding history or genetic test results and the dog’s age. Based on what you’ve described, I’ll reserve a [wellness/concern] exam or same‑day slot if there’s marked pain or non‑weight‑bearing. If you are seeing uncontrolled bleeding, collapse, rapidly worsening hind‑limb weakness, or trouble swallowing/breathing, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now; I can provide directions. I’ll also schedule a quieter time to help keep your dog comfortable.
Lifecycle scheduling for the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje: Puppies—book well‑puppy visits every 3–4 weeks through 16–20 weeks to complete core vaccines and microchip; note any breeder health paperwork and whether genetic results for von Willebrand disease type III and the breed‑specific polymyositis risk marker are on file; capture any easy bruising/bleeding history before procedures; have patellas checked at routine visits. Adults—plan wellness check‑ins every 6–12 months (with parasite prevention review), discuss home dental care and timing for professional cleanings, and flag any planned sedation/surgery so the DVM can consider bleeding‑risk screening if vWD status is unknown; continue monitoring for intermittent skipping/lameness suggestive of patellar issues. Seniors—once designated senior by the DVM, expect exams at least every 6 months with screening labs; ask about mobility/exercise tolerance, new swallowing difficulty, or cognitive changes. If owners report heavy bleeding that won’t stop, collapse, sudden inability to walk, or trouble swallowing/breathing, direct them to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: For Kooikerhondje puppies, we schedule vaccine visits every 3–4 weeks until the series finishes around 16–20 weeks and can review any breeder genetic testing you have. As adults, we book wellness visits every 6–12 months and, before any dental or surgery, please tell us if your dog has a bleeding history or von Willebrand testing on file. For seniors, the doctor typically recommends checkups at least twice a year with screening labs. If you notice heavy bleeding, collapse, sudden inability to walk, or trouble swallowing/breathing, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes are often friendly with familiar people but can be aloof with strangers—offer a quiet check‑in, minimal crowding, and slow greetings. On intake, ask owners to note handling preferences and to bring any breeder or prior veterinary genetic results (e.g., von Willebrand disease type 3, hereditary necrotizing myelopathy, and polymyositis risk testing). Set expectations that staff may flag clotting‑history questions (easy bruising, prolonged bleeding), any episodes of hind‑limb weakness or wobbliness in young dogs, new seizures, or trouble swallowing; these signs guide triage timing. If owners report uncontrolled bleeding, sudden inability to use back legs, new seizures, or breathing/swallowing difficulty, advise immediate emergency evaluation.
Front desk script: “Kooikerhondjes can be a bit reserved with new people, so we’ll keep things calm and greet slowly—would you prefer curbside or a direct room?” “Do you have any prior test results from your breeder or vet—such as von Willebrand disease, hereditary necrotizing myelopathy (ENM), or the newer polymyositis risk test—that we can add to the record?” “If you ever see bleeding that doesn’t stop, sudden hind‑leg weakness, a new seizure, or trouble breathing or swallowing, please head to the nearest emergency clinic now and call us on the way so we can alert the team.”
Flag Kooikerhondjes for breed-related risks that affect scheduling: verify and keep on file any von Willebrand disease (Type 3) genetic/bleeding status before booking sedation, dentals, or surgery; ask about easy bruising, nose/gum bleeds, or prolonged bleeding. Ensure puppy/adolescent and annual visits include kneecap (patellar luxation) checks and ask owners to report intermittent “skipping” steps or hind‑limb lameness. Be alert for new hind‑end wobbliness or progressive weakness in young dogs (rare hereditary myelopathy reported in this breed) and arrange prompt same‑day vet triage. If bleeding won’t stop with light pressure, there is repeated spontaneous nose/gum bleeding, blood in vomit/stool or black/tarry stool, or sudden collapse, direct the client to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Because this breed can carry a severe inherited bleeding disorder, we confirm any prior clotting or genetic test results before scheduling sedation, dentals, or surgery. We’ll note for the veterinarian to check the knees at wellness visits and please mention any “skipping” gait or hind‑end weakness, especially in young dogs. If you see bleeding that doesn’t stop, black/tarry stool, or sudden hind‑end weakness, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and then call us.
Bright, sensitive sporting breed that’s affectionate with family but commonly reserved with new people; many are noise‑sensitive. For intake/handling: schedule or seat in a quieter area when possible, greet calmly at the dog’s pace, allow the owner to stay close, use high‑value treats, and avoid crowding or fast reaching; consider moving directly to an exam room instead of lingering in the lobby. What matters most: this breed has documented genetic risks for severe von Willebrand disease type 3 (bleeding tendency) and a breed‑linked polymyositis; ask about any history of unusual or prolonged bleeding (e.g., after nail trims/surgeries) or trouble swallowing/voice change and flag the chart for the clinician. If active bleeding, large bruises, repeated nosebleeds, collapse, or marked trouble swallowing/breathing are reported, alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: Kooikerhondjes are bright but often cautious with new people, so we’ll keep things quiet and let [Pet Name] come to us—please stay with them and offer any favorite treats. Quick safety check: has [Pet Name] ever had unexpected or heavy bleeding (for example after a nail trim or surgery) or trouble swallowing/voice changes? If you’re seeing active bleeding, big bruises, repeated nosebleeds, collapse, or severe trouble swallowing or breathing right now, please tell me immediately so we can bring you straight to the medical team.
Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes are sensitive, often reserved with strangers, and may do best with quiet intake and slow, reward-based handling; for placement, flag any history of unexplained bruising or prolonged bleeding after minor wounds or nail trims, as the breed is documented at risk for severe von Willebrand disease (Type III). Ask for and attach any DNA/health paperwork (vWD, ENM, polymyositis) from prior care or breeders; note that ENM historically causes early-onset ataxia/paralysis, and a Kooiker-specific polymyositis has been recently characterized. Escalate if adopters report spontaneous nosebleeds, persistent bleeding, bloody urine, black/tarry stools, collapse, or difficulty swallowing/breathing.
Front desk script: This breed is sensitive and can be shy with new people, so we’ll use a quiet space and slow introductions today. If you ever see unexplained bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding that doesn’t stop, black stools, bloody urine, sudden weakness, or trouble swallowing, tell us immediately—active bleeding, breathing trouble, or collapse are emergencies. Do you have any prior genetic or health results (von Willebrand disease, ENM, polymyositis) or breeder records? Please bring them so our veterinarian can review before any procedures.
Usually bright, people‑oriented, and eager to please at home, Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes can be sensitive and initially reserved with unfamiliar people and busy spaces; they may startle easily and dislike rough handling. For check‑in and waiting room flow, greet at a slight angle without reaching over the head, place high‑value treats on the floor, keep a short leash, avoid dog‑to‑dog introductions, and seat the client in a quieter corner or an exam room when possible. For handoff, note “slow approach, gentle voice, allow dog to approach first,” use minimal restraint and non‑slip surfaces for weighing, and document triggers. If the dog shows escalating fear or defensive signals (tucked tail with trembling, fixed stare, growling, lunging, repeated snapping) pause contact and alert a technician/veterinarian immediately so the patient can be moved to a quiet room and the visit adjusted.
Front desk script: Hi! Kooikerhondjes can be a bit reserved with new people, so we’ll give [Name] space and use treats to make check‑in positive. Would you prefer a quieter area or to go straight into an exam room if available, and are there any known triggers we should note? Please keep [Name] on a short leash and let us know right away if you see signs of stress like shaking, growling, or intense barking so a technician can assist.
For Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes, escalate immediately to an emergency clinician for any breathing difficulty (gasping, blue/white gums), collapse or unresponsiveness, seizures lasting >5 minutes or occurring in clusters, uncontrolled or spontaneous bleeding (nose/gums, blood in urine/stool/vomit, bleeding that will not stop), known toxin exposure, major trauma/bite wounds to chest/abdomen, pale gums/weak pulse, straining to urinate with little/no output, or sudden severe lameness. Because this breed is documented to carry Type III von Willebrand disease, treat any unusual bruising or excessive bleeding after minor injury, nail trim, or heat cycle as an emergency. Same-day escalation is warranted for vomiting/diarrhea persisting beyond 24 hours, new staggering/ataxia, or acute eye pain/sudden vision changes. ([merckvetmanual.com](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/when-to-see-a-veterinarian?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this could be an emergency—your dog should be seen immediately. Please come to the clinic now; if we are closed, proceed to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital. If there is trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, or active bleeding, do not wait—leave for emergency care right away. I’ll alert the clinician and confirm the fastest location for you.