This breed is pronounced da’rinse-ah puh’trice-hoon. The Drentsche Patrijshond, Drent for short, is not your typical continental pointer. For starters, the Drent has a tail and is nearly four hundred years old. The Drent was built by farmers for farmers. As a farm dog, Drents had to do it all: hunt feather and fur, keep the farm clear of vermin, cart dairy to the market and much more. The breed has maintained versatility from the beginning and are highly intelligent and adaptable. As such, training must be kept lively and interesting. Drents are used in all types of hunting, agility, tracking, dog sledding, and skijoring.
The breed developed from pointing dogs originating in Spain (Spioenen) and arrived in The Netherlands via France in the 16th Century. In The Netherlands, these dogs were referred to as Partridge dogs. In the Province of Drenthe, these Partridge dogs were bred among themselves and not mixed with foreign breeds, as occurred elsewhere. Throughout the Drent¿s history, the breed stood on three equally important pillars: versatile hunting dog, farmyard dog, and playmate to the children. It is fundamental to the Drent breed that he hunts all upland game and waterfowl, announces visitors to the home or farm (without showing aggression or fear), and is an excellent family companion.
The Drent is used to hunt a variety of terrain and game. His adaptability makes him suitable for all manner of game in the field as well as waterfowl. Moreover, his work after the shot is exceptional, and he is a good retriever. These characteristics are innate, and the dog therefore needs little field training. Due to the dog’s soft nature forceful training methods are inappropriate. The dog is expected to bark to announce visitors to the home and is often reserved towards strangers until the owner welcomes them, meaning the Drent may be shy in the beginning but never fearful. The dog is loyal and intelligent and, with proper upbringing, a pet of exceptional value on top of being a good hunting buddy.
History
The Drentsche Patrijshond developed from pointing dogs originating in Spain (Spioenen) and arrived in The Netherlands via France in the 16th Century. In The Netherlands, these dogs were referred to as Partridge dogs. In the eastern parts of the country, principally in the Province of Drenthe, these Partridge dogs were bred among themselves and not mixed with foreign breeds, as occurred elsewhere. Throughout its history, the breed stood on three equally important pillars: versatile hunting dog, farm yard dog, and playmate to the children. It is fundamental to the Drent breed that he hunts all upland game and water fowl, announces visitors to the home or farm (without showing aggression or fear), and is an excellent family companion, with emphasis on being an excellent companion to children. These three pillars continue to serve as guiding parameters as to what defines a Drent today. The breed was recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club on May 15, 1943.
Quick Facts
Temperament: loyal / intelligent / friendly
Height: 21.5 to 23.5 inches
Weight: 55 to 73 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-14 years
Foundation Stock Service
Health
In broad strokes, the Drent is a healthy breed. Certainly, some individuals may suffer from any canine malady, but that isn’t representative across the breed as a common issue or health concern.
From a genetic standpoint, the Drent has only a few hereditary diseases to know about and monitor in order to keep incidences low. The Drent’s eyes should be monitored for the following hereditary diseases: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Distichiasis, Entropion and Ectropion, Persistent Pupillay Membranes (PPM), and Retinal Dysplasisa.
Other diseases or abnormalities which have been found in the Drent are: The most common, but usually non-problematic, is von Willebrand disease type-I (vWD-I). Despite a high incidence rate of carriers and affected dogs in the population. To date there have been no Drents that have shown clinical sign of the disease. This means affected dogs (dogs with two copies of the gene), do not have an abnormal bleeding response. Von Willebrand disease type-I is detectable by DNA health panels. While the disease is of interest, it is not considered to be a threat for the Drents.
Amongst breed authorities, Epilepsy is considered to be the greatest current health threat to the Drent. The type of Epilepsy has not been determined. There are a several research projects underway, no results have been produced to date. There is no genetic testing available for this in the Drent. Occurrence/manifestation is uncommon.
Other health issues that can be present: hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism, hyperuricosuria, significant reactions to poisonous insect bites/stings and the absence of certain teeth. Like many breeds, hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia should be monitored and all breeding stock screened for. Joint dysplasia is influenced by genetics and environment, so using care during the Drents’ rapid growth period is advisable.
Grooming
The coat of the Drent is considered the be ‘half-long’, meaning hair on the body is short of a full curl to nearly flat, but has feathering on the neck, back of all legs, and a brushy tail. Drents have a single coat, similar to a Field-Line Setter or Brittany and shed twice per year.
Usually, a weekly grooming session will handle everything well, and prevent your Drent from needing to be bathed, unless of course they get into something odorous. The Drents coat is not oily or sebaceous and their coat texture is fine, so the regular brushing serves to keep them dirt and dander free. The ear it the most difficult part of Drent maintenance. You should be prepared to strip off overgrowth so that the natural shape of the ear leather is easy to see. Check ears and nails weekly.
Managing the seasonal change is generally handled with ease with the proper use of a Mars coat rake, a comb, followed by a pin brush, finished with a boar bristle brush to polish up the coat.
Exercise
Drents are intelligent hunting dogs in need of stimulation and regular exercise, regardless of the weather. They are wonderful hiking partners, but also suitable for canicross, or any of the ‘joring’ sports. The Drent also would be good for agility, or other ‘action’ sport where mind and body are engaged. This breed is not suitable for sedentary lifestyles.
Training
Drents are intelligent hunting dogs in need of mental stimulation and regular exercise, regardless of the weather. They are wonderful hiking partners, but also suitable for canicross, or any of the ‘joring’ sports. The Drent also would be good for agility, or other ‘action’ sport where mind and body are engaged. A Drent will take as much exercise as you would be willing to throw at it. But regular walks or runs are a must. When possible, your Drent should be taken to a safe place to be allowed to run and explore. This breed is not suitable for sedentary lifestyles.
Nutrition
The DPCNA recommends following the recommended a high-quality AAFCO approved dry food that is not exclusive of grains and to make adjustments in quantity only as needed (e.g. increase in activity should correspond with an increase in feed provided.) Drents don’t require specialized diets. Some are capable of self-feeding whereas others will eat for as long as there is food available. Clean, fresh water should be always available.
