The Markiesje is an elegant and sociable little companion hailing from the Netherlands. With a history stretching back centuries, this unique variety is cherished for its charming appearance and affectionate nature. For those seeking a loyal, bright, and adaptable pet, this old spaniel type offers a wonderful combination of playful energy and loving friendship.
All About the Markiesje
This small dog, also known as the Dutch Tulip Hound, is a refined little animal with deep roots in its home country. This charming pet has recently gained more interest for its wonderful qualities as a household companion. Though still a rare variety globally, it is recognized for its intelligence and amiable nature. The standard is maintained by the national kennel club (Raad van Beheer), which granted it official recognition. This was a major milestone for this lineage.
Vitals and Life Span
Height
12.5-15.5 inches
Weight
6-8 kg
Life Span
12-14 years
Group
Companion
Origin
Netherlands
🇳🇱
Personality Traits
Ratings (1–5). This bright and social animal forms a strong bond with its people. These are the key characteristics for this type of canine.
History and Origins
This breed’s history is a tale of an old lineage from the Netherlands being rediscovered and preserved. The little black spaniel has been a part of the culture for a century or more, long before its formal recognition.
Ancient Roots (18th Century)
Small, dark spaniel-type animals are found in paintings dating back to the 18th century. These canines were often depicted as companions to nobility, suggesting they have long been a cherished pet.
A Breed Rediscovered (1970s)
Despite its history, this variety nearly vanished. In the 1970s, a dedicated enthusiast, Mia van Woerden, began a careful effort to bring the Dutch Tulip Hound back from the brink. The revival involved consolidating the modern population, sometimes with input from related toy spaniel types, and led to the founding of the club (Nederlandse Markiesjesvereniging) in 1979.
Official Recognition in the Netherlands
The hard work of supporters paid off. This canine was formally accepted by the national kennel organization (Raad van Beheer) on May 1, 1999, securing its status as a national treasure.
Modern Day Status
Today, this remains a relatively uncommon dog, mostly found in its native country. However, interest in this delightful companion is growing, and fanciers work hard to protect its health and character for a new generation of owners to enjoy.
Physical Characteristics
This is an elegant and finely built little animal, whose appearance reflects its spaniel heritage. Its graceful movements and silky coat are hallmarks of the variety, presenting a picture of balanced refinement.
Coat and Color
The defining feature is its beautiful covering, which is a solid, shiny black. While a completely dark coat is preferred, small white markings on the chest or paw tips are permissible. The hair is medium-length, soft, and can be slightly wavy, but never curly.
Build and Size
They have a well-proportioned body that is slightly longer than it is tall. They possess a distinctive feathering of long hair on their ears, tail, and the back of their legs, which adds to their refined appearance. Their size is compact but sturdy, built for activity without being delicate.
Understanding Temperament
Its temperament is perhaps its most endearing quality. This is an excellent choice for many types of households, known for being social, bright, and cheerful. They thrive on being part of the family and are not suited to a life of isolation.
💖 Affectionate and Loyal
This is a true companion animal that forms deep bonds with its owners. It loves to be involved in all household activities and will often follow its people from room to room, content just to be near them.
🧠 Intelligent and Trainable
These canines are smart and eager to learn, which makes them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques and excel in activities like agility and obedience, which provide great mental stimulation.
🔔 Alert but Friendly
While their alert nature makes them good watchdogs and they will certainly bark to announce a visitor, they are by no means guard dogs. They are typically friendly and welcoming to strangers once properly introduced.
👨👩👧👦 Great with Families
Their gentle and playful disposition makes them an excellent choice for households with children. As with any pet, interactions should be supervised, but the Markiesje is known for its patience and sociable attitude toward all members of its household.
Training & Socialization
Training a young pup of this variety is a rewarding experience due to their intelligent nature and willingness to please. Following guidance from a good dog training book can help structure the process. Early socialization is key to ensuring this naturally sociable animal grows into a well-adjusted and confident adult. Consistency and positive methods are the foundation of success.
💡 Key Training Tips
Start Socialization Early: Introduce your puppy to a variety of sights, sounds, people, and other animals from a young age. This helps build a confident and calm demeanor.
Keep it Positive: Use rewards-based training with treats, praise, and toys. This type is sensitive and does not respond well to harsh corrections.
Engage Their Brain: Prevent boredom by incorporating puzzle toys, learning new tricks, and playing games. A mentally stimulated pet is a happy one.
Basic Obedience: Focus on foundational commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and leash manners. Their intelligence means they pick these up quickly.
Health Considerations
This spaniel is regarded as a generally robust animal with a respectable lifespan, thanks in large part to the careful efforts of fanciers during its revival. Responsible breeders screen for potential issues to maintain the lineage’s overall vitality.
🟡 Moderate Concerns
Patellar Luxation: Common in many small canines, this condition involves the kneecap slipping out of place. It can range from mild to severe and should be monitored by a vet.
Ear Infections: Their beautiful, long, and floppy auditory canals can trap moisture, making them prone to infections. Regular ear cleaning is crucial for prevention.
Proper auditory care is essential for a dog like this. Using a gentle cleanser regularly helps prevent the buildup of wax and debris in their feathered ear canals, keeping infections at bay.
Petroyale Ear Cleanser for Dogs and Cats
Essential for this type of pet. Regular cleaning helps prevent painful ear infections that can arise in their long, floppy ears.
View on AmazonGeneral Care
Caring for one of these animals revolves around consistent grooming, moderate daily exercise, and plenty of social interaction. Their needs are straightforward, making them a wonderful pet for dedicated owners.
Exercise Requirements
Daily Activity
This is an active and playful animal that requires daily exercise to stay happy and sound. Brisk walks, playtime in a secure area, and interactive games are sufficient to meet their needs. They are not hyperactive but do appreciate a good outing.
Mental Stimulation
As an intelligent animal, it needs mental exercise just as much as physical. Engaging them with training, puzzle toys, and scent games will prevent boredom and strengthen your bond.
Grooming Your Markiesje
The silky fur requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats, especially in the feathering on the auditory canals, legs, and tail. A thorough grooming session two to three times per week is usually enough. Routine nail trims and dental attention are also important.
A good quality grooming brush is the most important tool for an owner. It helps detangle the fine hair without causing discomfort and removes loose undercoat, keeping the coat healthy and shiny.
MalsiPree Pet Grooming Brush for Dogs/Cats
A quality grooming brush helps detangle fine hair without discomfort and removes loose undercoat, keeping the coat healthy and shiny.
View on AmazonNutrition & Diet
A balanced diet is essential for this dog’s well-being. Choosing one of the Top 10 Dry Dog Food can be a great start. Nutritional needs will change from puppyhood to their senior years, so it’s important to provide an age-appropriate diet that fuels their active but little bodies.
Feeding Guidelines
- Puppies: A young Markiesje should be fed a formula designed for small-type puppies. These diets contain the proper balance of nutrients for their rapid growth and development.
- Adults: Adults do well on a high-quality commercial dog food for small animals. Portion control is important to prevent weight gain, which can put stress on their joints.
- Seniors: As they age, their metabolism may slow down. Switching to a senior formula can help manage their weight and provide joint support.
Finding a Puppy
Because this is an uncommon variety, finding one requires patience and research. Prospective owners should connect with official clubs and reputable breeders. It is important to choose your source carefully.
Rescuing a Markiesje
- A Rare Find: It is highly unlikely to find a purebred in a typical shelter. Your first step should be to contact the official club for rescue information.
- Online Communities: Breed-specific enthusiast groups on platforms like Facebook may share information about these spaniels in need of a new home.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
- Official Clubs: The best way to find a responsible breeder is through the official club in the Netherlands. They maintain lists of members who adhere to a strict code of ethics.
- Patience is Key: You will likely be placed on a waiting list for a puppy. Use this time to build a relationship with the breeder and learn more about this type of animal.
Consider rescue first — you can save a life and find a wonderful companion!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Markiesje?
This animal, also known as the Dutch Tulip Hound, is an old and elegant companion from the Netherlands. It is a little, black spaniel-type valued for its amiable nature and bright mind, making it an excellent household pet.
Is this a healthy breed?
Yes, this variety is generally a robust dog with a good lifespan. Due to careful breeding practices during its revival, the lineage does not have many serious hereditary health issues, though it can be prone to conditions like patellar luxation and ear infections.
How much grooming does a Markiesje need?
The long, silky coat requires regular care to prevent mats and tangles. A thorough brushing two to three times a week is recommended. Special attention should be paid to the feathering on the ears, legs, and tail. Their grooming is relatively easy to manage with a consistent routine.
Are these spaniels good with children and other pets?
These animals are known for their friendly and social nature, making them great companions for families with children. They are generally adaptable and can get along well with other pets, including cats and other dogs, especially when socialized from a young age.
Is this dog recognized by major kennel clubs?
This small spaniel was officially recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club (Raad van Beheer) on May 1, 1999. While it is a beloved and established dog breed in its home country, it is not yet recognized by larger international bodies like the FCI or AKC.
Making the Right Choice
This small dog is a true gem, offering devotion, intelligence, and a cheerful spirit in a little, elegant package. While acquiring a young one may require effort due to their rarity, the reward is a deeply loving friend for individuals and households prepared to provide the affection, attention, and engagement this special variety deserves. Their adaptable nature and charming personality make them an outstanding choice for the discerning fancier.
