Drentsche Patrijshond
The Drentsche Patrijshond is described by the AKC as loyal, intelligent, friendly, originally from The Netherlands.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 23-25 (males), 21.5 - 23.5 (females) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 70-73 (males), 55-60 (females) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 11–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Loyal / Intelligent / Friendly [1] |
| AKC group | Foundation Stock Service [1] |
| Origin | The Netherlands [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 207 of 202 [2] |
| AKC status | Foundation Stock Service (not yet fully recognized) [1] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
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. [1]
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. [1]
Health issues to budget for
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. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a giant dog (median $607) | $350 – $1,373 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC lists the Drentsche Patrijshond in its Foundation Stock Service, a record-keeping program for breeds that are not yet fully AKC-recognized. [1]
- It ranked No. 207 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Drent, DutchPartidgeDog.” [1]
- The AKC lists The Netherlands as the breed's country of origin. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Drentsche Patrijshonds live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 11-14 years.
How big does a Drentsche Patrijshond get?
AKC breed information lists height 23-25 (males), 21.5 - 23.5 (females) and weight 70-73 (males), 55-60 (females).
How much are vet bills for a Drentsche Patrijshond?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs like the Drentsche Patrijshond, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.