About Us
Hello! My name is Danny Gonzalez and I am the dog nerd behind Danube Kooikers.
We are currently located in Vader, WA- halfway between Seattle and Portland!
I am wildly passionate about this wonderful little breed and hope to share some of my obsession with you.
Our ideal Kooiker is:
-Healthy and sound, with no illnesses, allergies, or orthopedic issues
-Immediately identifiable as a Kooikerhondje with correct head, expression, and structure
-Versatile and happy to do anything and everything with its family
-A mid-energy dog that has a good off-switch inside the house
-Long-lived and thriving as a beloved companion
Background
My passion for the Kooikerhondje began as a young child at my local library while browsing through dog breed books. I stumbled upon a beautiful little orange and white breed that I couldn't even pronounce.
I didn't know anything about the breed or if I could realistically get one.
It wasn't until I started showing and handling dogs in 2013 that I finally began researching my next breed and I realized that my childhood dream of having a Kooiker could actually come true! I did a ton of thorough research, browsed breeder websites, and finally got in contact with a wonderful breeder in Sweden, Duckhills Kennel. After a 5-year wait, during which I had rescued a Xoloitzcuintli from a hoarding situation, Astrid finally came home in September 2019!
Breeding Philosophy
My goals are to preserve the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje breed and raise well-rounded and healthy companion and sport dogs.
My vision is to produce versatile family dogs who are both functional and beautiful with the temperament to match.
Health, temperament, and structure will always be my priority. I plan to raise dogs that excel in conformation, agility, rally, obedience, dock diving, and more!
I am a founding member of the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Clubs of California and on the Breeder's Committee.
The Future
Kooikers will always be my main heart-breed and focus,
but I also plan on co-owning males of some of my favorite breeds with a few of my breeder friends. I will keep them as pets, show, and sport dogs and their breeders can use them as stud dogs (pending titling and health testing) to further improve their own programs.