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Discover everything about Markiesje
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Markiesje?
At a glance
Markiesje overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Markiesje is considered a very vital breed, but due to the small population size, buyers must be mindful of hereditary risks. In particular, patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which leads to blindness, should be monitored by a veterinarian. Furthermore, the breed-specific Markiesje Paroxysmal Dyskinesia (MPD), a neurological movement disorder, is an important topic to address when searching for a puppy.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
31–37 cm
Weight
5–8 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: Netherlands
Typical coat colors
- All colors
- color combinations
- except merle
- hard
- dense
- wiry
- medium length
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Markiesje, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Markiesje right for you?
The Markiesje is a cheerful, elegant toy spaniel—bred as a sporty companion dog that combines the refined sensitivity of a lapdog with the energy of a true little athlete.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a dog bred for close cooperation that enjoys learning tricks or doing agility
- You can structure your daily life so that your dog is almost always by your side—this breed forms an extremely close bond with its humans
- You train using gentle, positive reinforcement and appreciate a sensitive companion that is more likely to be frightened than obedient when faced with harshness
- You love regular, varied walks in nature rather than just taking short laps around the block
Less ideal if:
- You expect a small dog to automatically be happy with little exercise—the Markiesje has the heritage of a spaniel and demands real activity
- You have a full-time job away from home and have to leave the dog alone for long periods every day
- You live in a very hectic, loud household where the fine, sensitive nature of this dog can easily turn into stress
The real vibes check
A Markiesje looks like a noble 17th-century painting, but acts like a tireless little athlete outdoors. You aren't getting a passive lap warmer, but a bright shadow who reads your every move and prefers to be everywhere you are. If you nurture this mix of tenderness and drive, you will gain a dog that will do absolutely anything for its human.
Breed Profile
The Markiesje is a small, lively dog breed from Belgium that belongs to the group of herding and driving dogs. With its compact yet muscular build and characteristic slightly wavy coat, the Markiesje appears both elegant and agile. The breed is distinguished by its high intelligence, eagerness to learn, and pronounced alertness, making it an excellent companion and watchdog. Despite its energy, the Markiesje is very affectionate and family-friendly. There are no distinct lines like in other breeds, but the coat can vary in different shades from black to dark brown. The Markiesje requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and balanced.
- Height
- 31 - 35 cm (Female), 33 - 37 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 5 - 7 kg (Female), 6 - 8 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 years
- Character
- Intelligent, alert, affectionate with the family, but reserved towards strangers, high hunting drive
- Coat
- Short, dense, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- All colors and color combinations, except merle; hard, dense, wiry, medium length
- Price
- 1800 - 2500 €
History
The Markiesje, often referred to as the Dutch Tulip Spaniel, is a historic Dutch dog breed with roots dating back to the 17th century. Numerous paintings by old Dutch masters such as Pieter de Hooch and Jan Steen depict small, black, spaniel-like dogs that bear a striking resemblance to the modern Markiesje. Originally, the breed was developed as a pure companion dog and an elegant lapdog for noble and wealthy ladies, a role reflected in its name, which is derived from 'Marquis'. Over time, however, the little companion dog was increasingly forgotten and nearly vanished entirely. It was not until the late 1970s that a targeted reconstruction and breeding program began in the Netherlands to save this old national breed from extinction. This effort was led by a group of dedicated cynologists who searched for remaining dogs of the original type. In 1999, the Markiesje was finally officially recognized as a national breed by the Dutch kennel club, the Raad van Beheer. International recognition by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is still pending, which is why the breed remains a rare sight outside of the Netherlands. Today, the Markiesje continues to be valued as an affectionate and friendly companion dog, consistent with its original purpose.
Original Use
The Markiesje was bred as a companion dog, known for its friendly nature and adaptability.
Origin
Netherlands
Date
1600
Character & Temperament
The Markiesje is a lively and intelligent companion with a friendly and balanced temperament. He is very people-oriented and enjoys being close to his family, getting along especially well with children and other pets. His playful and curious nature makes him an active partner in everyday life. Originally bred as a herding and companion dog, the Markiesje has a strong work drive that needs to be satisfied through regular mental and physical activity. He learns quickly and shows high motivation to master new tasks, whether in obedience training, search games, or dog sports like agility. The Markiesje is alert without being aggressive and is well suited as a family dog with a natural protective instinct. His need for exercise should be taken seriously, as otherwise he may become restless or exhibit destructive behavior. Consistent but loving training is important to channel his energy in positive directions. His prey drive is moderately developed, meaning he enjoys playing and retrieving but remains well controllable. Overall, the Markiesje is a versatile, loyal, and lively dog characterized by adaptability and a friendly nature.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
Markiesje: The Markiesje, also known as the Dutch Tulip Dog, is a lively and cheerful companion that was originally bred as a guard and companion dog. Despite its small size, it has a big heart and remarkable alertness – perfect for keeping an eye on the house and yard!
What Awaits You
The Markiesje is a lively and intelligent dog that requires a lot of exercise and activity. This small Belgian dog breed is alert and shows a close bond with its family. Markiesjes are eager to learn and are well suited for active households that encourage their natural urge to move. They are versatile and characterized by their friendly nature.
Housing & Care
Markiesje are lively and friendly dogs that are well suited as family companions. They are very affectionate and enjoy being close to their people, but also need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay balanced. Markiesje are intelligent and eager to learn, which makes them suitable for active families or individuals who have time for training and shared activities. They usually show patience and playfulness when dealing with children, but like all dogs, they should always be supervised, especially with small children. They generally get along well with other dogs and pets if socialized early. Due to their need for exercise, they are more suitable for households with a garden or for people who can provide regular outings. Pure apartment living without sufficient activity is not ideal for the Markiesje.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Adapts well to city living and urban environments.
Well-suited to city life
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
Markiesje are intelligent and eager-to-learn dogs that require consistent and loving training. Similar to Labradors and German Shepherds, it is important to challenge the Markiesje both mentally and physically to avoid boredom and unwanted behavior. The breed shows a high motivation to cooperate and is well suited for various dog sports such as obedience, agility, or mantrailing. In training, you should rely on positive reinforcement and be patient, as the Markiesje is sensitive to harsh methods. Early socialization and learning frustration tolerance are crucial to fostering a balanced and confident dog. Markiesje have a strong work and play drive, so it is important to provide them with varied activities without overwhelming them. Overall, the Markiesje requires time, commitment, and clear leadership, but rewards you with a loyal, versatile, and lively companion who integrates well into family and sport.
Nutrition & Care
Markiesje: The Markiesje is a lively and friendly dog breed that requires a balanced diet to stay healthy and fit. High-quality food with a good proportion of proteins and nutrients is important to support the energy of the active dog. Be careful to avoid overfeeding, as the Markiesje can be prone to overweight. The coat of the Markiesje is medium-length, dense, and wavy, with a light undercoat that provides protection against the cold. Regular brushing, ideally 2-3 times a week, helps to prevent matting and keeps the coat clean and shiny. Especially during the shedding seasons in spring and autumn, more intensive brushing is recommended to remove loose hairs. The Markiesje adapts well to the Central European climate. It is robust against cold but should have sufficient shade and water during high heat to avoid overheating. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are important to promote the active and intelligent character of the Markiesje.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The Markiesje is considered a very vital breed, but due to the small population size, buyers must be mindful of hereditary risks. In particular, patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which leads to blindness, should be monitored by a veterinarian. Furthermore, the breed-specific Markiesje Paroxysmal Dyskinesia (MPD), a neurological movement disorder, is an important topic to address when searching for a puppy.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly exercise to keep knees healthy and regular eye check-ups at the vet, you can contribute a great deal to a long, active life for your dog.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' knees and eyes thoroughly checked and, because of the small population, pay special attention to diverse bloodlines to reduce the risk of hereditary diseases.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Markiesje
Sabine M., Halterin aus dem Münsterland (Rüde, seit 2019)
Für uns war klar, dass es ein kleiner, eleganter Spaniel-Typ sein soll, und so zog vor einigen Jahren unser Rüde bei uns ein. Er ist im Haus ein absolut angenehmer, anschmiegsamer Begleiter, der draußen aber richtig aufdreht und viel Bewegung fordert. Was den Jagdtrieb angeht, zeigt er zwar Interesse an Vögeln, lässt sich aber dank seiner engen Bindung und Gelehrigkeit super abrufen.
Ein wichtiges Thema bei dieser seltenen Rasse ist jedoch die Gesundheit. Da der Genpool noch recht klein ist, muss man extrem auf Erbkrankheiten achten. Unser Rüde hat leider eine leichte Patellaluxation, weshalb wir stark auf gezielten Muskelaufbau achten müssen. Wer sich für ein Markiesje interessiert, sollte unbedingt darauf achten, dass die Elterntiere auf Patella und genetische Defekte wie die Paroxysmale Dyskinesie (PD) getestet wurden.
Jonas H., Halter aus Grenznähe (Rüde, seit 2022)
Wir wohnen nahe der niederländischen Grenze und haben unseren Rüden über Umwege bekommen. Er ist ein echter Allrounder: extrem intelligent, verträglich mit allen Artgenossen und im Alltag sehr unkompliziert. Er braucht keine stundenlangen Gewaltmärsche, liebt es aber, geistig gefordert zu werden, zum Beispiel durch Suchspiele und Apportieren.
Man darf sich von der Einstufung als Begleithund nicht täuschen lassen – das Markiesje ist kein reiner Schoßhund, sondern möchte aktiv am Leben teilnehmen. Er meldet Besucher sehr zuverlässig an, was man durch Erziehung von Anfang an in geregelte Bahnen lenken sollte. Für uns ist er der perfekte Familienhund, aber man muss bereit sein, Zeit in seine geistige Auslastung zu investieren.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Markiesje
Is a Markiesje the right dog for me?
The Markiesje is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Markiesje live?
The average life expectancy of a Markiesje is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Markiesje need?
Markiesje grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Markiesje good for families with children?
The Markiesje can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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