Gretchen and her Kooikerhondjes are from Seattle, WA but currently live in Chattanooga, TN. We enjoy having outdoor adventures and training and competing in various activities.
I have been involved in this rare breed since we brought home our first Kooiker, Luna, in 2001. After her passing, I brought Braam home from Texas in 2013. He was joined in March 2016 by Casper, who I was lucky enough to bring directly from the Netherlands. Co-owned Huxley from Austria followed in 2018 and Casper’s daughter Maaike joined the household in 2021. Paxton was imported from Estonia in 2023 as a co-own and lives in California. My first litter was born in 2025 after many years of planning.
I have a degree in Animal Biology with concentrations in Conservation and Reproductive Biology from UC Davis, and have a special interest in health and genetics of small populations. I work on KCUSA’s Health and Genetics and Rescue Committees. While not a member of a marginalized community myself, I welcome those from all backgrounds to join this dog journey. I am a longtime member of KCUSA and VHNK, and I run the Kooikerology blog.
Breeding Philosophy
I consider myself a “conservation breeder,” guided by principles rooted in conservation biology rather than the traditional framework of breeding for one specific task or look, or simply to produce puppies for money. As part of both the history and future of this breed, my approach looks forward. Conservation breeding to me is about crafting sustainable solutions at both the population and individual levels that ensure our beloved breed thrives in the modern world.
For me, this means prioritizing genetic diversity to safeguard the long-term health and resilience of all Kooikerhondjes. I advocate for and implement new health testing, transparent reporting, and data-driven breeding decisions to reduce hereditary risks and enhance vitality. Rather than aiming to “preserve” a static ideal at the cost of longer-term survivability, I strive to balance Kooikers’ unique heritage and traditional traits with the demands of today’s environments, veterinary options, and lifestyles.
My commitment is to produce healthy, well-adjusted dogs that embody the spirit of their breed while contributing to its future. Every litter is planned with intention, drawing on science, ethics, and a deep love for my breed. As a breeder, I follow the VHNK’s Association Breeding Regulations or Verenigingsfokreglement (VFR) (except the conditions applicable only to FCI countries) and the KCUSA’s Breeder’s Code of Ethics.
