Markiesje
Also known as Dutch Tulip Dog · Dutch Tulip Hound
Netherlands, Companion and toy dogs
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 32–36 cm
- Weight
- 5–9 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 yrs
- Alert
- Friendly
- Lively
- Adaptable
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Markiesje is a small, slender Dutch companion dog, usually black, with a silky, medium-length coat and feathered ears and tail. Small black dogs of similar look appear in Dutch paintings of the 1600s and 1700s, but the modern breed has only been actively bred since the 1970s. It is uncommon outside the Netherlands.
Size
- Size
- Small
- Height at shoulder
- 32–36 cm
- Adult weight
- 5–9 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Most reach adult size by around 12 months.
Lifespan
12–15 years
Most Markiesjes live 12–15 years. Like other small dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 9, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
Markiesjes are alert, friendly companions that like to take part in family life. They are not lapdogs, enjoying long walks and runs, and they will bark to warn of visitors.
- Alert
- Friendly
- Lively
- Adaptable
Food
For a typical 7 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 480 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 280 ml–420 ml
- a day, from all sources
- Small dogs burn energy quickly — two or three measured meals a day suit most adults, and toy breeds shouldn't go long without food.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
60–90 min a dayA daily walk plus play is usually enough, though many will happily go further.
Grooming & shedding
The coat needs brushing once or twice a week, with extra attention to the feathering on the ears and legs to stop tangles.
Health
With proper introductions they can live alongside cats and other small pets. Training is generally straightforward with gentle, reward-based methods. Health information is limited, so ask breeders about health checks on the parents.
The breed can be prone to
- No well-documented breed-specific health problems
- Patellar luxation is a general risk in small breeds
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Patella examination
- Eye examination
Not every Markiesje is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
Dogs resembling the Markiesje appear in Dutch art of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, but whether they are direct ancestors is uncertain. Breeders began rebuilding the type in the mid-1970s, and the Dutch kennel club later accepted it as an official breed.
- Country of origin
- Netherlands
- Type
- Companion and toy dogs
- Recognition
- Recognised by the Dutch kennel club (Raad van Beheer); not recognised by the FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Markiesje right for you?
Could suit
- Owners who can manage a good walk or two each day
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
- Smaller homes, as long as daily exercise needs are met
Cost to keep
Lower than average- Smaller food bills and medicine doses
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 12–15 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Markiesje FAQ
How big does a Markiesje get?
Adult Markiesjes typically stand about 32–36 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 5–9 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Markiesjes live?
Typically 12–15 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Markiesje need?
As a guide, around 60–90 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Markiesje need?
A brush once a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Markiesjes easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Markiesjes shed?
A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Markiesjes good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Markiesje live in a flat?
Usually, yes — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Markiesjes have?
The breed can be prone to no well-documented breed-specific health problems, patellar luxation is a general risk in small breeds. Not every Markiesje is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.