At a glance the quick version
Raad van Beheer gives 6-8 kg for the breed overall.
Coat and looks how to spot one
medium-length, fine, soft, straight, with feathering
A dainty, lightly built little black spaniel type with a gentle expression, a long uncurled tail and a silky, medium-length coat that forms feathering on the ears, legs and tail.1
Personality what they are like
Alert and cheerful but very sociable, greeting visitors warmly. It loves joining its people on outings, yet copes well with being left alone for a few hours, and with good introductions it can live with cats and small pets.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
More active than a lap dog: it enjoys long walks and a good run.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Regular brushing keeps the soft coat and its feathering free of tangles.1
Home where they are happiest
Its small size and adaptable nature suit a house or apartment, provided it gets daily walks.12
Company who they like around
A companion breed that likes being with its family, but is relaxed enough to spend a few hours on its own.1
The story where it all began
Small black spaniel-like dogs resembling the Markiesje appear in Dutch paintings of the 17th and 18th centuries. In the early 20th century the Dutch dog writer Toepoel suggested such dogs could be restored as a breed, and focused breeding of today's Markiesje began in the mid-1970s.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its English nickname is the Dutch Tulip Dog.2
- 2
Dogs that look like Markiesjes but have no pedigree are called 'look-alikes' in the Netherlands.1
- 3
Three Dutch breed clubs work together on the breed's health and development.1
- 4
Lookalike little black dogs appear in Dutch paintings from the 1600s and 1700s.2
Recognised by the official bits
- Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland
- Recognised nationally in the Netherlands as a companion breed (listed under FCI group 9 companion breeds on the Raad van Beheer site).1
- FCI
- Not (yet) recognised by the FCI.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Markiesje. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Markiesje, and at what times?
Feed your Markiesje at least twice a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Regular meal times like morning and evening work well. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.3
What should a Markiesje eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A balanced diet of quality dog food is best for your Markiesje. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and xylitol, which are especially harmful to dogs.4
How often should I bathe a Markiesje?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.5 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Markiesje need brushing?
Regular brushing keeps your Markiesje's silky coat free of tangles. Furry Diary suggests brushing weekly, but you may need to brush more often if feathering tangles easily.15 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Markiesje's nails, and how often?
Trim your Markiesje's nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a proper nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick.5 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Markiesje need?
Your Markiesje is more active than a lap dog and enjoys long walks and a good run. Daily walks and playtime will keep it happy and healthy.21 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Markiesje's teeth and ears?
Brush your Markiesje's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check its floppy ears weekly and keep them dry; never push anything into the ear canal.5 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Markiesje live?
Lifespan varies for each dog. Your vet or a good breeder can give you a better idea based on your Markiesje's health and lineage.
Is a Markiesje good with children and other pets?
Your Markiesje is a sociable, cheerful companion that can live happily with cats and small pets when introduced properly. It loves being with its family and is generally good with children.12
Can a Markiesje be left alone?
Yes, your Markiesje can be left alone for a few hours. It's a relaxed companion that enjoys its own company for short periods.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Raad van Beheer (houdenvanhonden.nl): Markiesje houdenvanhonden.nlused for size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history, facts
- Wikipedia: Markiesje en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, FCI status, temperament, history
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.