Our Story

My love for dogs began long before Maplekooi. As a child, I was endlessly fascinated by breeds, studying books, memorizing traits, and dreaming of the day I would have a dog of my own. That early passion grew into a lifelong commitment to thoughtful ownership, continued education, and doing right by the dogs in my care.

The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje entered my life in 2017 after years of admiration for Dutch culture and history. Meeting the breed in person confirmed what research had already suggested: this was an intelligent dog with purpose and depth. In 2018, I brought home my first Kooikerhondje, Walter. He changed everything. Through him, I fell deeply in love with the breed.

Over the years, I have remained active within the Kooikerhondje community and have participated in obedience, agility, scent detection, dock diving, barn hunt and disc. I have spent countless hours studying health data, pedigrees, and international breeding practices, seeking guidance from experienced preservation breeders and continuing my education through seminars offered by European breed clubs. I have also remained active within the breed community in Canada, including involvement with the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of Canada. My goal has always been to understand the breed as fully as possible before ever considering contributing to it.

My husband, Sam, shares the same lifelong love of dogs. He was raised in a family deeply involved with dogs, including raising puppies destined for service work. Together, we believe dogs deserve structure, purpose, and thoughtful stewardship.

Maplekooi grew from that shared love of dogs and our commitment to the Kooikerhondje. Together, we hope to contribute to the breed’s future in Canada while staying true to the qualities and history that make it so special.