Is the American Hairless Terrier Better than the Kooikerhondje as a Pet? Our Answer.

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American Hairless Terrier Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Hairless Terrier and for the Kooikerhondje. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Hairless Terrier or the Kooikerhondje.

American Hairless Terrier versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

A very important difference between the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Hairless Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Kooikerhondje is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the American Hairless Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Kooikerhondje belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

American Hairless Terrier versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Hairless Terrier to the Kooikerhondje based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje

Factor American Hairless Terrier Kooikerhondje
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 10 to 16 pounds 20 to 25 pounds
Height 12 to 16 inches 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 13 to 16 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1840 No Data
Price Range $1625 – $2000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Annual exams until at least Age 8 yrs (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Hairless Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Kooikerhondje. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Hairless Terrier is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Hairless Terrier is a better pet than the Kooikerhondje. So, you should get the American Hairless Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje

    Below is a list of where the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are most different:

    • American Hairless Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Kooikerhondjes can tolerate cold weather.
    • American Hairless Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Kooikerhondjes require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje

    The American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are most similar:

    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are highly intelligent.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are very playful.

    Size Comparison of American Hairless Terrier versus Kooikerhondje

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje.

    American Hairless Terriers weigh 10 to 16 pounds when fully grown. American Hairless Terriers are 12 to 16 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Kooikerhondjes weigh 20 to 25 pounds when fully grown. Kooikerhondjes are 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Hairless Terrier versus Kooikerhondje

    The lifespan of American Hairless Terriers is between 13 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Hairless Terriers is 14.5 years.

    The lifespan of Kooikerhondjes is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Kooikerhondjes is 13.0 years.

    American Hairless Terriers live longer than Kooikerhondjes.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Hairless Terrier versus Kooikerhondje

    American Hairless Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Hairless Terriers shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

    American Hairless Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Hairless Terrier or the Kooikerhondje

    American Hairless Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Hairless Terrier or the Kooikerhondje?

    American Hairless Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Kooikerhondjes require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the American Hairless Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kooikerhondje?

    American Hairless Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Kooikerhondjes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do American Hairless Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    American Hairless Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can American Hairless Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Hairless Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Hairless Terrier vs. Kooikerhondje

    American Hairless Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Kooikerhondjes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Hairless Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Hairless Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Kooikerhondjes can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Hairless Terrier or the Kooikerhondje?

    American Hairless Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Hairless Terriers good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    American Hairless Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Kooikerhondjes are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Hairless Terriers and Kooikerhondjes?

    American Hairless Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the American Hairless Terrier Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

    American Hairless Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

    Is the American Hairless Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Kooikerhondje?

    American Hairless Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Hairless Terrier or the Kooikerhondje?

    American Hairless Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Hairless Terrier versus Kooikerhondje. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Hairless Terrier and the Kooikerhondje better suits you and your family.