Is the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Better than the Kooikerhondje as a Pet? Our Answer.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Appenzeller Sennenhunde Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Kooikerhondje.

Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje are similar in size. The Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje

Factor Appenzeller Sennenhunde Kooikerhondje
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 48 to 55 pounds 20 to 25 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125.

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

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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje

Below is a list of where the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje are most different:

  • Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Kooikerhondjes adapt well to apartment living.
  • Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to train. However, Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.
  • Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to groom. However, Kooikerhondjes require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

The Similarities Between the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje

The Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje are most similar:

  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje are very playful.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

Size Comparison of Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Kooikerhondje

Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje.

Appenzeller Sennenhundes weigh 48 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Appenzeller Sennenhundes are 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Kooikerhondje

The lifespan of Appenzeller Sennenhundes is between 9 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Appenzeller Sennenhundes is 10.5 years.

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

Kooikerhondjes live longer than Appenzeller Sennenhundes.

Tolerates Being Alone: Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Kooikerhondje

Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not like to be left alone.

Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

Do Appenzeller Sennenhundes shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

Appenzeller Sennenhundes shed moderately.

Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

Which one drools more, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Kooikerhondje

Appenzeller Sennenhundes do have a very low tendency to drool.

Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

Which is Easier to Groom, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Kooikerhondje?

Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to groom.

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

Does the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kooikerhondje?

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

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

Do Appenzeller Sennenhundes Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?

Appenzeller Sennenhundes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

Can Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather?

Appenzeller Sennenhundes can very well tolerate cold weather.

Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

Wanderlust Potential: Appenzeller Sennenhunde vs. Kooikerhondje

Appenzeller Sennenhundes 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 Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

Appenzeller Sennenhundes can tolerate hot weather.

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

Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Kooikerhondje?

Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along fairly well with other dogs.

Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

Are Appenzeller Sennenhundes good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

Appenzeller Sennenhundes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

How Kid-friendly are Appenzeller Sennenhundes and Kooikerhondjes?

Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

Is the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to train.

Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

Is the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Better for Apartment Owners than the Kooikerhondje?

Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not adapt well to apartment living.

Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Kooikerhondje?

Appenzeller Sennenhundes are OK for new dog owners.

Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

Conclusion: Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Kooikerhondje better suits you and your family.