Which is Better Between the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje?

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Boerboel Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

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

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

Boerboel versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

A very important difference between the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boerboel is a giant-sized dog while the Kooikerhondje is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Boerboel belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Boerboel versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boerboel 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 Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje

Factor Boerboel Kooikerhondje
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 110 to 200 pounds 20 to 25 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 1/5
Height 22 to 28 inches 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2660 No Data
Price Range $2225 – $3000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
    		•  No Data

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

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Kooikerhondje is not better or worse than the Boerboel. So, you can get the Kooikerhondje or the Boerboel!

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje

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

    • Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Kooikerhondjes adapt well to apartment living.
    • Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool. However, Kooikerhondjes do not have the tendency to drool.

    The Similarities Between the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje

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

    • Both the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje are not easy to train.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Boerboel versus Kooikerhondje

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

    Boerboels weigh 110 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Boerboels are 22 to 28 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 Boerboel versus Kooikerhondje

    The lifespan of Boerboels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boerboels is 11.0 years.

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

    Kooikerhondjes live longer than Boerboels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boerboel versus Kooikerhondje

    Boerboels do not like to be left alone.

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boerboels shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

    Boerboels shed moderately.

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Boerboel or the Kooikerhondje

    Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boerboel or the Kooikerhondje?

    Boerboels are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Boerboel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kooikerhondje?

    Boerboels 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 Boerboels Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boerboel vs. Kooikerhondje

    Boerboels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boerboels 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 Boerboel or the Kooikerhondje?

    Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Boerboels good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Boerboels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Boerboels and Kooikerhondjes?

    Boerboels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Boerboel Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

    Boerboels are not easy to train.

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

    Is the Boerboel Better for Apartment Owners than the Kooikerhondje?

    Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Boerboel 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 Boerboel and the Kooikerhondje better suits you and your family.