Briard versus Kooikerhondje. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Briard Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

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

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

Briard versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Briard 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.

Briard versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Briard 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 Briard and the Kooikerhondje

Factor Briard Kooikerhondje
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
Weight 70 to 100 pounds 20 to 25 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2500 No Data
Price Range $2500 – $2500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination at least once between six (6) months and eight (8) years
  • Hip Dysplasia (min age 24 months for all tests)
  • Stationary Night Blindness
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Briard 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 Briard is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Briard and the Kooikerhondje

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

    • Briards are very easy to train. However, Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.
    • Briards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
    • Briards get along well with other dogs. However, Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    The Similarities Between the Briard and the Kooikerhondje

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

    • Both the Briard and the Kooikerhondje do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Briard and the Kooikerhondje require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Briard and the Kooikerhondje are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Briard and the Kooikerhondje are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Briard and the Kooikerhondje are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Briard and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Briard and the Kooikerhondje are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Briard and the Kooikerhondje are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Briard and the Kooikerhondje are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Briard and the Kooikerhondje have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Briard and the Kooikerhondje do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Briard and the Kooikerhondje require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Briard and the Kooikerhondje are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Briard versus Kooikerhondje

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

    Briards weigh 70 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Briards are 22 to 27 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 Briard versus Kooikerhondje

    The lifespan of Briards is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Briards 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 Briards.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Briard versus Kooikerhondje

    Briards can be left alone only for a short time.

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Briards shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

    Briards do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Briard or the Kooikerhondje

    Briards do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

    Briards 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 Briards Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?

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

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Briards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Briard vs. Kooikerhondje

    Briards 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 Briards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Briards 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 Briard or the Kooikerhondje?

    Briards get along very well with other dogs.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Briards good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Briards and Kooikerhondjes?

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

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

    Is the Briard Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

    Briards are very easy to train.

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

    Is the Briard Better for Apartment Owners than the Kooikerhondje?

    Briards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Briards are OK for new dog owners.

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

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