Breed Comparison: Brussels Griffon Versus Kooikerhondje

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Brussels Griffon Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

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

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

Brussels Griffon versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Brussels Griffon belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Brussels Griffon versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon and the Kooikerhondje

Factor Brussels Griffon Kooikerhondje
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 7 to 12 pounds 20 to 25 pounds
Height 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2430 No Data
Price Range $1899 – $3000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Syringomyelia – Recommend MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – no database registration
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon is 72 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Brussels Griffon and the Kooikerhondje

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

    • Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Kooikerhondjes can tolerate cold weather.

    The Similarities Between the Brussels Griffon and the Kooikerhondje

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

    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Kooikerhondje do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Kooikerhondje are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Kooikerhondje cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Kooikerhondje are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Kooikerhondje are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Kooikerhondje require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Kooikerhondje adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon and the Kooikerhondje have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Kooikerhondje are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Brussels Griffon versus Kooikerhondje

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

    Brussels Griffons weigh 7 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Brussels Griffons are 7 to 8 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 Brussels Griffon versus Kooikerhondje

    The lifespan of Brussels Griffons is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Brussels Griffons is 13.5 years.

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

    Brussels Griffons live longer than Kooikerhondjes.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Brussels Griffon versus Kooikerhondje

    Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Brussels Griffons shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

    Brussels Griffons shed moderately.

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Brussels Griffon or the Kooikerhondje

    Brussels Griffons drool moderately.

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Brussels Griffon or the Kooikerhondje?

    Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Brussels Griffon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kooikerhondje?

    Brussels Griffons have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

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

    Do Brussels Griffons Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?

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

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Brussels Griffon vs. Kooikerhondje

    Brussels Griffons 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 Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Brussels Griffon or the Kooikerhondje?

    Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Brussels Griffons are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Brussels Griffons and Kooikerhondjes?

    Brussels Griffons get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Brussels Griffon Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

    Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

    Is the Brussels Griffon Better for Apartment Owners than the Kooikerhondje?

    Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Brussels Griffons are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon and the Kooikerhondje better suits you and your family.