Breed Comparison: Cairn Terrier Versus Kooikerhondje

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Cairn Terrier Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

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

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

Cairn Terrier versus Kooikerhondje

Cairn Terrier versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Cairn 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.

Cairn Terrier versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje

Factor Cairn Terrier Kooikerhondje
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 20 to 25 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
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
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1600 No Data
Price Range $1475 – $1750 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the Kooikerhondje. So, you should get the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Cairn Terrier versus Kooikerhondje

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje

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

  • Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Kooikerhondjes require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje

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

  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are not easy to train.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Kooikerhondje

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

    Cairn Terriers weigh 13 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Cairn Terriers are 9 to 10 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 Cairn Terrier versus Kooikerhondje

    The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn Terriers is 13.5 years.

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

    Cairn Terriers live longer than Kooikerhondjes.

    Cairn Terrier versus Kooikerhondje
    Cairn Terrier versus Kooikerhondje

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Kooikerhondje

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Kooikerhondje

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Kooikerhondje?

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kooikerhondje?

    Cairn 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 Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?

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

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Kooikerhondje

    Cairn 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 Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terrier or the Kooikerhondje?

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Cairn 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 Cairn Terriers and Kooikerhondjes?

    Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Kooikerhondje?

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cairn Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cairn Terrier:

  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (81 percent match with Cairn Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kooikerhondje

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Kooikerhondje that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Kooikerhondje:

  • Lakeland Terrier (75 percent match with Kooikerhondje). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Lhasapoo (75 percent match with Kooikerhondje). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Lhasapoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the Kooikerhondje compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Kooikerhondje to other breeds:

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Schipperke     Cairn Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Cairn Terrier versus Chihuahua     Cairn Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Bloodhound     Cairn Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     Cairn Terrier versus Dachshund     Cairn Terrier versus Puli     Cairn Terrier versus Papipoo     Cairn Terrier versus Akita Chow     Cairn Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     Cairn Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Cairn Terrier versus Akita     Cairn Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     Cairn Terrier versus Chorkie     Cairn Terrier versus Ibizan Hound     Cairn Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Cairn Terrier versus Labradoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Cairn Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Borzoi     

    Kooikerhondje Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kooikerhondje versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Kooikerhondje versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Kooikerhondje versus Finnish Lapphund     Kooikerhondje versus Boxer     Kooikerhondje versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Kooikerhondje versus Keeshond     Kooikerhondje versus Schnoodle     Kooikerhondje versus Puli     Kooikerhondje versus Coton de Tulear     Kooikerhondje versus Plott     Kooikerhondje versus Schipperke     Kooikerhondje versus German Longhaired Pointer     Kooikerhondje versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Kooikerhondje versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Kooikerhondje versus Sheepadoodle     Kooikerhondje versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Kooikerhondje versus Bordoodle     Kooikerhondje versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Kooikerhondje versus Standard Poodle     Kooikerhondje versus Standard Schnauzer     Kooikerhondje versus Azawakh     Kooikerhondje versus Affenhuahua     Kooikerhondje versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Kooikerhondje versus Berger Picard     Kooikerhondje versus Shiba Inu     

    Conclusion: Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Kooikerhondje better suits you and your family.