Is the Flat-Coated Retriever Better than the Kooikerhondje as a Pet? Answer…

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Flat-Coated Retriever versus Kooikerhondje

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Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever or the Kooikerhondje

Flat-Coated Retriever versus Kooikerhondje

Flat-Coated Retriever versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje are similar in size. The Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje 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.

Flat-Coated Retriever versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Flat-Coated Retriever 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.

Factor Flat-Coated Retriever Kooikerhondje
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 70 pounds 20 to 25 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1350 No Data
Price Range $1150 – $1800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 a Flat-Coated Retriever is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125.

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

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

    Flat-Coated Retriever versus Kooikerhondje

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje

    Below is a list of where the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje are most different:

  • Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Kooikerhondjes adapt well to apartment living.
  • Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train. However, Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.
  • Flat-Coated Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Flat-Coated Retrievers get along well with other dogs. However, Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Flat-Coated Retrievers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Kooikerhondjes are not very friendly towards strangers.

    • The Similarities Between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje

    The Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje are most similar:

  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Flat-Coated Retriever versus Kooikerhondje

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Flat-Coated Retrievers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet 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.

    Flat-Coated Retriever versus Kooikerhondje

    Is the Flat-Coated Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Kooikerhondje?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Flat-Coated Retriever versus Kooikerhondje

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Kooikerhondje?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

    Which one drools more, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Kooikerhondje

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Flat-Coated Retrievers shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers shed moderately.

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Does the Flat-Coated Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kooikerhondje?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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.

    Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Kooikerhondje?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

    Is the Flat-Coated Retriever Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

    Do Flat-Coated Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

    Wanderlust Potential: Flat-Coated Retriever vs. Kooikerhondje

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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.

    Are Flat-Coated Retrievers good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Flat-Coated Retrievers and Kooikerhondjes?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Kooikerhondje?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever:

  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (81 percent match with Flat-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

    • 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 Flat-Coated Retriever vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Lhasapoo (75 percent match with Kooikerhondje). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Lhasapoo.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Flat-Coated Retriever and how the Kooikerhondje compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever and of the Kooikerhondje to other breeds:

    Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Flat-Coated Retriever versus Manchester Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Field Spaniel     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Lhasa Apso     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Maltese     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Bullmastiff     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Pomeranian     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Tibetan Spaniel     Flat-Coated Retriever versus American Foxhound     

    Kooikerhondje Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kooikerhondje versus Scottish Deerhound     Kooikerhondje versus Norfolk Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Cavachon     Kooikerhondje versus Greyhound     Kooikerhondje versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Kooikerhondje versus Norwegian Lundehund     Kooikerhondje versus Irish Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Sloughi     Kooikerhondje versus Mountain Cur     Kooikerhondje versus Golden Cocker Retriever     

    Conclusion: Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Kooikerhondje better suits you and your family.