Which is Better between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje? A Very Detailed Review.

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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Kooikerhondje.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje

Factor Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Kooikerhondje
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 5/5
Height 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 1/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Life Span 7 to 9 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 85 to 140 pounds 20 to 25 pounds
Average Lifespan 8.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2390 No Data
Price Range $1750 – $3000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (Effective 7/1/15 the minimum eye exam age to qualify for CHIC is 18 months)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Shoulders
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125.

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

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

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje

    Below is a list of where the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje are most different:

  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Kooikerhondjes adapt well to apartment living.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Kooikerhondjes are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along well with other dogs. However, Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom. However, Kooikerhondjes require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje

    The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje are most similar:

  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs weigh 85 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are 23 to 28 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje

    The lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is between 7 to 9 years. The average lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is 8.0 years.

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

    Kooikerhondjes live longer than Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed moderately.

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Kooikerhondje

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Kooikerhondje?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kooikerhondje?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs. Kooikerhondje

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Kooikerhondje?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Kooikerhondjes?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are fairly easy to train.

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

    Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Kooikerhondje?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Kooikerhondje?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog:

  • Bracco Italiano (75 percent match with Greater Swiss Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dog (78 percent match with Greater Swiss Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog.
  • 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Lhasapoo (75 percent match with Kooikerhondje). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Lhasapoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and how the Kooikerhondje compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and of the Kooikerhondje to other breeds:

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Pug     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Airedale Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Ibizan Hound     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kishu Ken     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Maltese     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Komondor     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Afghan Hound     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Chorkie     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Doberman Pinscher     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Norfolk Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Boykin Spaniel     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Yorkshire Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Belgian Malinois     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Vizsla     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Berger Picard     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Clumber Spaniel     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     

    Kooikerhondje Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kooikerhondje versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Kooikerhondje versus Pomeranian     Kooikerhondje versus Bedlington Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Bloodhound     Kooikerhondje versus Pomsky     Kooikerhondje versus Cockalier     Kooikerhondje versus Scottish Deerhound     Kooikerhondje versus Saluki     Kooikerhondje versus Biewer Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Bloodhound     Kooikerhondje versus Akita Chow     Kooikerhondje versus Shih Tzu     Kooikerhondje versus Swedish Vallhund     Kooikerhondje versus Maltese     Kooikerhondje versus Vizsla     Kooikerhondje versus Mudi     Kooikerhondje versus Maltipoo     Kooikerhondje versus Irish Setter     Kooikerhondje versus Schnoodle     Kooikerhondje versus Cavachon     Kooikerhondje versus Norwegian Buhund     Kooikerhondje versus Brussels Griffon     Kooikerhondje versus Mastiff     Kooikerhondje versus Norwich Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     

    Conclusion: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje better suits you and your family.