A Detailed Comparison of the Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje.

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Irish Setter Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

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

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

Irish Setter versus Kooikerhondje

Irish Setter versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Irish Setter 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.

Irish Setter versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje

Factor Irish Setter Kooikerhondje
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 5/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
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
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 20 to 25 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1680 No Data
Price Range $1200 – $2200 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125.

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

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

    Irish Setter versus Kooikerhondje

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje

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

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

    • The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje

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

  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Kooikerhondje

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

    Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 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 Irish Setter versus Kooikerhondje

    The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.

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

    Irish Setter versus Kooikerhondje
    Irish Setter versus Kooikerhondje

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Kooikerhondje

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Setters shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

    Irish Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Kooikerhondje

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Kooikerhondje?

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kooikerhondje?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?

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

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Kooikerhondje

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Kooikerhondje?

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Irish Setters are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Irish Setters and Kooikerhondjes?

    Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

    Is the Irish Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Kooikerhondje?

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter:

  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs English Setter.

    • 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 Irish Setter vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Lhasapoo (75 percent match with Kooikerhondje). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Lhasapoo.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus American Eskimo Dog     Irish Setter versus Peek A Poo     Irish Setter versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Irish Setter versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Irish Setter versus Greyhound     Irish Setter versus Maremma Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Berger Picard     Irish Setter versus Newfoundland     Irish Setter versus French Bulldog     Irish Setter versus Bluetick Coonhound     Irish Setter versus Briard     Irish Setter versus Komondor     Irish Setter versus Ibizan Hound     Irish Setter versus Maltese     Irish Setter versus French Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Irish Setter versus Yorkipoo     Irish Setter versus Stabyhoun     Irish Setter versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Irish Setter versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Irish Setter versus Saint Bernard     Irish Setter versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Irish Setter versus Miniature Schnauzer     Irish Setter versus Karelian Bear Dog     Irish Setter versus Coton de Tulear     

    Kooikerhondje Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kooikerhondje versus Italian Greyhound     Kooikerhondje versus Basenji     Kooikerhondje versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Kooikerhondje versus Aussiedoodle     Kooikerhondje versus Great Dane     Kooikerhondje versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Kooikerhondje versus Kishu Ken     Kooikerhondje versus Shiloh Shepherd     Kooikerhondje versus Chinese Crested     Kooikerhondje versus Shichon     Kooikerhondje versus Portuguese Water Dog     Kooikerhondje versus American Bulldog     Kooikerhondje versus Siberian Husky     Kooikerhondje versus Komondor     Kooikerhondje versus English Setter     Kooikerhondje versus Spinone Italiano     Kooikerhondje versus Portuguese Pointer     Kooikerhondje versus Bearded Collie     Kooikerhondje versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Kooikerhondje versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Kooikerhondje versus Belgian Tervuren     Kooikerhondje versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Kooikerhondje versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Kooikerhondje versus Brussels Griffon     Kooikerhondje versus Dogue de Bordeaux     

    Conclusion: Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Kooikerhondje better suits you and your family.