Breed Comparison: Irish Terrier Versus Kooikerhondje

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Irish Terrier Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

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

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

Irish Terrier versus Kooikerhondje

Irish Terrier versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

Both the Irish Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are similar in size. The Irish Terrier and the Kooikerhondje are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Irish 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.

Irish Terrier versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish 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 Irish Terrier and the Kooikerhondje

Factor Irish Terrier Kooikerhondje
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 12 to 14 years
Height 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 27 pounds 20 to 25 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1280 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $1500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

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

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

Irish Terrier versus Kooikerhondje

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Terrier and the Kooikerhondje

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

  • Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Kooikerhondje

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

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

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

    Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 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 Irish Terrier versus Kooikerhondje

    The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.

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

    Irish Terriers live longer than Kooikerhondjes.

    Irish Terrier versus Kooikerhondje
    Irish Terrier versus Kooikerhondje

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Kooikerhondje

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Terriers shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

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

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Terrier or the Kooikerhondje

    Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Kooikerhondje

    Irish 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 Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish 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 Irish Terrier or the Kooikerhondje?

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Irish 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 Irish Terriers and Kooikerhondjes?

    Irish 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 Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

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

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier

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

  • Hovawart (75 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Hovawart.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • 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 Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Lhasapoo (75 percent match with Kooikerhondje). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Lhasapoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus American Bulldog     Irish Terrier versus Irish Setter     Irish Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel     Irish Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Irish Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Irish Terrier versus Beaglier     Irish Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Irish Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Irish Terrier versus Papillon     Irish Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund     Irish Terrier versus Bich Poo     Irish Terrier versus Plott     Irish Terrier versus American Foxhound     Irish Terrier versus Boxerdoodle     Irish Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Irish Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     Irish Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Irish Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Irish Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog     Irish Terrier versus Borzoi     Irish Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Irish Terrier versus Lowchen     Irish Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Irish Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Irish Terrier versus Manchester Terrier     

    Kooikerhondje Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kooikerhondje versus Pug     Kooikerhondje versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Kooikerhondje versus Norwegian Buhund     Kooikerhondje versus Canaan Dog     Kooikerhondje versus Schnoodle     Kooikerhondje versus Shiba Inu     Kooikerhondje versus Redbone Coonhound     Kooikerhondje versus Miniature Schnauzer     Kooikerhondje versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Kooikerhondje versus Field Spaniel     Kooikerhondje versus Dutch Shepherd     Kooikerhondje versus Mudi     Kooikerhondje versus Silky Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Swedish Vallhund     Kooikerhondje versus Belgian Malinois     Kooikerhondje versus Tibetan Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Sussex Spaniel     Kooikerhondje versus Rottweiler     Kooikerhondje versus Pomeranian     Kooikerhondje versus Barbet     Kooikerhondje versus Australian Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Shiloh Shepherd     Kooikerhondje versus Beagle     Kooikerhondje versus Shih Tzu     Kooikerhondje versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     

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