A Detailed Comparison of the Irish Wolfhound and the Kooikerhondje.

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Irish Wolfhound Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

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

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

Irish Wolfhound versus Kooikerhondje

Irish Wolfhound versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Irish Wolfhound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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 Wolfhound versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound and the Kooikerhondje

Factor Irish Wolfhound Kooikerhondje
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
General Health 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Weight 115 to 180 pounds 20 to 25 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Height 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
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
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Life Span 6 to 8 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 7.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1930 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2400 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Kooikerhondje

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

  • Irish Wolfhounds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Kooikerhondjes adapt well to apartment living.
  • Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Kooikerhondjes do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Irish Wolfhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Irish Wolfhounds get along well with other dogs. However, Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Irish Wolfhounds are very friendly towards strangers. However, Kooikerhondjes are not very friendly towards strangers.

    • The Similarities Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Kooikerhondje

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

  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Kooikerhondje do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Kooikerhondje are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Kooikerhondje do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Kooikerhondje cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Kooikerhondje are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Kooikerhondje require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Kooikerhondje are very playful.

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

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

    Irish Wolfhounds weigh 115 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Irish Wolfhounds are 32 to 35 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 Wolfhound versus Kooikerhondje

    The lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is between 6 to 8 years. The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is 7.0 years.

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

    Kooikerhondjes live longer than Irish Wolfhounds.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Wolfhound versus Kooikerhondje

    Irish Wolfhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Wolfhounds shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

    Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately.

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Kooikerhondje

    Irish Wolfhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Irish Wolfhounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Wolfhound vs. Kooikerhondje

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhound or the Kooikerhondje?

    Irish Wolfhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds and Kooikerhondjes?

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhound Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

    Irish Wolfhounds are fairly easy to train.

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhound

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

  • Bracco Italiano (74 percent match with Irish Wolfhound). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Cavapoo (72 percent match with Irish Wolfhound). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Cavapoo.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Wolfhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Wolfhound versus Great Dane     Irish Wolfhound versus German Pinscher     Irish Wolfhound versus Lowchen     Irish Wolfhound versus Bulldog     Irish Wolfhound versus Cockapoo     Irish Wolfhound versus Carolina Dog     Irish Wolfhound versus Briard     Irish Wolfhound versus Bluetick Coonhound     Irish Wolfhound versus Bernedoodle     Irish Wolfhound versus Afghan Hound     Irish Wolfhound versus Pomeranian     Irish Wolfhound versus Chinook     Irish Wolfhound versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Irish Wolfhound versus Great Pyrenees     Irish Wolfhound versus Berger Picard     Irish Wolfhound versus Plott     Irish Wolfhound versus Belgian Sheepdog     Irish Wolfhound versus Australian Shepherd     Irish Wolfhound versus Chihuahua     Irish Wolfhound versus Portuguese Water Dog     Irish Wolfhound versus Westiepoo     Irish Wolfhound versus Goldendoodle     Irish Wolfhound versus Australian Shepherd     Irish Wolfhound versus Border Collie     Irish Wolfhound versus Sealyham Terrier     

    Kooikerhondje Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kooikerhondje versus Fila Brasileiro     Kooikerhondje versus Norfolk Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Standard Poodle     Kooikerhondje versus Weimaraner     Kooikerhondje versus Dalmatian     Kooikerhondje versus Tibetan Mastiff     Kooikerhondje versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Kooikerhondje versus Doberman Pinscher     Kooikerhondje versus Bernedoodle     Kooikerhondje versus Collie     Kooikerhondje versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Kooikerhondje versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Kooikerhondje versus Boykin Spaniel     Kooikerhondje versus Boxer     Kooikerhondje versus West Highland White Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Pomchi     Kooikerhondje versus Pomeranian     Kooikerhondje versus Azawakh     Kooikerhondje versus Berger Picard     Kooikerhondje versus Chow Chow     Kooikerhondje versus Cavapoo     Kooikerhondje versus Brussels Griffon     Kooikerhondje versus Samoyed     Kooikerhondje versus Bulldog     Kooikerhondje versus Shiranian     

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