Differences and Similarities between the Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger.

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Kooikerhondje Versus Leonberger: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger 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 Kooikerhondje and for the Leonberger. 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 Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Kooikerhondje or the Leonberger.

Kooikerhondje versus Leonberger

Kooikerhondje versus Leonberger: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Leonberger 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.

Kooikerhondje versus Leonberger: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kooikerhondje to the Leonberger 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 Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger

Factor Kooikerhondje Leonberger
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 1/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Height 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Weight 20 to 25 pounds 120 to 170 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $300 – $1150
Average Price No Data $870
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • CGC
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Kooikerhondje 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 Leonberger. 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 Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.

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

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

    Kooikerhondje versus Leonberger

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger

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

  • Kooikerhondjes adapt well to apartment living. However, Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Kooikerhondjes are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Leonbergers have the tendency to develop certain health problems.

    • The Similarities Between the Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger

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

  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger are not easy to train.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger 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 Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger are very playful.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Kooikerhondje versus Leonberger

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

    Kooikerhondjes weigh 20 to 25 pounds when fully grown. Kooikerhondjes are 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kooikerhondje versus Leonberger

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

    The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.

    Kooikerhondjes live longer than Leonbergers.

    Kooikerhondje versus Leonberger
    Kooikerhondje versus Leonberger

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kooikerhondje versus Leonberger

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kooikerhondjes shed more than Leonbergers?

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kooikerhondje or the Leonberger

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kooikerhondje or the Leonberger?

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

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Kooikerhondje Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?

    Kooikerhondjes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Leonbergers 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.

    Do Kooikerhondjes Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kooikerhondje vs. Leonberger

    Kooikerhondjes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kooikerhondje or the Leonberger?

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Kooikerhondjes good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?

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

    Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kooikerhondjes and Leonbergers?

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

    Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kooikerhondje Easier to Train than the Leonberger?

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

    Is the Kooikerhondje Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

    Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger

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

  • Bernese Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Mastiff (73 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Mastiff.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kooikerhondje Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kooikerhondje versus Whoodle     Kooikerhondje versus Toy Fox Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Puli     Kooikerhondje versus Norwegian Buhund     Kooikerhondje versus Finnish Spitz     Kooikerhondje versus Bolognese     Kooikerhondje versus Biewer Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Kooikerhondje versus Weimaraner     Kooikerhondje versus Scottish Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Scottish Deerhound     Kooikerhondje versus Dachshund     Kooikerhondje versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Dalmatian     Kooikerhondje versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Kooikerhondje versus Labradoodle     Kooikerhondje versus Golden Retriever     Kooikerhondje versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Kooikerhondje versus Weimaraner     Kooikerhondje versus Lhasapoo     Kooikerhondje versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Kooikerhondje versus Shiranian     Kooikerhondje versus Coton de Tulear     Kooikerhondje versus Shiba Inu     Kooikerhondje versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus Stabyhoun     Leonberger versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Leonberger versus Bulldog     Leonberger versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Leonberger versus Bulldog     Leonberger versus Lancashire Heeler     Leonberger versus Great Pyrenees     Leonberger versus Akita     Leonberger versus Clumber Spaniel     Leonberger versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Leonberger versus American Water Spaniel     Leonberger versus Fila Brasileiro     Leonberger versus Akita Chow     Leonberger versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Leonberger versus Bulldog     Leonberger versus Karelian Bear Dog     Leonberger versus Finnish Spitz     Leonberger versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Leonberger versus Japanese Spitz     Leonberger versus Bich Poo     Leonberger versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Leonberger versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Leonberger versus Beaglier     Leonberger versus Valley Bulldog     Leonberger versus Mastiff     

    Conclusion: Kooikerhondje versus Leonberger. 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 Kooikerhondje and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.