Kooikerhondje versus Portuguese Water Dog. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Kooikerhondje Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog.

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 Portuguese Water Dog.

Kooikerhondje versus Portuguese Water Dog

Kooikerhondje versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview

Both the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog are similar in size. The Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog are both medium-sized dogs.

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 Portuguese Water 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.

Kooikerhondje versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kooikerhondje to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog

Factor Kooikerhondje Portuguese Water Dog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 14 years
Height 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Weight 20 to 25 pounds 35 to 60 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $2500 – $3300
Average Price No Data $2860
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annual exams until age 10
  • GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Univ of Pennsylvania –
  • NYU
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.

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

    Kooikerhondje versus Portuguese Water Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog

    Below is a list of where the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:

  • Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train. However, Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
  • Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs. However, Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog

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

  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog are very playful.
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kooikerhondje versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kooikerhondje and the Portuguese Water Dog.

    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, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kooikerhondje versus Portuguese Water Dog

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

    The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.

    Kooikerhondjes live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kooikerhondje versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kooikerhondjes shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kooikerhondje or the Portuguese Water Dog

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kooikerhondje or the Portuguese Water Dog?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Kooikerhondje Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Kooikerhondjes Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

    Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kooikerhondje vs. Portuguese Water Dog

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

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

    Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kooikerhondjes good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kooikerhondjes and Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kooikerhondje Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Kooikerhondje Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are OK 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 Portuguese Water Dog vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Lhasapoo (75 percent match with Kooikerhondje). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Lhasapoo.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water 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 Portuguese Water Dog:

  • Bernedoodle (83 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kooikerhondje Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kooikerhondje versus Chow Chow     Kooikerhondje versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Kooikerhondje versus Chorkie     Kooikerhondje versus Australian Kelpie     Kooikerhondje versus American Foxhound     Kooikerhondje versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Kooikerhondje versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Kooikerhondje versus Maltipoo     Kooikerhondje versus English Toy Spaniel     Kooikerhondje versus Great Pyrenees     Kooikerhondje versus English Springer Spaniel     Kooikerhondje versus Akita     Kooikerhondje versus Labrador Retriever     Kooikerhondje versus Portuguese Water Dog     Kooikerhondje versus Silky Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Maltese     Kooikerhondje versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Kooikerhondje versus Puggle     Kooikerhondje versus Bloodhound     Kooikerhondje versus Akbash     Kooikerhondje versus Bracco Italiano     Kooikerhondje versus Barbet     Kooikerhondje versus English Springer Spaniel     Kooikerhondje versus Mountain Cur     Kooikerhondje versus Shetland Sheepdog     

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Puli     Portuguese Water Dog versus Basset Hound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Puggle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Stabyhoun     Portuguese Water Dog versus Norwegian Buhund     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Portuguese Water Dog versus Komondor     Portuguese Water Dog versus Yorkipoo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pointer     Portuguese Water Dog versus Cane Corso     Portuguese Water Dog versus Australian Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Hovawart     Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer     Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Portuguese Water Dog versus Labradoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Cocker Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Berger Picard     Portuguese Water Dog versus Japanese Spitz     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Portuguese Water Dog versus Labrador Retriever     Portuguese Water Dog versus Frenchton     Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Terrier     

    Conclusion: Kooikerhondje versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.