Chihuahua versus Kooikerhondje. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022

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Chihuahua Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

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

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

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Kooikerhondje

Chihuahua versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Chihuahua belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Chihuahua versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje

FactorChihuahuaKooikerhondje
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather1/54/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Minimal Exercise Needs5/51/5
Life Span10 to 18 years12 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Dog Friendly2/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/52/5
Does NOT Shed4/53/5
General Health2/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/51/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
Low Prey Drive3/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Weight3 to 6 pounds20 to 25 pounds
Good For Novice Owners4/53/5
Easy To Train4/51/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/54/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/53/5
Kid-Friendly5/52/5
Easy To Groom5/52/5
Height6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan14.0 years13.0 years
Average Price$1820$3600
Price Range$850 – $2500$3600 – $3600
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125.

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

    Chihuahua versus Kooikerhondje

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje

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

  • Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Kooikerhondjes can tolerate cold weather.
  • Chihuahuas have low exercise needs. However, Kooikerhondjes require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Chihuahuas 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
  • Chihuahuas 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.
  • Chihuahuas are very easy to train. However, Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.
  • Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Chihuahuas are very easy to groom. However, Kooikerhondjes require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje

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

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje are very playful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Chihuahua 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.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Kooikerhondje

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

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 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 Chihuahua versus Kooikerhondje

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

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

    Chihuahuas live longer than Kooikerhondjes.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Chihuahua versus Kooikerhondje

    Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Kooikerhondje

    The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1820. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $15500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1980 Chihuahua puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Kooikerhondje puppy is $3600. The price of the Kooikerhondje typically ranges from $3600 – $3600. However, the price of the Kooikerhondje can be as low as $3600 and as high as $3600. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Kooikerhondje puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Kooikerhondje is more expensive than the Chihuahua.

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    Chihuahua Kooikerhondje
    Average Price $1820 $3600
    Price Range $850 to $2500 $3600 to $3600

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Chihuahua and Kooikerhondje. For different price points, the charts show how many Chihuahua puppies or how many Kooikerhondje puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Kooikerhondjes

    A breakdown of the prices of Kooikerhondjes

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chihuahua puppy or the Kooikerhondje puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here

    Chihuahua versus Kooikerhondje

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Kooikerhondje

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

    Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

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

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

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

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

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

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

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

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

    Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Kooikerhondje

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Kooikerhondjes?

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

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

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

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

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

    Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Kooikerhondje

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

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

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chihuahuas 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.

    Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Kooikerhondje?

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Kooikerhondje better suits you and your family.