Why the Miniature Schnauzer is Better than the Kooikerhondje as a Pet

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

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Miniature Schnauzer Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

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

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

Miniature Schnauzer versus Kooikerhondje

Miniature Schnauzer versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Miniature Schnauzer 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.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje

FactorMiniature SchnauzerKooikerhondje
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Weight11 to 20 pounds20 to 25 pounds
Life Span12 to 14 years12 to 14 years
Height13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Does NOT Shed4/53/5
Easy To Groom2/52/5
Does NOT chew on things4/53/5
Good For Novice Owners3/53/5
Kid-Friendly3/52/5
Dog Friendly3/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/52/5
General Health3/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/51/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/54/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/53/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Tolerates Being Alone5/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/53/5
Easy To Train5/51/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Average Lifespan13.0 years13.0 years
Average Price$1950$3600
Price Range$1400 – $2500$3600 – $3600
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Kooikerhondje. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Kooikerhondje

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje

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

  • Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.
  • Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train. However, Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje

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

  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer 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.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje are very playful.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Kooikerhondje

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

    The Miniature Schnauzer weighs 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. The Miniature Schnauzer is 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Kooikerhondje weighs 20 to 25 pounds when fully grown. The Kooikerhondje is 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Miniature Schnauzer versus Size of Kooikerhondje

    Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Kooikerhondje

    The lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is 13.0 years.

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

    The Kooikerhondje live as long as the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Kooikerhondje

    Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Kooikerhondje

    The average price of the Miniature Schnauzer puppy is $1950. The price of the Miniature Schnauzer typically ranges from $1400 – $2500. However, the price of a Miniature Schnauzer can be as low as $500 and as high as $8500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 913 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer.

    Miniature Schnauzer Kooikerhondje
    Average Price $1950 $3600
    Price Range $1400 to $2500 $3600 to $3600

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Schnauzers. 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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.

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Kooikerhondje

    Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Kooikerhondje

    Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

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

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Kooikerhondje?

    Miniature Schnauzers 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.

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

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Kooikerhondje

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Kooikerhondjes?

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kooikerhondje?

    Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Kooikerhondje

    Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Kooikerhondje?

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

    Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Miniature Schnauzer compares to other breeds aside from the Kooikerhondje. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Saluki     Miniature Schnauzer versus Morkie     Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Golden Retriever     Miniature Schnauzer versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Miniature Schnauzer versus American Eskimo Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Shetland Sheepdog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Miniature Schnauzer versus Fila Brasileiro     Miniature Schnauzer versus Carolina Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Yorkshire Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Portuguese Pointer     Miniature Schnauzer versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Borzoi     

    Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Kooikerhondje better suits you and your family.