Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Kooikerhondje
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Kooikerhondje
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Kooikerhondje
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Kooikerhondjes?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Kooikerhondje?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Kooikerhondje?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Kooikerhondje
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Kooikerhondjes?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kooikerhondje?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Kooikerhondje
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Kooikerhondje.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd or the Kooikerhondje.

Australian Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje: Overview
Both the Australian Shepherd and the Kooikerhondje are similar in size. The Australian Shepherd and the Kooikerhondje are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Australian Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Kooikerhondje
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Kooikerhondje |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 20 to 25 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | $3600 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $3600 – $3600 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125.
Despite the equal Better-Pet score of the Australian Shepherd and the Kooikerhondje, we still think that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Kooikerhondje.
This is because Australian Shepherds are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Australian Shepherd will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Australian Shepherd :-). We are for the Australian Shepherd. So get a Australian Shepherd!

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Kooikerhondje
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Kooikerhondje are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Kooikerhondje
The Australian Shepherd and the Kooikerhondje are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Kooikerhondje are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Kooikerhondje.
The Australian Shepherd weighs 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. The Australian Shepherd is 18 to 23 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.

Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje
The lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of the Kooikerhondje is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Kooikerhondje is 13.0 years.
The Australian Shepherd live longer than the Kooikerhondje.

Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Kooikerhondje
The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1180. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a Australian Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $12009. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2674 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd.
| Australian Shepherd | Kooikerhondje | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $3600 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $3600 to $3600 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Kooikerhondje. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Kooikerhondje puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

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

A breakdown of the prices of Kooikerhondjes
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd 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.

Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Kooikerhondjes?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Kooikerhondje?
Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherd or the Kooikerhondje?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Kooikerhondjes are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Kooikerhondje
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Kooikerhondjes?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kooikerhondje?
Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Kooikerhondje
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Kooikerhondjes can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Kooikerhondje?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Kooikerhondje?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.
Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Australian Shepherd compares to other breeds aside from the Kooikerhondje. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Bracco Italiano Australian Shepherd versus Leonberger Australian Shepherd versus Shih Tzu Australian Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer Australian Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Australian Shepherd versus English Springer Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Korean Jindo Dog Australian Shepherd versus King Shepherd Australian Shepherd versus Papillon Australian Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro Australian Shepherd versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Australian Shepherd versus Bouvier des Flandres Australian Shepherd versus English Cocker Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Neapolitan Mastiff Australian Shepherd versus French Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Norwich Terrier
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Kooikerhondje better suits you and your family.