Portuguese Water Dog vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Water Dog vs Kooikerhondje - Breed ComparisonKooikerhondje is originated from Netherlands but Portuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal. Kooikerhondje may grow 17 cm / 6 inches shorter than Portuguese Water Dog. Kooikerhondje may weigh 16 kg / 35 pounds lesser than Portuguese Water Dog. Both Kooikerhondje and Portuguese Water Dog has almost same life span. Both Kooikerhondje and Portuguese Water Dog has almost same litter size. Both Kooikerhondje and Portuguese Water Dog requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
undefined
Netherlands
Portugal
Height Male:
35 - 40 cm
13 - 16 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
35 - 40 cm
13 - 16 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
9 - 11 kg
19 - 25 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
9 - 11 kg
19 - 25 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Kooiker
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Colors Available:
Red and white
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
Coat:
Long and silky
single coated - curly and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

kooikerhondjeThe Kooikerhondje is of Dutch ancestry and is a medium-sized spaniel-type dog breed that has always been a working dog, being used to attract ducks into traps but being bred as an all-purpose dog.

They were particularly sought after in the 17th and 18th century, appearing in paintings of Rembrandt. The breed died out during World War II, but it was rescued by Baroness van Hardenbroek van Ammerstol and recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club.

In January 2018 the Nederlnadse Kooikerhondje is fully recognized by the American Kennel Club, competing in the Sporting Group.

portuguese water dogThe Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog hailing from the Portuguese region of the Algarve. The dog has always been a friend of the sea, working around fishing boats, loving his life around water.

He descends from dogs that have always been used by Portuguese fishermen, and its believed he has Poodle in him. Known also as the Cao de Agua, which means Dog of the Water, the Portie as he is also known, almost disappeared.

Their numbers dropped in the early 20th century, but a certain Vasco Bensuade saved the breed, forming a breed club, writing a breed standard.

They then also made their way to England and the United States. It was in 1972 that the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America formed. In 1983, the AKC recognized the dog as a distinct breed.

Description

kooikerhondje puppy - descriptionThe Kooikerhondje is a medium sized dog standing at 35 – 40cm at the withers and weighing anything between 9 – 11kg. He has a medium length coat which is a red and white color, with floppy ears.

A distinctive feature with this dog is the black tips of the long ears, and which are referred to as earrings. The coat can be wavy or straight. Typical of spaniel-like dog his plumed white tail moves jauntily, as though always happy. When you look at him he has a gentle expression, while being alert too.

Temperament:

Friendly, content, cheerful, good-natured and quiet – these are some of the words which describe the amicable Kooikerhondje.

He is also intelligent, wanting to please his owner. He is good around children too, but make sure your children are taught to respect and be kind to animals.

The Kooikerhondje is an adaptable dog and can be as as quiet or as jaunty as you want. He is adaptable to city life or life in the country, but he will need to be exercised and taken for walks.

portuguese water dog puppy - descriptionStanding at between 43 and 57cm in height and weighing in the region of 16 to 27kg, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, curly-coated dog.

It is believed that the dog is hypoallergenic. He does however shed, though not a lot. He just loves the water and is always ready to plunge in. One of the distinctive characteristics of this dog is its webbed feet.

Temparament:

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent dog that will do well with training and socialization.

It won’t be troublesome training this dog as he is intelligent. They're also calm dogs. Referred to fondly as the Portie, this is a fun-loving dog, friendly and social, getting on well with all members of his human family.

These dogs get on well with children and other family pets. They can be reserved toward strangers, but this makes them good watchdogs.

Characteristics

kooikerhondje dog - characteristicsKooiker, as he’s fondly referred to for short, has a happy personality, and bringing him into your home will be like bringing in some joy and sunshine.

He is a fun, energetic companion and you can count him in for all your outdoor activities such as walk, hikes and swimming. He’ll love to fetch every ball you throw, and that’s because he is such a playful dog.

He is a loving dog too, making a great playmate for children. Treat him like one of the family, and the Kooiker will surprise you with the amount of pleasure he brings.

portuguese water dog dog - characteristicsWith training, your Portie can make a splendid pet. He is also adaptable to different living situations, and is capable of living in the city or in the countryside, just so long as his exercise needs are met.

He is such an affectionate and loyal, fun-loving dog while also being hard working, and all these wonderful characteristics mean that he can be a treasured pet and companion.

Health Problems

kooikerhondje puppies - health problemsThe lifespan of the Kooikerhondje is about 12 – 14 years, and looked after well, he can be your canine friend for many years.

He loves his food and can put on weight easily, and obesity is one of the health problems he may have to deal with. Kidney- and eye problems might also be something that you may have to deal with with this dog breed, although most unlikely.

Obesity:

Obesity in dogs is very sad because its a disease that can be avoided. Dogs that are over fed are at particular risk because they can't exercise, and this in itself can lead to serious health issues.

There are different causes of obesity, but it is mostly caused by the dog being fed- and eating more than he can expend. Just like with humans, obesity becomes more common in old age as the metabolism slows down. A dog that has been neutered or spayed also tends to put on weight more easily.

If you're unsure what to do for your obese dog, speak to your vet who can recommend a diet for your pet. Remember that with feeding your dog, prevention is better than cure.

Kidney Problems:

Kidney problems, though more common with older dogs, can strike at any age. The kidneys play a host of important functions such as regulating blood pressure. Sometimes kidney failure is slow and the symptoms may not be obvious.

With renal failure, your pet will be lethargic, they will be vomiting, be depressed and have weight loss. Other possible symptoms are increased thirst, blood in the urine and seizures. Chronic renal failure can't be cured but treatment is aimed at making your pet comfortable.

portuguese water dog puppies - health problemsPortuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, but like most other dogs they are more prone to certain heath conditions, though your pet is unlikely to get any of them. Still it pays to know of some of the more complicated- and disabling ones.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Hip dysplasia spells pain for your dog and he may show lameness with one or both rear legs. Arthritis can develop too.

Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by allowing your dog to become obese and from injuries from leaping off your bed for instance.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

This is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness, but fortunately it is detectable long before the dog shows signs of blindness.

Reputable breeders have the eyes of their dog certified each year by a veterinary ophthalmologist and they don’t allow the dogs to produce puppies.

Caring The Pet

kooikerhondje dogs - caringYour Kooikerhondje is smart, happy-go-lucky dog and it is important to know your pet's needs so you can care properly for him. Exercise your Kooikerhondje daily as he is a high-energy dog and even short walks can be good for him.

He absolutely loves balls games too. He can live in the city or the country but will do better when he has the chance for exercise. Urban- and city environments can work if there are nearby parks to cater for his energy.

Grooming:

The Kooikehondje has long hair but he is surprisingly low maintenance and will simply require a brush once or twice a week.

If you love your pet but just can't find the time to see to his grooming needs, take him to the vet for regular checkups to check ears, teeth and eyes. They can come down with problems with the eyes or have some or other skin allergy.

Diet:

Give your Kooikerhondje the right food, and make sure its the highest quality. If you buy him commercially manufactured food, pay attention to the ingredients list and make sure that proper meat is at the top of the list.

Add cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables to his dry kibble as a tasty treat sometimes. Learn to recognize the less nutritious ingredients such as wheat or grain. Also learn to avoid foods which are bad for your dog such as chocolate and onions.

portuguese water dog dogs - caringYour Portie is a dog that loves outdoor life and lots of exercise. Take him with you on your walks and give him a run off his leash. When he gets home, if you have a pool h’ll be the first to plunge right in. He makes a great pet to have at the sea too.

Provide him with plenty of nice chewy toys, balls and ropes so he doesn’t get bored.

Provide him with a nice, dry, warm sleeping area and don’t allow him to be disturbed when he retreats there.

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent some life threatening illnesses.

Provide him with high quality food that has lots of vitamins and minerals instead of fillers, preservatives, colorants and toxins.

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods which can be convenient and good for your pet. Try and provide him with some tasty homemade food occasionally. Nothing spicy and exotic. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes chopped up and added twice week to the dry kibble is all your dog requires to keep him energetic happy, thankful, healthy and happy.

A little bit of raw meat added in from time to time will be superb. See that he always has access to clean, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Kooikerhondje vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Kooikerhondje vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Kooikerhondje vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Kooikerhondje vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Kooikerhondje vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Kooikerhondje vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Kooikerhondje vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Kooikerhondje vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Kooikerhondje vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Kooikerhondje vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Kooikerhondje vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Kooikerhondje vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Kooikerhondje vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Kooikerhondje vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Kooikerhondje vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Kooikerhondje vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Kooikerhondje vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Kooikerhondje vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Kooikerhondje vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Kooikerhondje vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Kooikerhondje vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Kooikerhondje vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Kooikerhondje vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Kooikerhondje vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Kooikerhondje vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Portuguese Water Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Portuguese Water Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Portuguese Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Portuguese Water Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Portuguese Water Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Portuguese Water Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Portuguese Water Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Portuguese Water Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Portuguese Water Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Portuguese Water Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Portuguese Water Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Portuguese Water Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Portuguese Water Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Portuguese Water Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Portuguese Water Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Portuguese Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Portuguese Water Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Portuguese Water Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Portuguese Water Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Portuguese Water Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Portuguese Water Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Portuguese Water Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison