Last Updated: Nov 07, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction
- Bernese Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje: Overview
- Bernese Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje
- The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje
- Size Comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje
- Lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje
- Price of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Price of Kooikerhondje
- Tolerates Being Alone: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje
- Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Kooikerhondjes?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Kooikerhondje?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Kooikerhondje?
- Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?
- Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?
- Which one drools more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Kooikerhondje
- How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Kooikerhondjes?
- Does the Bernese Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kooikerhondje?
- Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?
- Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Kooikerhondje
- Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje. Which One is a Better Pet?
Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog or the Kooikerhondje.

Bernese Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje: Overview
A very important difference between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Kooikerhondje is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Bernese Mountain 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.
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.
Bernese Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje
| Factor | Bernese Mountain Dog | Kooikerhondje |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches | 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 6 to 10 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Weight | 70 to 115 pounds | 20 to 25 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 8.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2390 | $3600 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2995 | $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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog is 66 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Kooikerhondje, we still believe that the Bernese Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Kooikerhondje.
This is because Bernese Mountain Dogs are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Bernese Mountain Dog will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Bernese Mountain Dog :-). We are for the Bernese Mountain Dog. So get a Bernese Mountain Dog!

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje
Below is a list of where the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje are most different:
The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje
The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje.
The Bernese Mountain Dog weighs 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. The Bernese Mountain Dog is 23 to 28 inches 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 Bernese Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje
The lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 8.0 years.
The lifespan of the Kooikerhondje is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Kooikerhondje is 13.0 years.
The Kooikerhondje lives longer than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Price of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Price of Kooikerhondje
The average price of the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy is $2390. The price of the Bernese Mountain Dog typically ranges from $1500 – $2995. However, the price of a Bernese Mountain Dog can be as low as $300 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 920 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog.
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Kooikerhondje | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2390 | $3600 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2995 | $3600 to $3600 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Bernese Mountain Dog and Kooikerhondje. For different price points, the charts show how many Bernese Mountain Dog puppies or how many Kooikerhondje puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

A breakdown of the prices of Bernese Mountain Dogs. 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje
Bernese Mountain Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Kooikerhondjes?
Bernese Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Kooikerhondje?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately 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 Bernese Mountain Dog or the Kooikerhondje?
Bernese Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.
Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Kooikerhondjes are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.
Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Kooikerhondje
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.
Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Kooikerhondjes?
Bernese Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Does the Bernese Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kooikerhondje?
Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather?
Bernese Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Kooikerhondje
Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?
Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 Bernese Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Kooikerhondje?
Bernese Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Kooikerhondje?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.
Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Bernese Mountain Dog compares to other breeds aside from the Kooikerhondje. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog to other breeds:
Bernese Mountain Dog versus Labrador Retriever Bernese Mountain Dog versus Newfoundland Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bernedoodle Bernese Mountain Dog versus Great Pyrenees Bernese Mountain Dog versus Mastiff Bernese Mountain Dog versus Dalmatian Bernese Mountain Dog versus Rottweiler Bernese Mountain Dog versus Alaskan Malamute Bernese Mountain Dog versus Irish Wolfhound Bernese Mountain Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff Bernese Mountain Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Bernese Mountain Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Bernese Mountain Dog versus Leonberger Bernese Mountain Dog versus Vizsla Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bullmastiff Bernese Mountain Dog versus Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog versus Cane Corso Bernese Mountain Dog versus Golden Retriever
Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Kooikerhondje better suits you and your family.