Swedish Lapphund vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison

The 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.

This is a Spitz type of dog from Sweden. It is Sweden’s national dog.The dog has always been used for herding and guarding livestock such as reindeer for the Sami people.

The dog is much the same as the Finnish Lapphund, and some even believe that it might be one and the same. The American Kennel Club recognizes them as two separate breeds.

It is one of the oldest Swedish dog breeds and also one of 3 Lapphund breeds.The Swedish Kennel Club recognized the Lapphund as a distinct breed in 1903.

The Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized this dog in 1944, and the United Kennel Club in 2006.

The 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.

The Swedish Lapphund is a medium to large sized dog standing at between 40 to 51cm in height and weighing between 19 and 21kg.

The head is wedge shaped and the ears erect. He has a thick double coat with fairly straight, silky hair that stands out from the body. Colors can be brown or black and sometimes there can be white markings. He sheds quite a bit, with some heavier seasonal shedding.

Temperament:

When you get one of these Spitz type dogs as your pet, you can be sure that you’re going to have an excellent pet and companion.

They’re independent dogs with strong wills and like to do their own thing. Training and socialization can change that and make him easy, well mannered and obedient.

They’re lively dogs and intelligent too. He is versatile, loving to be outdoors and being energetic with the children but being able to enjoy some quiet time indoors too. He is simply an excellent family pet and watchdog.

Kooiker, 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.

The Swedish Lapphund has always been a hardworking dog, herding reindeer for the Sami people.

Today the Lapphund is a people-loving dog and wants to be constantly with his human family. He is intelligent, strong, independent, loyal, bold and loving. If you’re looking for an excellent family companion, this is it.

Do him a favor and don’t leave him outside without human companionship as he will become run-down and possibly destructive through no fault of his own. Bring him into your family and make him part of it and then he’s happy.

The 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.

The Swedish Lapphud is a healthy dog breed, but even so he can get one of the many common dog illnesses there are.If you choose a puppy, make sure to get your pet from a reputable breeder to avoid more serious dog illnesses.

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease you might have to watch out for with this dog breed.

Diabetes Mellitus:

This is a disease of the pancreas. This organ has two groups of cells – one produces enzymes for proper digestion and the other produces the hormone insulin which regulates the level of glucose in the bloodstream.

Diabetes is when the pancreas fails to regulate blood sugar. Your dog will have increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and increased appetite.

Type I diabetes mellitus results from destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells, which is the most common type of diabetes in dogs. Dogs with this type of diabetes require insulin injections to stabilize blood sugar. Type II diabetes is more likely in older, obese dogs.

Dogs with diabetes mellitus will require insulin each day. If canine diabetes mellitus is properly regulated, prognosis for the dog is good.

Your 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.

Diet:

●The Swedish Lapphund is an active dog and will require a high quality dog food. If you buy commercially manufactured dog food it should be appropriate to your dog’s age and activity levels.

Home-made food like boiled chicken, brown rice, spinach and sweet potatoes will do your pet the world of good, and chopped up, it can be added a couple of times a week to the dog’s dry kibble.

Try and feed some raw met occasionally as well. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

General Care:

●The Lapphund is an active dog and he is going to reguire daily exercise that will keep him mentally and physically fit. Having a dog like this requires you being active yourself, and your Lapphund is going to love going on long walks or hikes. He will never get enough games with the children – he just loves the rough and tumble.

● Have his vaccines attended to. There are training classes as well as boarding kennels that won’t accept your dog unless his vaccines are up to date.

● Have your dog spayed or neutered if you don’t want your dogs to have puppies.

● Provide your pet with a warm, dry, quiet sleeping place.

● Brush his coat twice a week. Check inside his ears and inside his mouth for redness and infection.