Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Kooikerhondje better for families with children?

The Glen of Imaal Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Kooikerhondje?

The Glen of Imaal Terrier and Kooikerhondje shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Kooikerhondje?

The Kooikerhondje is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Glen of Imaal Terrier or Kooikerhondje bigger?

Glen of Imaal Terrier and Kooikerhondje are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Glen of Imaal Terrier or Kooikerhondje?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Glen of Imaal Terrier or Kooikerhondje?

For apartment or apartment living, Glen of Imaal Terrier and Kooikerhondje are an even match — either can work well.

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Kooikerhondje: Which Trains Easier?

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Kooikerhondje: full comparison

Trait	Glen of Imaal Terrier	Kooikerhondje
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	Very High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Kooikerhondje is a small but sturdy breed that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Glen of Imaal Terrier needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Kooikerhondje needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Glen of Imaal Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Kooikerhondje needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Glen of Imaal Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Kooikerhondje learns quickly and enjoys the training process, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Glen of Imaal Terrier is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Kooikerhondje is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Glen of Imaal Terrier and Kooikerhondje are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Glen of Imaal Terrier has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Kooikerhondje has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Glen of Imaal Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Glen of Imaal Terrier and Kooikerhondje are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Glen of Imaal Terrier if you want the more child-friendly companion.

Choose the Kooikerhondje if you want an easier dog to train.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Kooikerhondje better for families with children?: The Glen of Imaal Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Kooikerhondje?: The Glen of Imaal Terrier and Kooikerhondje shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Kooikerhondje?: The Kooikerhondje is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Glen of Imaal Terrier or Kooikerhondje bigger?: Glen of Imaal Terrier and Kooikerhondje are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Glen of Imaal Terrier or Kooikerhondje?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Glen of Imaal Terrier or Kooikerhondje?: For apartment or apartment living, Glen of Imaal Terrier and Kooikerhondje are an even match — either can work well.

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Kooikerhondje