Also are there many differences in temperament between Kooikers and Brittanies? Thank you if you or your followers know! I love learning about dogs through this blog
First off this ask has been sitting in the inbox for ages and I am so sorry, anon! Secondly, I’m going to focus on American Brittanies in my answer – there are some differences between American-line and French-line Brittanies but I’m not going to touch on those much at all.
(Armas the kooikerhondje @armasthekooiker)
(Maverick the brittany @mav-adventurerinthenorth)
If you can get an idea of scale in the photo, brittanies tend to be consistently larger and taller (30-40lbs and 17-21in at the shoulder) than kooikers (25-40lbs but 14-16in at the shoulder). Brittanies come in a wider variety of acceptable colours (orange and white, liver and white, tricolour, and roan – not to mention all the accepted colours for French line brittanies) whereas kooikers are consistently white and orange with dark tips. Brittanies tend to have blockier heads and less feathering overall than kooikers. Dark pigment (on noses and eyes) is allowed in both breeds but more common in kooikers.
The two easiest ways to tell them apart though would definitely be the dark ear feathering and the tail – but keep in mind that some people trim ear feathering on kooikers, and some breeders opt to leave tails on their brittanies, so it’s not foolproof. When in doubt, just ask!
(Astrid the kooiker @mexicanine)
As for temperaments, both kooikers and brittanies were bred for hunting, more independently than breeds such as retrievers. Kooikers were bred to lure ducks into traps, and brittanies were bred to flush and point pheasants. Both tend to be cheerful, active, intelligent, and somewhat independent-thinking dogs. Brittanies tend to be a bit more social with people in general, whereas kooikers tend to be more aloof with people outside their inner circle. Both breeds are playful, goofy dogs that can be sensitive to harsh training.
(Charlotte the brittany @thebrittanybrigade)
Brittanies tend to be more prey-driven and more likely to roam, and kooikers tend to be more territorial and prone to barking. Neither breed is particularly prone to human or dog aggression and both tend to live peacefully with cats or children, but brittanies are more prone to separation anxiety. Both breeds tend to be very adaptable to changes in their routines, provided their needs are met.
They can both make great dogs for dedicated owners who are looking for a reasonably easygoing, silly adventure companion!
(Armas the kooikerhondje @armasthekooiker)
This was a great ask to answer! If any kooikerhondje or brittany owners have points to add (or points you disagree with), feel free to send them in!