Differences and Similarities between the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken.

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Airedale Terrier Versus Kai Ken: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken 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 Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken 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 Airedale Terrier and for the Kai Ken. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Airedale Terrier or the Kai Ken

Airedale Terrier versus Kai Ken: Overview

Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken are similar in size. The Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Airedale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Kai Ken belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Airedale Terrier versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Airedale Terrier to the Kai Ken 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.

Factor Airedale Terrier Kai Ken
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Height 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 22 inches
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1360 No Data
Price Range $950 – $1800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Airedale Terrier 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 Kai Ken. 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 a Airedale Terrier is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Kai Ken is a better pet than the Airedale Terrier. So, you should get the Kai Ken!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken

    Below is a list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken are most different:

  • Airedale Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Kai Kens are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken

    The Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken are most similar:

  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken are very easy to train.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Airedale Terrier versus Kai Ken

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken.

    Airedale Terriers weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Airedale Terriers are 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Kai Kens weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Kai Kens are 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    Health Problems of Airedale Terrier versus Health Problems of Kai Ken

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Airedale Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Airedale Terrier than for the Kai Ken.

    5 health tests are recommended for Airedale Terrier while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Airedale Terriers and in Kai Kens.

    Airedale Terrier Health Problems

    Airedale Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Airedale Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Airedale Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Airedale Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Airedale Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Airedale Terriers here.

    Kai Ken Health Problems

    Kai Kens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Kai Ken puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Kai Ken puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Kai Ken breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Kai Kens for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kai Kens here.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?

    Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which one drools more, the Airedale Terrier or the Kai Ken

    Airedale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Airedale Terrier or the Kai Ken?

    Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Airedale Terrier versus Kai Ken

    Airedale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Airedale Terriers shed more than Kai Kens?

    Airedale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the Kai Ken?

    Airedale Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Kai Kens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?

    Airedale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Kai Kens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Airedale Terriers and Kai Kens?

    Airedale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Airedale Terrier or the Kai Ken?

    Airedale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?

    Airedale Terriers are very easy to train.

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Do Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?

    Airedale Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Kai Kens are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. Kai Ken

    Airedale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Kai Kens have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?

    Airedale Terriers 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.

    Kai Kens 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Airedale Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Kai Ken that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Kai Ken:

  • Icelandic Sheepdog (78 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Airedale Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog.
  • Kishu Ken (79 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Airedale Terrier vs Kishu Ken.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Airedale Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Airedale Terrier:

  • Australian Shepherd (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Australian Shepherd.
  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Springer Spaniel (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Airedale Terrier and how the Kai Ken compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Airedale Terrier and of the Kai Ken to other breeds:

    Airedale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Airedale Terrier versus Kuvasz     Airedale Terrier versus Great Dane     Airedale Terrier versus Kai Ken     Airedale Terrier versus Goldador     Airedale Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler     Airedale Terrier versus Boerboel     Airedale Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Airedale Terrier versus Bich Poo     Airedale Terrier versus Komondor     Airedale Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Kai Ken versus Bordoodle     Kai Ken versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Kai Ken versus Karelian Bear Dog     Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Kai Ken versus Affenhuahua     Kai Ken versus Bulldog     Kai Ken versus Japanese Spitz     Kai Ken versus Bracco Italiano     Kai Ken versus Barbet     

    Conclusion: Airedale Terrier versus Kai Ken. 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 Airedale Terrier and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.