Which is Better between the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken? A Very Detailed Review.

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American Eskimo Dog Versus Kai Ken: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken? 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 American Eskimo Dog 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 American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Eskimo Dog 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 American Eskimo Dog 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Eskimo Dog 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 American Eskimo Dog or the Kai Ken.

American Eskimo Dog versus Kai Ken: Overview

A very important difference between the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Eskimo Dog is a small-sized dog while the Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken are Companion Dogs. This means both the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken 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.

American Eskimo Dog versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Eskimo Dog 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken

Factor American Eskimo Dog Kai Ken
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Height 15 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 22 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight Starts at 30 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1220 No Data
Price Range $750 – $1500 No Data
Temperament Score 82.6 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Eskimo 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 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 the American Eskimo Dog is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.

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

    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 American Eskimo Dog 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 American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken

    Below is a list of where the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken are most different:

  • American Eskimo Dogs adapt well to apartment living. However, Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken

    The American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken are most similar:

  • Both the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of American Eskimo Dog versus Kai Ken

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken.

    American Eskimo Dogs weigh Starts at 30 pounds when fully grown. American Eskimo Dogs are 15 to 19 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.

    Lifespan of American Eskimo Dog versus Kai Ken

    The lifespan of American Eskimo Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of American Eskimo Dogs is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Kai Kens is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Kai Kens is 14.0 years.

    Kai Kens live longer than American Eskimo Dogs.

    Temperament of the American Eskimo Dog Versus the Kai Ken

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the American Eskimo Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the American Eskimo Dog is 82.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 82.6 percent, the American Eskimo Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Kai Ken has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken by measuring the temperaments of 86 American Eskimo Dogs and 1 Kai Kens.

    Health Problems of American Eskimo Dog versus Health Problems of Kai Ken

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

    Both the American Eskimo Dog 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 American Eskimo Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the American Eskimo Dog than for the Kai Ken.

    8 health tests are recommended for American Eskimo Dog while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Eskimo Dogs and in Kai Kens.

    American Eskimo Dog Health Problems

    American Eskimo Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing American Eskimo Dog 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 American Eskimo Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your American Eskimo Dog 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 American Eskimo Dogs for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for American Eskimo Dogs 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Eskimo Dog versus Kai Ken

    American Eskimo Dogs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do American Eskimo Dogs shed more than Kai Kens?

    American Eskimo Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the American Eskimo Dog or the Kai Ken

    American Eskimo Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Eskimo Dog or the Kai Ken?

    American Eskimo Dogs are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the American Eskimo Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?

    American Eskimo Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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.

    Do American Eskimo Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?

    American Eskimo Dogs 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.

    Can American Eskimo Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Eskimo Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Eskimo Dog vs. Kai Ken

    American Eskimo Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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.

    Can American Eskimo Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Eskimo Dogs 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.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Eskimo Dog or the Kai Ken?

    American Eskimo Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are American Eskimo Dogs good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?

    American Eskimo Dogs 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 American Eskimo Dogs and Kai Kens?

    American Eskimo Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the American Eskimo Dog Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?

    American Eskimo Dogs are very easy to train.

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Is the American Eskimo Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?

    American Eskimo Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Eskimo Dog or the Kai Ken?

    American Eskimo Dogs are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Eskimo Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Eskimo Dog 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 American Eskimo Dog:

  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with American Eskimo Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Keeshond (82 percent match with American Eskimo Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Keeshond.
  • West Highland White Terrier (81 percent match with American Eskimo Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs West Highland White Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken

    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 American Eskimo Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog.
  • Kishu Ken (79 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the American Eskimo Dog vs Kishu Ken.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    American Eskimo Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Eskimo Dog versus Airedale Terrier     American Eskimo Dog versus Bedlington Terrier     American Eskimo Dog versus Shih Tzu     American Eskimo Dog versus Lhasapoo     American Eskimo Dog versus Goldador     American Eskimo Dog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     American Eskimo Dog versus Japanese Chin     American Eskimo Dog versus Swedish Vallhund     American Eskimo Dog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     American Eskimo Dog versus Siberian Husky     American Eskimo Dog versus Westiepoo     American Eskimo Dog versus Tibetan Spaniel     American Eskimo Dog versus Cairn Terrier     American Eskimo Dog versus Goldador     American Eskimo Dog versus Azawakh     American Eskimo Dog versus Leonberger     American Eskimo Dog versus Flat-Coated Retriever     American Eskimo Dog versus West Highland White Terrier     American Eskimo Dog versus Irish Setter     American Eskimo Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais     American Eskimo Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel     American Eskimo Dog versus Basenji     American Eskimo Dog versus Lakeland Terrier     American Eskimo Dog versus Rottweiler     American Eskimo Dog versus Field Spaniel     

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Bull Terrier     Kai Ken versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Kai Ken versus Portuguese Pointer     Kai Ken versus Boykin Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Pomchi     Kai Ken versus French Bulldog     Kai Ken versus Dalmatian     Kai Ken versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Kai Ken versus Tibetan Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Beagle     Kai Ken versus Xoloitzcuintli     Kai Ken versus Standard Poodle     Kai Ken versus Whoodle     Kai Ken versus Golden Retriever     Kai Ken versus Catahoula Bulldog     Kai Ken versus Chow Chow     Kai Ken versus Great Dane     Kai Ken versus Fila Brasileiro     Kai Ken versus Manchester Terrier     Kai Ken versus Papipoo     Kai Ken versus Spinone Italiano     Kai Ken versus French Bulldog     Kai Ken versus Basenji     Kai Ken versus Cockapoo     Kai Ken versus Boykin Spaniel     

    Conclusion: American Eskimo Dog 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 American Eskimo Dog and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.