Guide on Deciding Betweeen the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken.

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American Water Spaniel Versus Kishu Ken: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu 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 Water Spaniel and the Kishu 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 Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu 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 Water Spaniel and for the Kishu 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 Water Spaniel and the Kishu 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 Water Spaniel or the Kishu Ken.

American Water Spaniel versus Kishu Ken: Overview

Both the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken are similar in size. The American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the American Water Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

On the other hand, the Kishu Ken belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

American Water Spaniel versus Kishu Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Water Spaniel to the Kishu 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 Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken

Factor American Water Spaniel Kishu Ken
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Height 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 6 inches tall at the s 17 to 22 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 13 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination- Biennial exams until age 6 (every two years).
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Water Spaniel 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 Kishu 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 Water Spaniel is 71 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kishu Ken is 79 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Kishu Ken is a better pet than the American Water Spaniel. So, you should get the Kishu 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 American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken

    Below is a list of where the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken are most different:

    • American Water Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Kishu Kens can tolerate cold weather.
    • American Water Spaniels are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Kishu Kens are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • American Water Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Kishu Kens do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • American Water Spaniels are very playful. However, Kishu Kens not very playful.

    The Similarities Between the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken

    The American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken are most similar:

    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of American Water Spaniel versus Kishu Ken

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken.

    American Water Spaniels weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. American Water Spaniels are 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 6 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Kishu Kens weigh 30 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Kishu Kens are 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Water Spaniel versus Kishu Ken

    The lifespan of American Water Spaniels is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of American Water Spaniels is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Kishu Kens is between 9 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Kishu Kens is 11.0 years.

    American Water Spaniels live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Water Spaniel versus Kishu Ken

    American Water Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do American Water Spaniels shed more than Kishu Kens?

    American Water Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the American Water Spaniel or the Kishu Ken

    American Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Water Spaniel or the Kishu Ken?

    American Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the American Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kishu Ken?

    American Water Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Kishu 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 Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Kishu Kens?

    American Water Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Water Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Water Spaniel vs. Kishu Ken

    American Water Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Kishu Kens do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Water Spaniel or the Kishu Ken?

    American Water Spaniels do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Kishu Kens?

    American Water Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Kishu Kens are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Water Spaniels and Kishu Kens?

    American Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Kishu Kens get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the American Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Kishu Ken?

    American Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Is the American Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Kishu Ken?

    American Water Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Water Spaniel or the Kishu Ken?

    American Water Spaniels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: American Water Spaniel versus Kishu 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 Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken better suits you and your family.