Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken.

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Australian Shepherd Versus Kishu Ken: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd or the Kishu Ken.

Australian Shepherd versus Kishu Ken: Overview

Both the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken are similar in size. The Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Australian Shepherd versus Kishu Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken

Factor Australian Shepherd Kishu Ken
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 13 years
Height 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 22 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
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
Average Price $1210 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd is 70 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 Australian Shepherd. 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken

    Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken are most different:

    • Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Kishu Kens are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Australian Shepherds get along well with other dogs. However, Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Australian Shepherds 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.
    • Australian Shepherds are very playful. However, Kishu Kens not very playful.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken

    The Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken are very easy to train.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus Kishu Ken

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken.

    Australian Shepherds weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Australian Shepherds are 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Australian Shepherd versus Kishu Ken

    The lifespan of Australian Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Shepherds 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.

    Australian Shepherds live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Kishu Ken

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Kishu Kens?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Kishu Ken

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Kishu Ken?

    Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kishu Ken?

    Australian Shepherds 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.

    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 Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Kishu Kens?

    Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Kishu Ken

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherd or the Kishu Ken?

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Kishu Kens?

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds and Kishu Kens?

    Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Kishu Ken?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Kishu Ken?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Kishu Ken?

    Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Kishu Ken better suits you and your family.