Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Basenji and the Kai Ken.

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Basenji Versus Kai Ken: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji or the Kai Ken.

Basenji versus Kai Ken: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Basenji belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Basenji versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji 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 Basenji and the Kai Ken

Factor Basenji Kai Ken
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 16 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 22 inches
General Health 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 3/5
Weight 22 to 24 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1560 No Data
Price Range $1450 – $1450 No Data
Temperament Score 68.9 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Basenji Night Blindness / PRA DNA Test
  • Eye Examination each year until 6, thereafter every 2 years
  • Fanconi syndrome
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA/U of Missouri
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Basenji 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 Basenji is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.

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

    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 Basenji 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 Basenji and the Kai Ken

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

    • Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Kai Kens can tolerate cold weather.
    • Basenjis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Basenjis do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Kai Kens do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Basenjis adapt well to apartment living. However, Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Basenjis are very friendly towards strangers. However, Kai Kens are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Basenjis are very easy to groom. However, Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Basenjis are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Kai Kens are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Kai Ken

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

    • Both the Basenji and the Kai Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Basenji and the Kai Ken are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Basenji and the Kai Ken are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Basenji and the Kai Ken not very playful.
    • Both the Basenji and the Kai Ken can be left alone for some time without problems.
    • Both the Basenji and the Kai Ken can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Basenji and the Kai Ken get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Basenji and the Kai Ken are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Basenji and the Kai Ken are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basenji and the Kai Ken get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Basenji and the Kai Ken have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Basenji and the Kai Ken have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Basenji and the Kai Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Basenji versus Kai Ken

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

    Basenjis weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Basenjis are 16 to 17 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 Basenji versus Kai Ken

    The lifespan of Basenjis is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basenjis is 11.0 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 Basenjis.

    Temperament of the Basenji Versus the Kai Ken

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Basenji.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Basenji is 68.9 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 68.9 percent, the Basenji 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 Basenji and the Kai Ken by measuring the temperaments of 177 Basenjis and 1 Kai Kens.

    Health Problems of Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.

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

    6 health tests are recommended for Basenji while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.

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

    Basenji Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Basenji Night Blindness / PRA DNA Test
  • Eye Examination each year until 6, thereafter every 2 years
  • Fanconi syndrome
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA/U of Missouri

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Basenjis 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: Basenji versus Kai Ken

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

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

    Do Basenjis shed more than Kai Kens?

    Basenjis 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 one drools more, the Basenji or the Kai Ken

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Kai Ken?

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?

    Basenjis 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.

    Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?

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

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

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Kai Ken

    Basenjis 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.

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?

    Basenjis 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 Basenjis and Kai Kens?

    Basenjis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Basenji 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 Basenji and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.