Is the Belgian Malinois Better than the Kishu Ken as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Belgian Malinois Versus Kishu Ken: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Malinois 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 Belgian Malinois 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 Belgian Malinois 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 Belgian Malinois or the Kishu Ken.

Belgian Malinois versus Kishu Ken: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Malinois is a large-sized dog while the Kishu Ken is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Belgian Malinois 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.

Belgian Malinois versus Kishu Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Malinois 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 Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken

Factor Belgian Malinois Kishu Ken
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 9 to 13 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 22 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 80 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1380 No Data
Price Range $850 – $1800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Malinois 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 Belgian Malinois is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kishu Ken is 79 out of 125.

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

    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 Belgian Malinois 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 Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken

    Below is a list of where the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken are most different:

    • Belgian Malinoiss are very playful. However, Kishu Kens not very playful.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken

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

    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken are very easy to train.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Malinois versus Kishu Ken

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken.

    Belgian Malinoiss weigh 40 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Malinoiss are 22 to 26 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 Belgian Malinois versus Kishu Ken

    The lifespan of Belgian Malinoiss is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Malinoiss is 13.0 years.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Malinois versus Kishu Ken

    Belgian Malinoiss can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than Kishu Kens?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Malinois or the Kishu Ken

    Belgian Malinoiss do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Malinois or the Kishu Ken?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Malinois Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kishu Ken?

    Belgian Malinoiss 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 Belgian Malinoiss Bark and Howl? What about Kishu Kens?

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

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

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Malinois vs. Kishu Ken

    Belgian Malinoiss have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss 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 Belgian Malinois or the Kishu Ken?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs? What about Kishu Kens?

    Belgian Malinoiss 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 Belgian Malinoiss and Kishu Kens?

    Belgian Malinoiss get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Belgian Malinois Easier to Train than the Kishu Ken?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Better for Apartment Owners than the Kishu Ken?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Malinois or the Kishu Ken?

    Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Belgian Malinois 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 Belgian Malinois and the Kishu Ken better suits you and your family.