Differences and Similarities between the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken.

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Canaan Dog Versus Kishu Ken: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog or the Kishu Ken.

Canaan Dog versus Kishu Ken: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Canaan Dog 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.

Canaan Dog versus Kishu Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken

Factor Canaan Dog Kishu Ken
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 13 years
Height 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 22 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Weight 35 to 55 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $600 No Data
Price Range $600 – $600 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Canaan 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 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 Canaan Dog is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kishu Ken is 79 out of 125.

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

    The Similarities Between the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken

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

  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Canaan Dog versus Kishu Ken

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken.

    Canaan Dogs weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Canaan Dogs are 19 to 24 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 Canaan Dog versus Kishu Ken

    The lifespan of Canaan Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Canaan Dogs 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.

    Canaan Dogs live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Canaan Dog versus Kishu Ken

    Canaan Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Canaan Dogs shed more than Kishu Kens?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Canaan Dog or the Kishu Ken

    Canaan Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Canaan Dog or the Kishu Ken?

    Canaan Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Canaan Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kishu Ken?

    Canaan Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Canaan Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Kishu Kens?

    Canaan Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Canaan Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Canaan Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Canaan Dog vs. Kishu Ken

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

    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 Canaan Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Canaan Dogs 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 Canaan Dog or the Kishu Ken?

    Canaan Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Canaan Dogs good family dogs? What about Kishu Kens?

    Canaan Dogs 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 Canaan Dogs and Kishu Kens?

    Canaan Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Canaan Dog Easier to Train than the Kishu Ken?

    Canaan Dogs are very easy to train.

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Is the Canaan Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Kishu Ken?

    Canaan Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Canaan Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Canaan Dog

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

  • Dutch Shepherd (78 percent match with Canaan Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kishu Ken

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Kishu 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 Kishu Ken:

  • Alaskan Klee Kai (76 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Canaan Dog vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Dutch Shepherd (78 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Canaan Dog vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Kai Ken (79 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Canaan Dog vs Kai Ken.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Canaan Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Canaan Dog versus Weimaraner     Canaan Dog versus Redbone Coonhound     Canaan Dog versus Norwich Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Norfolk Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Pomeranian     Canaan Dog versus Shiranian     Canaan Dog versus Harrier     Canaan Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Canaan Dog versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Canaan Dog versus Pomchi     Canaan Dog versus Boston Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Canaan Dog versus Affenhuahua     Canaan Dog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Canaan Dog versus English Springer Spaniel     Canaan Dog versus Maltipoo     Canaan Dog versus Irish Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Fila Brasileiro     Canaan Dog versus Boston Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Kishu Ken     Canaan Dog versus Pug     Canaan Dog versus Keeshond     Canaan Dog versus French Spaniel     Canaan Dog versus Shiranian     Canaan Dog versus Lhasa Apso     

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Bolognese     Kishu Ken versus Rottweiler     Kishu Ken versus Pomapoo     Kishu Ken versus Swedish Vallhund     Kishu Ken versus Skye Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Kishu Ken versus Leonberger     Kishu Ken versus Pekingese     Kishu Ken versus Pekingese     Kishu Ken versus Yorkipoo     Kishu Ken versus Biewer Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Maltipoo     Kishu Ken versus Saint Bernard     Kishu Ken versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Kishu Ken versus Golden Retriever     Kishu Ken versus Samoyed     Kishu Ken versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Chow Chow     Kishu Ken versus Goldador     Kishu Ken versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Siberian Husky     Kishu Ken versus Pomeranian     Kishu Ken versus Clumber Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Whippet     Kishu Ken versus Afador     

    Conclusion: Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog and the Kishu Ken better suits you and your family.