Which is Better between the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken? A Very Detailed Review.

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Central Asian Shepherd Dog Versus Kai Ken: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog or the Kai Ken

Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Kai Ken: Overview

A very important difference between the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a large-sized dog while the Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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.

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.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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.

Factor Central Asian Shepherd Dog Kai Ken
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 3/5
Height 24 to 28 inches 17 to 22 inches
Affectionate With Family 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Weight 88 to 110 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $3490 No Data
Price Range $2500 – $2700 No Data
Temperament Score 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Central Asian Shepherd 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 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 a Central Asian Shepherd Dog is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a better pet than the Kai Ken. So, you should get the Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken

    Below is a list of where the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken are most different:

  • Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Kai Kens have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Kai Kens do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom. However, Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken

    The Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken are most similar:

  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken are not easy to train.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken not very playful.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Kai Ken

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs weigh 88 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 28 inches 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.

    Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog or the Kai Ken?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs 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.

    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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Kai Ken

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Can Central Asian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Wanderlust Potential: Central Asian Shepherd Dog vs. Kai Ken

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

    Kai Kens have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Are Central Asian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    Kai Kens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Central Asian Shepherd Dogs and Kai Kens?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Do Central Asian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog or the Kai Ken?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Do Central Asian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Kai Kens?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Can Central Asian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Which one drools more, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog or the Kai Ken

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog or the Kai Ken?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog:

  • Kuvasz (71 percent match with Central Asian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Kuvasz.
  • Maremma Sheepdog (75 percent match with Central Asian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Maremma Sheepdog.
  • Pyrenean Mastiff (74 percent match with Central Asian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Pyrenean Mastiff.
  • Boerboel (70 percent match with Central Asian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Boerboel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken

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

  • Icelandic Sheepdog (78 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog.
  • Kishu Ken (79 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog vs Kishu Ken.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and how the Kai Ken compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and of the Kai Ken to other breeds:

    Central Asian Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus German Shepherd Dog     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Sealyham Terrier     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Mastiff     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Samoyed     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Toy Poodle     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Goldador     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Maltipoo     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Cairn Terrier     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Dutch Shepherd     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Basenji     

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Kai Ken versus Bouvier des Flandres     Kai Ken versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Kai Ken versus Beaglier     Kai Ken versus Beaglier     Kai Ken versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Kai Ken versus Bordoodle     Kai Ken versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Kai Ken versus English Springer Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.