Is the Chinese Crested Better than the Kai Ken as a Pet? Answer…

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Chinese Crested Versus Kai Ken: Introduction

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

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

Chinese Crested versus Kai Ken: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Chinese Crested and the Kai Ken are Companion Dogs. This means both the Chinese Crested and the Kai Ken 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.

Chinese Crested versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested and the Kai Ken

Factor Chinese Crested Kai Ken
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 16 years
Height 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 22 inches
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Weight Up to 12 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1430 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $1600 No Data
Temperament Score 76.5 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination- Yearly Exams Recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia/Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • RCD3-PRA DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.

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

    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 Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested and the Kai Ken

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

  • Chinese Cresteds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Kai Kens can tolerate cold weather.
  • Chinese Cresteds 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.
  • Chinese Cresteds have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, Kai Kens have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Chinese Cresteds have low exercise needs. However, Kai Kens require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Chinese Cresteds adapt well to apartment living. However, Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Chinese Cresteds 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. However, Kai Kens are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • The Similarities Between the Chinese Crested and the Kai Ken

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

  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Kai Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Kai Ken require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Kai Ken are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Kai Ken are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Kai Ken get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Kai Ken are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Kai Ken get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Kai Ken are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chinese Crested versus Kai Ken

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

    Chinese Cresteds weigh Up to 12 pounds when fully grown. Chinese Cresteds are 11 to 13 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 Chinese Crested versus Kai Ken

    The lifespan of Chinese Cresteds is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Chinese Cresteds is 12.0 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 Chinese Cresteds.

    Temperament of the Chinese Crested Versus the Kai Ken

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Chinese Crested.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Chinese Crested is 76.5 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 76.5 percent, the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested and the Kai Ken by measuring the temperaments of 34 Chinese Cresteds and 1 Kai Kens.

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

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

    8 health tests are recommended for Chinese Crested while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.

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

    Chinese Crested Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination- Yearly Exams Recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia/Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • RCD3-PRA DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chinese Cresteds 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: Chinese Crested versus Kai Ken

    Chinese Cresteds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Chinese Cresteds shed more than Kai Kens?

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Crested or the Kai Ken

    Chinese Cresteds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chinese Crested or the Kai Ken?

    Chinese Cresteds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Chinese Crested Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?

    Chinese Cresteds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Chinese Cresteds Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?

    Chinese Cresteds bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Chinese Cresteds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chinese Cresteds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chinese Crested vs. Kai Ken

    Chinese Cresteds 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.

    Can Chinese Cresteds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chinese Cresteds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

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

    Chinese Cresteds get along very well with other dogs.

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Chinese Cresteds good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Cresteds and Kai Kens?

    Chinese Cresteds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Chinese Crested Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?

    Chinese Cresteds are very easy to train.

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Chinese Crested Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?

    Chinese Cresteds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Chinese Cresteds are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chinese Crested

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested:

  • Bolognese (75 percent match with Chinese Crested). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Bolognese.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Chinese Crested). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Japanese Chin.
  • 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 Chinese Crested vs Icelandic Sheepdog.
  • Kishu Ken (79 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Chinese Crested vs Kishu Ken.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Chinese Crested and how the Kai Ken compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Chinese Crested and of the Kai Ken to other breeds:

    Chinese Crested Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chinese Crested versus English Springer Spaniel     Chinese Crested versus Hovawart     Chinese Crested versus Shichon     Chinese Crested versus Bullmastiff     Chinese Crested versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Chinese Crested versus Pharaoh Hound     Chinese Crested versus Chow Chow     Chinese Crested versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Chinese Crested versus Alaskan Malamute     Chinese Crested versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Chinese Crested versus Norwich Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Hovawart     Chinese Crested versus Labrador Retriever     Chinese Crested versus Irish Setter     Chinese Crested versus Redbone Coonhound     Chinese Crested versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Chinese Crested versus Bordoodle     Chinese Crested versus Norfolk Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Barbet     Chinese Crested versus Bolognese     Chinese Crested versus Manchester Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Mudi     Chinese Crested versus Boykin Spaniel     Chinese Crested versus American Hairless Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Maremma Sheepdog     

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Kai Ken versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Kai Ken versus French Bulldog     Kai Ken versus Pyredoodle     Kai Ken versus Cocker Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Boston Terrier     Kai Ken versus Boxer     Kai Ken versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Kai Ken versus Norwegian Buhund     Kai Ken versus Irish Setter     Kai Ken versus Lhasa Apso     Kai Ken versus Canaan Dog     Kai Ken versus Akita     Kai Ken versus Bolognese     Kai Ken versus Shiranian     Kai Ken versus Finnish Spitz     Kai Ken versus Japanese Chin     Kai Ken versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Kai Ken versus Maremma Sheepdog     Kai Ken versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Kai Ken versus Toy Poodle     Kai Ken versus Skye Terrier     Kai Ken versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Kai Ken versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Kai Ken versus Greyhound     

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