Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Chinese Shar-Pei Versus Kai Ken: Introduction
- Chinese Shar-Pei versus Kai Ken: Overview
- Chinese Shar-Pei versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Kai Ken
- The Similarities Between the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Kai Ken
- Size (Weight and Height) of Chinese Shar-Pei versus Kai Ken
- Lifespan of Chinese Shar-Pei versus Kai Ken
- Temperament of the Chinese Shar-Pei Versus the Kai Ken
- Health Problems of Chinese Shar-Pei versus Health Problems of Kai Ken
- Tolerates Being Alone: Chinese Shar-Pei versus Kai Ken
- Do Chinese Shar-Peis shed more than Kai Kens?
- Which one drools more, the Chinese Shar-Pei or the Kai Ken
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Chinese Shar-Pei or the Kai Ken?
- Does the Chinese Shar-Pei Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?
- Do Chinese Shar-Peis Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?
- Can Chinese Shar-Peis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Chinese Shar-Pei vs. Kai Ken
- Can Chinese Shar-Peis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chinese Shar-Pei or the Kai Ken?
- Are Chinese Shar-Peis good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?
- How Kid-friendly are Chinese Shar-Peis and Kai Kens?
- Is the Chinese Shar-Pei Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chinese Shar-Pei
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Chinese Shar-Pei versus Kai Ken. Which One is a Better Pet?
Chinese Shar-Pei Versus Kai Ken: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei and the Kai Ken.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei or the Kai Ken.
Chinese Shar-Pei versus Kai Ken: Overview
Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Kai Ken are similar in size. The Chinese Shar-Pei and the Kai Ken are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Chinese Shar-Pei 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.
Chinese Shar-Pei versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei and the Kai Ken
| Factor | Chinese Shar-Pei | Kai Ken |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 22 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 55 pounds | 25 to 45 pounds |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 8 to 12 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Average Lifespan | 10.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1620 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1100 – $2000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 71.0 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei is 68 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Kai Ken is a better pet than the Chinese Shar-Pei. So, you should get the Kai Ken!
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 Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei and the Kai Ken
Below is a list of where the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Kai Ken are most different:
The Similarities Between the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Kai Ken
The Chinese Shar-Pei and the Kai Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Kai Ken are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Chinese Shar-Pei versus Kai Ken
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Kai Ken.
Chinese Shar-Peis weigh 40 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Chinese Shar-Peis are 18 to 20 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 Shar-Pei versus Kai Ken
The lifespan of Chinese Shar-Peis is between 8 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Chinese Shar-Peis is 10.0 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 Shar-Peis.
Temperament of the Chinese Shar-Pei Versus the Kai Ken
The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Chinese Shar-Pei.
This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Chinese Shar-Pei is 71.0 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 71.0 percent, the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei and the Kai Ken by measuring the temperaments of 214 Chinese Shar-Peis and 1 Kai Kens.
Health Problems of Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Chinese Shar-Pei than for the Kai Ken.
5 health tests are recommended for Chinese Shar-Pei while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chinese Shar-Peis and in Kai Kens.
Chinese Shar-Pei Health Problems
Chinese Shar-Peis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Peis for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chinese Shar-Peis 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kai Kens here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Chinese Shar-Pei versus Kai Ken
Chinese Shar-Peis can be left alone for some time without problems.
Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Chinese Shar-Peis shed more than Kai Kens?
Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Shar-Pei or the Kai Ken
Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Shar-Pei or the Kai Ken?
Chinese Shar-Peis are very easy to groom.
Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Chinese Shar-Pei Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?
Chinese Shar-Peis 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.
Do Chinese Shar-Peis Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?
Chinese Shar-Peis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Kai Kens are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Chinese Shar-Peis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?
Chinese Shar-Peis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Chinese Shar-Pei vs. Kai Ken
Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Shar-Peis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?
Chinese Shar-Peis 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.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chinese Shar-Pei or the Kai Ken?
Chinese Shar-Peis do not get along well with other dogs.
Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Chinese Shar-Peis good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?
Chinese Shar-Peis are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
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Kai Kens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Chinese Shar-Peis and Kai Kens?
Chinese Shar-Peis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Chinese Shar-Pei Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?
Chinese Shar-Peis are fairly easy to train.
Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.
Is the Chinese Shar-Pei Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?
Chinese Shar-Peis adapt very well to apartment living.
Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chinese Shar-Pei or the Kai Ken?
Chinese Shar-Peis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chinese Shar-Pei
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Chinese Shar-Pei and how the Kai Ken compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Chinese Shar-Pei and of the Kai Ken to other breeds:
Chinese Shar-Pei Versus Other Dog Breeds
Chinese Shar-Pei versus Yorkipoo Chinese Shar-Pei versus Cocker Spaniel Chinese Shar-Pei versus Aussiedoodle Chinese Shar-Pei versus Chinook Chinese Shar-Pei versus Cockapoo Chinese Shar-Pei versus Lancashire Heeler Chinese Shar-Pei versus Bluetick Coonhound Chinese Shar-Pei versus Bluetick Coonhound Chinese Shar-Pei versus American Staffordshire Terrier Chinese Shar-Pei versus Goldador Chinese Shar-Pei versus American Pit Bull Terrier Chinese Shar-Pei versus Airedale Terrier Chinese Shar-Pei versus Irish Wolfhound Chinese Shar-Pei versus Korean Jindo Dog Chinese Shar-Pei versus Norwegian Lundehund Chinese Shar-Pei versus Mudi Chinese Shar-Pei versus Norfolk Terrier Chinese Shar-Pei versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Chinese Shar-Pei versus Cocker Spaniel Chinese Shar-Pei versus Chihuahua Chinese Shar-Pei versus Frenchton Chinese Shar-Pei versus German Shepherd Dog Chinese Shar-Pei versus Kuvasz Chinese Shar-Pei versus Affenhuahua Chinese Shar-Pei versus Braque du Bourbonnais
Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kai Ken versus Manchester Terrier Kai Ken versus Gordon Setter Kai Ken versus Canaan Dog Kai Ken versus Miniature Poodle Kai Ken versus Airedale Terrier Kai Ken versus Hovawart Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Kai Ken versus Harrier Kai Ken versus Maremma Sheepdog Kai Ken versus Skye Terrier Kai Ken versus Sealyham Terrier Kai Ken versus American Staffordshire Terrier Kai Ken versus Keeshond Kai Ken versus Coton de Tulear Kai Ken versus Cairn Terrier Kai Ken versus Silky Terrier Kai Ken versus Korean Jindo Dog Kai Ken versus West Highland White Terrier Kai Ken versus Japanese Chin Kai Ken versus Manchester Terrier Kai Ken versus Chow Chow Kai Ken versus Pomchi Kai Ken versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Kai Ken versus Icelandic Sheepdog Kai Ken versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Conclusion: Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.