Chow Chow versus Kai Ken. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Chow Chow Versus Kai Ken: Introduction

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

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

Chow Chow versus Kai Ken: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Chow Chow 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.

Chow Chow versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Kai Ken

Factor Chow Chow Kai Ken
Kid-Friendly 1/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Intelligence 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 1/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Height 17 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 Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 70 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 5/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1750 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $2500 No Data
Temperament Score 71.7 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow is 69 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 Chow Chow. 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Kai Ken

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

  • Chow Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Chow Chows do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Chow Chows not very intelligent. However, Kai Kens are highly intelligent.
  • Chow Chows 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.
  • Chow Chows 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.
  • Chow Chows have low exercise needs. However, Kai Kens require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Chow Chows are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Kai Kens are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Chow Chow and the Kai Ken

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

  • Both the Chow Chow and the Kai Ken are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Kai Ken require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Kai Ken are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Kai Ken are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Kai Ken 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.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Kai Ken cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Kai Ken are not easy to train.
  • Both the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Kai Ken gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Kai Ken can tolerate cold weather.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chow Chow versus Kai Ken

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

    Chow Chows weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chow Chows are 17 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 Chow Chow versus Kai Ken

    The lifespan of Chow Chows is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chow Chows is 13.5 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 Chow Chows.

    Temperament of the Chow Chow Versus the Kai Ken

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Chow Chow.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Chow Chow is 71.7 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 71.7 percent, the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Kai Ken by measuring the temperaments of 99 Chow Chows and 1 Kai Kens.

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

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

    6 health tests are recommended for Chow Chow while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chow Chows and in Kai Kens.

    Chow Chow Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chow Chows 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: Chow Chow versus Kai Ken

    Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.

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

    Do Chow Chows shed more than Kai Kens?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow or the Kai Ken

    Chow Chows drool moderately.

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chow Chow or the Kai Ken?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?

    Chow Chows are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chow Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chow Chow vs. Kai Ken

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow or the Kai Ken?

    Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Chow Chows good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?

    Chow Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

    1

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

    How Kid-friendly are Chow Chows and Kai Kens?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?

    Chow Chows are not easy to train.

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Chow Chow Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?

    Chow Chows adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow

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

  • Anatolian Shepherd Dog (61 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dog (65 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
  • Chinese Shar-Pei (63 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Chinese Shar-Pei.
  • Akita Chow (62 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Akita Chow.
  • 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 Chow Chow vs Icelandic Sheepdog.
  • Kishu Ken (79 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Chow Chow vs Kishu Ken.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Chow Chow Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chow Chow versus Biewer Terrier     Chow Chow versus German Pinscher     Chow Chow versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Chow Chow versus English Toy Spaniel     Chow Chow versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Chow Chow versus Clumber Spaniel     Chow Chow versus Boxerdoodle     Chow Chow versus Shetland Sheepdog     Chow Chow versus English Springer Spaniel     Chow Chow versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Chow Chow versus English Springer Spaniel     Chow Chow versus Greyhound     Chow Chow versus Norwegian Buhund     Chow Chow versus Pointer     Chow Chow versus Cesky Terrier     Chow Chow versus Australian Shepherd     Chow Chow versus Siberian Husky     Chow Chow versus Korean Jindo Dog     Chow Chow versus Belgian Sheepdog     Chow Chow versus Finnish Spitz     Chow Chow versus Tibetan Spaniel     Chow Chow versus Labrador Retriever     Chow Chow versus Hovawart     Chow Chow versus Shiranian     Chow Chow versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Boxer     Kai Ken versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Kai Ken versus Havanese     Kai Ken versus Weimaraner     Kai Ken versus Giant Schnauzer     Kai Ken versus Chinook     Kai Ken versus Bull Terrier     Kai Ken versus Bordoodle     Kai Ken versus Chi-Poo     Kai Ken versus French Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Welsh Terrier     Kai Ken versus Australian Cattle Dog     Kai Ken versus Pomeranian     Kai Ken versus Mastiff     Kai Ken versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Kai Ken versus Bich Poo     Kai Ken versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Kai Ken versus Goldador     Kai Ken versus German Pinscher     Kai Ken versus Pomapoo     Kai Ken versus Yorkshire Terrier     Kai Ken versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Kai Ken versus Norwegian Buhund     Kai Ken versus Coton de Tulear     Kai Ken versus Border Terrier     

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