Differences and Similarities between the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken.

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Dogo Argentino Versus Kai Ken: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino or the Kai Ken

Dogo Argentino versus Kai Ken: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dogo Argentino belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Dogo Argentino versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino Kai Ken
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 27 inches 17 to 22 inches
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $2510 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Kai Ken is a better pet than the Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken

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

  • Dogo Argentinos 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken

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

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken are not easy to train.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kai Ken have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Kai Ken

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

    Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 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.

    Health Problems of Dogo Argentino versus Health Problems of Kai Ken

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.

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

    3 health tests are recommended for Dogo Argentino while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dogo Argentinos and in Kai Kens.

    Dogo Argentino Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Kai Kens?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Kai Ken

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

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

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Kai Kens?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the Kai Ken?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Kai Ken

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Kai Ken?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Kai Ken

    Dogo Argentinos have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino

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

  • American Bulldog (78 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • 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 Dogo Argentino vs Icelandic Sheepdog.
  • Kishu Ken (79 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Kishu Ken.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus Valley Bulldog     Dogo Argentino versus Italian Greyhound     Dogo Argentino versus Yorkshire Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Borzoi     Dogo Argentino versus Cavapoo     Dogo Argentino versus Affenpinscher     Dogo Argentino versus Fila Brasileiro     Dogo Argentino versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Dogo Argentino versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Dogo Argentino versus Bordoodle     

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus German Pinscher     Kai Ken versus Newfoundland     Kai Ken versus American Hairless Terrier     Kai Ken versus Australian Cattle Dog     Kai Ken versus Papipoo     Kai Ken versus Welsh Terrier     Kai Ken versus Afghan Hound     Kai Ken versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Kai Ken versus American Bulldog     Kai Ken versus Chow Chow     

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