Which is Better between the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Entlebucher Mountain Dog Versus Kai Ken: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog or the Kai Ken

Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken: Overview

Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken are similar in size. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog Kai Ken
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 16 years
Height 16 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 22 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Weight 45 to 65 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $2020 No Data
Price Range $920 – $2500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • 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 Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog is 72 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog. 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 Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken

    Below is a list of where the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken are most different:

  • Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom. However, Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Kai Kens are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken

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

  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken.

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are 16 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.

    Health Problems of Entlebucher Mountain Dog 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Entlebucher Mountain Dog than for the Kai Ken.

    4 health tests are recommended for Entlebucher Mountain Dog while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Entlebucher Mountain Dogs and in Kai Kens.

    Entlebucher Mountain Dog Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Entlebucher Mountain Dogs 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which one drools more, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog or the Kai Ken

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Can Entlebucher Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Entlebucher Mountain 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog or the Kai Ken?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Do Entlebucher Mountain Dogs shed more than Kai Kens?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs shed moderately.

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

    Is the Entlebucher Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are fairly easy to train.

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Wanderlust Potential: Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs. Kai Ken

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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.

    Can Entlebucher Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Does the Entlebucher Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs 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.

    Are Entlebucher Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dogs and Kai Kens?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog or the Kai Ken?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Do Entlebucher Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog:

  • Black Mouth Cur (81 percent match with Entlebucher Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (80 percent match with Entlebucher Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog.
  • Kishu Ken (79 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Kishu Ken.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Entlebucher Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Boerboel     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Cockapoo     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Beagle     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus West Highland White Terrier     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Stabyhoun     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Tibetan Spaniel     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Finnish Lapphund     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Chi-Poo     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus English Springer Spaniel     

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Akita     Kai Ken versus Lakeland Terrier     Kai Ken versus Maremma Sheepdog     Kai Ken versus Toy Poodle     Kai Ken versus Maltese     Kai Ken versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Kai Ken versus Lhasapoo     Kai Ken versus Border Collie     Kai Ken versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Kai Ken versus Cairn Terrier     

    Conclusion: Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.