A Detailed Comparison of the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken.

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French Spaniel Versus Kai Ken: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel or the Kai Ken

French Spaniel versus Kai Ken: Overview

Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken are similar in size. The French Spaniel and the Kai Ken are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the French Spaniel 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.

French Spaniel versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel Kai Ken
Life Span 10 to 12 years. 12 to 16 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Height 21 to 24 inches. 17 to 22 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Weight 45 to 60 pounds. 25 to 45 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $4250 No Data
Price Range $3875 – $4625 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.

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

    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 French Spaniel and the Kai Ken so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken

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

  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel and the Kai Ken can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken are very easy to train.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken are very playful.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Kai Ken have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of French Spaniel versus Kai Ken

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

    French Spaniels weigh 45 to 60 pounds. when fully grown. French Spaniels are 21 to 24 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 French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.

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

    3 health tests are recommended for French Spaniel while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in French Spaniels and in Kai Kens.

    French Spaniel Health Problems

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

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for French Spaniels 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 French Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?

    French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    French Spaniels 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 one drools more, the French Spaniel or the Kai Ken

    French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do French Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?

    French Spaniels 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: French Spaniel vs. Kai Ken

    French Spaniels 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: French Spaniel versus Kai Ken

    French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do French Spaniels shed more than Kai Kens?

    French Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the French Spaniel or the Kai Ken?

    French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the French Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?

    French Spaniels 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.

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

    French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are French Spaniels and Kai Kens?

    French Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the French Spaniel or the Kai Ken?

    French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Is the French Spaniel Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?

    French Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Are French Spaniels good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?

    French Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel

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

  • Dutch Shepherd (80 percent match with French Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • 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 French Spaniel vs Icelandic Sheepdog.
  • Kishu Ken (79 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the French Spaniel vs Kishu Ken.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    French Spaniel versus Black and Tan Coonhound     French Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier     French Spaniel versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     French Spaniel versus English Toy Spaniel     French Spaniel versus Cockalier     French Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever     French Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund     French Spaniel versus Bouvier des Flandres     French Spaniel versus Papipoo     French Spaniel versus Australian Cattle Dog     

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Goldador     Kai Ken versus Biewer Terrier     Kai Ken versus Clumber Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Bulldog     Kai Ken versus Maltipoo     Kai Ken versus Irish Setter     Kai Ken versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Kai Ken versus Harrier     Kai Ken versus Belgian Sheepdog     Kai Ken versus Lakeland Terrier     

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