Differences and Similarities between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken.

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German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Kishu Ken: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and for the Kishu 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Kishu Ken.

German Wirehaired Pointer versus Kishu Ken: Overview

A very important difference between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a large-sized dog while the Kishu Ken is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Kishu Ken 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.

German Wirehaired Pointer versus Kishu Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Wirehaired Pointer to the Kishu 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken

Factor German Wirehaired Pointer Kishu Ken
Height 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the 17 to 22 inches
Life Span 12 to 14 years 9 to 13 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $990 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1200 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- any age, yearly if in a breeding program
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Kishu 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 German Wirehaired Pointer is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kishu Ken is 79 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Kishu Ken is a better pet than the German Wirehaired Pointer. So, you should get the Kishu 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken

    Below is a list of where the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken are most different:

  • German Wirehaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Kishu Kens do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • German Wirehaired Pointers are very playful. However, Kishu Kens not very playful.

    • The Similarities Between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken

    The German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken are most similar:

  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Kishu Ken

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken.

    German Wirehaired Pointers weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. German Wirehaired Pointers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Kishu Kens weigh 30 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Kishu Kens are 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Kishu Ken

    The lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Kishu Kens is between 9 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Kishu Kens is 11.0 years.

    German Wirehaired Pointers live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Wirehaired Pointer versus Kishu Ken

    German Wirehaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do German Wirehaired Pointers shed more than Kishu Kens?

    German Wirehaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Kishu Ken

    German Wirehaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Kishu Ken?

    German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the German Wirehaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kishu Ken?

    German Wirehaired Pointers 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.

    Kishu 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 German Wirehaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Kishu Kens?

    German Wirehaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Wirehaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Wirehaired Pointer vs. Kishu Ken

    German Wirehaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Kishu Kens do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Wirehaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Kishu Ken?

    German Wirehaired Pointers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are German Wirehaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Kishu Kens?

    German Wirehaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Kishu Kens are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are German Wirehaired Pointers and Kishu Kens?

    German Wirehaired Pointers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Kishu Kens get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the German Wirehaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Kishu Ken?

    German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Is the German Wirehaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Kishu Ken?

    German Wirehaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Kishu Ken?

    German Wirehaired Pointers are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointer:

  • Australian Kelpie (81 percent match with German Wirehaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (83 percent match with German Wirehaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs German Pinscher.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kishu Ken

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

  • Alaskan Klee Kai (76 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the German Wirehaired Pointer vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Dutch Shepherd (78 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the German Wirehaired Pointer vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Kai Ken (79 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the German Wirehaired Pointer vs Kai Ken.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the German Wirehaired Pointer and how the Kishu Ken compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Wirehaired Pointer and of the Kishu Ken to other breeds:

    German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Wirehaired Pointer versus Boerboel     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Alaskan Klee Kai     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Great Dane     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Cane Corso     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Shetland Sheepdog     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever     German Wirehaired Pointer versus English Toy Spaniel     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Ibizan Hound     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Bloodhound     German Wirehaired Pointer versus American Staffordshire Terrier     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Shihpoo     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Keeshond     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Biewer Terrier     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Schnoodle     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Toy Poodle     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Pomsky     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Estrela Mountain Dog     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Finnish Spitz     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Ibizan Hound     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Redbone Coonhound     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Cocker Spaniel     

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Saint Bernard     Kishu Ken versus Dalmatian     Kishu Ken versus Pomchi     Kishu Ken versus Frenchton     Kishu Ken versus Whoodle     Kishu Ken versus Labradoodle     Kishu Ken versus Belgian Tervuren     Kishu Ken versus Affenhuahua     Kishu Ken versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Kishu Ken versus Morkie     Kishu Ken versus Miniature Schnauzer     Kishu Ken versus Patterdale Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Norfolk Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Cairn Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Boxerdoodle     Kishu Ken versus Giant Schnauzer     Kishu Ken versus Maremma Sheepdog     Kishu Ken versus German Shepherd Dog     Kishu Ken versus Portuguese Pointer     Kishu Ken versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Kishu Ken versus Harrier     Kishu Ken versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Kishu Ken versus Airedale Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Karelian Bear Dog     Kishu Ken versus Canaan Dog     

    Conclusion: German Wirehaired Pointer versus Kishu 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and the Kishu Ken better suits you and your family.