Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Gordon Setter Versus Kai Ken: Introduction
- Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken: Overview
- Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Gordon Setter and the Kai Ken
- The Similarities Between the Gordon Setter and the Kai Ken
- Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken
- Lifespan of Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken
- Temperament of the Gordon Setter Versus the Kai Ken
- Health Problems of Gordon Setter versus Health Problems of Kai Ken
- Tolerates Being Alone: Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken
- Do Gordon Setters shed more than Kai Kens?
- Which one drools more, the Gordon Setter or the Kai Ken
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the Kai Ken?
- Does the Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?
- Do Gordon Setters Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?
- Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Kai Ken
- Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Gordon Setter or the Kai Ken?
- Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?
- How Kid-friendly are Gordon Setters and Kai Kens?
- Is the Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken. Which One is a Better Pet?
Gordon Setter Versus Kai Ken: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Kai Ken.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter or the Kai Ken.
Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken: Overview
Both the Gordon Setter and the Kai Ken are similar in size. The Gordon Setter and the Kai Ken are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Gordon Setter 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.
Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Kai Ken
| Factor | Gordon Setter | Kai Ken |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the | 17 to 22 inches |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 80 pounds | 25 to 45 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 | 11.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1360 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1250 – $1500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 83.6 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter is 70 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 Gordon Setter. 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Kai Ken
Below is a list of where the Gordon Setter and the Kai Ken are most different:
The Similarities Between the Gordon Setter and the Kai Ken
The Gordon Setter and the Kai Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Gordon Setter and the Kai Ken are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Gordon Setter and the Kai Ken.
Gordon Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Gordon Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 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 Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken
The lifespan of Gordon Setters is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Gordon Setters is 11.0 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 Gordon Setters.
Temperament of the Gordon Setter Versus the Kai Ken
The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Gordon Setter.
This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Gordon Setter is 83.6 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 83.6 percent, the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Kai Ken by measuring the temperaments of 67 Gordon Setters and 1 Kai Kens.
Health Problems of Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Gordon Setter than for the Kai Ken.
6 health tests are recommended for Gordon Setter while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Gordon Setters and in Kai Kens.
Gordon Setter Health Problems
Gordon Setters are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setters for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Gordon Setters 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kai Kens here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken
Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.
Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Gordon Setters shed more than Kai Kens?
Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Gordon Setter or the Kai Ken
Gordon Setters drool moderately.
Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the Kai Ken?
Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?
Gordon Setters 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.
Do Gordon Setters Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?
Gordon Setters 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.
Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?
Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.
Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Kai Ken
Gordon Setters 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.
Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?
Gordon Setters can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Kai Kens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Gordon Setter or the Kai Ken?
Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.
Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?
Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters and Kai Kens?
Gordon Setters get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?
Gordon Setters are very easy to train.
Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.
Is the Gordon Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?
Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.
Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Gordon Setter or the Kai Ken?
Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.
Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Gordon Setter and how the Kai Ken compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Gordon Setter and of the Kai Ken to other breeds:
Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds
Gordon Setter versus German Wirehaired Pointer Gordon Setter versus Mastiff Gordon Setter versus Black Russian Terrier Gordon Setter versus Belgian Sheepdog Gordon Setter versus Dutch Shepherd Gordon Setter versus Cesky Terrier Gordon Setter versus French Spaniel Gordon Setter versus Biewer Terrier Gordon Setter versus Chi-Poo Gordon Setter versus Hovawart Gordon Setter versus Akita Gordon Setter versus Goldendoodle Gordon Setter versus Shetland Sheepdog Gordon Setter versus Black Mouth Cur Gordon Setter versus American Bulldog Gordon Setter versus Lancashire Heeler Gordon Setter versus Cane Corso Gordon Setter versus Havanese Gordon Setter versus Shichon Gordon Setter versus Great Dane Gordon Setter versus Boxer Gordon Setter versus Pyrenean Shepherd Gordon Setter versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Gordon Setter versus Berger Picard Gordon Setter versus Harrier
Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kai Ken versus Boerboel Kai Ken versus Basset Hound Kai Ken versus Karelian Bear Dog Kai Ken versus Whippet Kai Ken versus Pug Kai Ken versus American Staffordshire Terrier Kai Ken versus Tibetan Mastiff Kai Ken versus Afador Kai Ken versus Pug Kai Ken versus Weimaraner Kai Ken versus English Setter Kai Ken versus Sussex Spaniel Kai Ken versus Hovawart Kai Ken versus Spanish Mastiff Kai Ken versus Coton de Tulear Kai Ken versus English Toy Spaniel Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Shepherd Kai Ken versus Harrier Kai Ken versus Lhasa Apso Kai Ken versus Field Spaniel Kai Ken versus Stabyhoun Kai Ken versus Border Collie Kai Ken versus Shiranian Kai Ken versus French Bulldog Kai Ken versus German Wirehaired Pointer
Conclusion: Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.