Is the Gordon Setter Better than the Kishu Ken as a Pet? Answer…

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Gordon Setter Versus Kishu Ken: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter or the Kishu Ken.

Gordon Setter versus Kishu Ken: Overview

Both the Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken are similar in size. The Gordon Setter and the Kishu 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 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.

Gordon Setter versus Kishu Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken

Factor Gordon Setter Kishu 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 9 to 13 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
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 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1360 No Data
Price Range $1250 – $1500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • DNA Repository (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • rcd4 PRA (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
    		•  No Data

    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 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 Gordon Setter is 70 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 Gordon Setter. 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken

    Below is a list of where the Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken are most different:

  • Gordon Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Kishu Kens are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Gordon Setters are very playful. However, Kishu Kens not very playful.

    • The Similarities Between the Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken

    The Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken are most similar:

  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken are very easy to train.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus Kishu Ken

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Gordon Setter and the Kishu 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, Kishu Kens weigh 30 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Kishu Kens are 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Gordon Setter versus Kishu 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 Kishu Kens is between 9 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Kishu Kens is 11.0 years.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Gordon Setter versus Kishu Ken

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Gordon Setters shed more than Kishu Kens?

    Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Gordon Setter or the Kishu Ken

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the Kishu Ken?

    Gordon Setters require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kishu 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.

    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 Gordon Setters Bark and Howl? What about Kishu Kens?

    Gordon Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Kishu Ken

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Gordon Setters can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Kishu 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 Kishu Ken?

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about Kishu Kens?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters and Kishu Kens?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the Kishu Ken?

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Is the Gordon Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Kishu Ken?

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Gordon Setter or the Kishu Ken?

    Gordon Setters 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 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:

  • Belgian Tervuren (78 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Giant Schnauzer (79 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Mudi (75 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Mudi.

    • 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 Gordon Setter vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Dutch Shepherd (78 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Kai Ken (79 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Kai Ken.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus Australian Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Akbash     Gordon Setter versus Boxerdoodle     Gordon Setter versus Samoyed     Gordon Setter versus Black Mouth Cur     Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken     Gordon Setter versus Bloodhound     Gordon Setter versus Frenchton     Gordon Setter versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Gordon Setter versus Pomapoo     Gordon Setter versus Welsh Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Rottweiler     Gordon Setter versus Black Russian Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Shih Tzu     Gordon Setter versus Belgian Sheepdog     Gordon Setter versus Bich Poo     Gordon Setter versus West Highland White Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Miniature Schnauzer     Gordon Setter versus Lhasa Apso     Gordon Setter versus Bouvier des Flandres     Gordon Setter versus Morkie     Gordon Setter versus Affenhuahua     Gordon Setter versus Siberian Husky     Gordon Setter versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Swedish Vallhund     Kishu Ken versus Norwegian Buhund     Kishu Ken versus Bull Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Keeshond     Kishu Ken versus Valley Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Kooikerhondje     Kishu Ken versus Cavapoo     Kishu Ken versus Rottweiler     Kishu Ken versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Kishu Ken versus Bullmastiff     Kishu Ken versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Kishu Ken versus Dogo Argentino     Kishu Ken versus American Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Schipperke     Kishu Ken versus Leonberger     Kishu Ken versus Chi-Poo     Kishu Ken versus Saint Berdoodle     Kishu Ken versus Affenpinscher     Kishu Ken versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Canaan Dog     Kishu Ken versus Labradoodle     Kishu Ken versus Kooikerhondje     Kishu Ken versus Portuguese Pointer     Kishu Ken versus Yorkipoo     Kishu Ken versus Boston Terrier     

    Conclusion: Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Kishu Ken better suits you and your family.