Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Kai Ken: Introduction
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken: Overview
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken
- The Similarities Between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken
- Size (Weight and Height) of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken
- Lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken
- Temperament of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus the Kai Ken
- Health Problems of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Health Problems of Kai Ken
- Tolerates Being Alone: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken
- Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed more than Kai Kens?
- Which one drools more, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Kai Ken
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Kai Ken?
- Does the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?
- Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?
- Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs. Kai Ken
- Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Kai Ken?
- Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?
- How Kid-friendly are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Kai Kens?
- Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken. Which One is a Better Pet?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Kai Ken: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Greater Swiss 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 Greater Swiss 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Greater Swiss 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Kai Ken.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken: Overview
A very important difference between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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.
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.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Greater Swiss 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.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken
| Factor | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Kai Ken |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 22 inches |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 7 to 9 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Weight | 85 to 140 pounds | 25 to 45 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 8.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $2390 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1750 – $3000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 82.8 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 Greater Swiss 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 the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Kai Ken. So, you should get the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog!
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 Greater Swiss 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken
Below is a list of where the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken are most different:
The Similarities Between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs weigh 85 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are 23 to 28 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.
Lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken
The lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is between 7 to 9 years. The average lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is 8.0 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.
Temperament of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus the Kai Ken
The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 82.8 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 82.8 percent, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken by measuring the temperaments of 262 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and 1 Kai Kens.
Health Problems of Greater Swiss 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. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Greater Swiss 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 Greater Swiss 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog than for the Kai Ken.
4 health tests are recommended for Greater Swiss Mountain Dog while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and in Kai Kens.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Health Problems
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Greater Swiss 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Greater Swiss 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Greater Swiss 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kai Kens here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed more than Kai Kens?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed moderately.
Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Kai Ken
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Kai Ken?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom.
Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?
Greater Swiss 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.
Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?
Greater Swiss 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.
Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs. Kai Ken
Greater Swiss 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?
Greater Swiss 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.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Kai Ken?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?
Greater Swiss 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Kai Kens?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are fairly easy to train.
Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.
Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Kai Ken?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Greater Swiss 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog:
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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and how the Kai Ken compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and of the Kai Ken to other breeds:
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kerry Blue Terrier Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Shiba Inu Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Irish Terrier Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Bouvier des Flandres Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Havanese Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Black Mouth Cur Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Shichon Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Patterdale Terrier Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Harrier Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Basset Hound Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Afghan Hound Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Saluki Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Komondor Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Goldendoodle Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Lowchen Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus King Shepherd Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Hovawart Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus English Setter Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Cairn Terrier Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Samoyed Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Boxer
Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kai Ken versus Bull Terrier Kai Ken versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Kai Ken versus Estrela Mountain Dog Kai Ken versus Great Pyrenees Kai Ken versus Stabyhoun Kai Ken versus Maltipoo Kai Ken versus Finnish Lapphund Kai Ken versus Cavapoo Kai Ken versus Chinese Shar-Pei Kai Ken versus Aussiedoodle Kai Ken versus Vizsla Kai Ken versus Frenchton Kai Ken versus American Foxhound Kai Ken versus Rottweiler Kai Ken versus Shih Tzu Kai Ken versus Havanese Kai Ken versus West Highland White Terrier Kai Ken versus Chinese Crested Kai Ken versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Kai Ken versus Shih Tzu Kai Ken versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Kai Ken versus Miniature Poodle Kai Ken versus Giant Schnauzer Kai Ken versus English Setter Kai Ken versus Papipoo
Conclusion: Greater Swiss 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.