Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Kai Ken: Introduction
- Harrier versus Kai Ken: Overview
- Harrier versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Kai Ken
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Kai Ken
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Kai Ken
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Kai Ken
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Kai Ken
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Kai Ken
- Do Harriers shed more than Kai Kens?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Kai Ken
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Kai Ken?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Kai Ken
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Kai Ken?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Kai Kens?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Kai Ken. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Kai Ken: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Kai Ken.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier or the Kai Ken.
Harrier versus Kai Ken: Overview
Both the Harrier and the Kai Ken are similar in size. The Harrier and the Kai Ken are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Harrier versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier 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 Harrier and the Kai Ken
| Factor | Harrier | Kai Ken |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 22 inches |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 25 to 45 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 |
| Price Range | No Data | No Data |
| Average Price | No Data | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Kai Ken. So, you should get the Harrier!
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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Kai Ken
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Kai Ken are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Kai Ken
The Harrier and the Kai Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Kai Ken are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Kai Ken
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Kai Ken.
Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 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 Harrier versus Kai Ken
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers 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 Harriers.
Health Problems of Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Kai Ken is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Kai Kens.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier 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 Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier 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 Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers 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: Harrier versus Kai Ken
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Harriers shed more than Kai Kens?
Harriers shed moderately.
Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Kai Ken
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Kai Ken?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?
Harriers 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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?
Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Kai Ken
Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Kai Kens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Kai Ken?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?
Harriers 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 Harriers and Kai Kens?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Kai Ken?
Harriers 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 Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
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 Harrier and how the Kai Ken compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Kai Ken to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Redbone Coonhound Harrier versus Great Dane Harrier versus American Eskimo Dog Harrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Harrier versus American Foxhound Harrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Harrier versus Puli Harrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Harrier versus Goldador Harrier versus Akita Chow Harrier versus Belgian Sheepdog Harrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Harrier versus Irish Setter Harrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Harrier versus Bouvier des Flandres Harrier versus Basset Hound Harrier versus Brittany Harrier versus Mal Shi Harrier versus Mountain Cur Harrier versus Border Collie Harrier versus Borzoi Harrier versus Irish Setter Harrier versus Mountain Cur Harrier versus Tibetan Spaniel Harrier versus Irish Wolfhound
Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kai Ken versus Australian Terrier Kai Ken versus American Eskimo Dog Kai Ken versus Maremma Sheepdog Kai Ken versus Finnish Spitz Kai Ken versus Boxer Kai Ken versus Portuguese Pointer Kai Ken versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Kai Ken versus Cairn Terrier Kai Ken versus Ibizan Hound Kai Ken versus Golden Cocker Retriever Kai Ken versus Afador Kai Ken versus Saint Berdoodle Kai Ken versus Chihuahua Kai Ken versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Kai Ken versus Afador Kai Ken versus Bull Terrier Kai Ken versus Norwegian Lundehund Kai Ken versus Aussiedoodle Kai Ken versus Miniature Pinscher Kai Ken versus Lhasa Apso Kai Ken versus Pomchi Kai Ken versus Yorkipoo Kai Ken versus Biewer Terrier Kai Ken versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Kai Ken versus Bloodhound
Conclusion: Harrier 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 Harrier and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.