Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Kai Ken: Introduction
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken: Overview
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kai Ken
- Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken
- Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken
- Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Kai Ken
- Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Kai Ken
- Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Kai Kens?
- Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Kai Ken
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Kai Ken?
- Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Kai Ken
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Kai Ken?
- Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?
- How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Kai Kens?
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken. Which One is a Better Pet?
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Kai Ken: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kai Ken.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Kai Ken.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken: Overview
Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kai Ken are similar in size. The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kai Ken are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Icelandic Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kai Ken
| Factor | Icelandic Sheepdog | Kai Ken |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 14 to 15 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder | 17 to 22 inches |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 20 to 30 pounds | 25 to 45 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 14.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | No Data |
| Average Price | No Data | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 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 Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kai Ken so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kai Ken
The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kai Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kai Ken are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kai Ken.
Icelandic Sheepdogs weigh 20 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Icelandic Sheepdogs are 16 to 18 inchestall 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 Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken
The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.
The lifespan of Kai Kens is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Kai Kens is 14.0 years.
Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Kai Kens.
Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Kai Ken
The Icelandic Sheepdog has the same temperament score as the Kai Ken.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Icelandic Sheepdog has an above-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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kai Ken by measuring the temperaments of 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs and 1 Kai Kens.
Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the Kai Ken.
8 health tests are recommended for Icelandic Sheepdog while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Icelandic Sheepdogs and in Kai Kens.
Icelandic Sheepdog Health Problems
Icelandic Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Icelandic Sheepdogs 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: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Kai Kens?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Kai Ken
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Kai Ken?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Kai Kens are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Kai Ken
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Kai Ken?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs and Kai Kens?
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Kai Ken?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog:
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 Icelandic Sheepdog and how the Kai Ken compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and of the Kai Ken to other breeds:
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus King Shepherd Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer Icelandic Sheepdog versus Schnoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Canaan Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Beaglier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dachshund Icelandic Sheepdog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus English Springer Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Doberman Pinscher Icelandic Sheepdog versus Westiepoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bordoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Golden Cocker Retriever Icelandic Sheepdog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus French Bulldog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki Icelandic Sheepdog versus Ibizan Hound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Boerboel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bouvier des Flandres Icelandic Sheepdog versus Toy Fox Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cocker Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomeranian
Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kai Ken versus Aussiedoodle Kai Ken versus Bolognese Kai Ken versus German Wirehaired Pointer Kai Ken versus Australian Terrier Kai Ken versus Pointer Kai Ken versus Toy Fox Terrier Kai Ken versus Yorkipoo Kai Ken versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Kai Ken versus Boerboel Kai Ken versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Kai Ken versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Kai Ken versus Chow Chow Kai Ken versus Tibetan Mastiff Kai Ken versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Kai Ken versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Kai Ken versus Azawakh Kai Ken versus Boykin Spaniel Kai Ken versus Gordon Setter Kai Ken versus Australian Terrier Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Mastiff Kai Ken versus Finnish Spitz Kai Ken versus Norwegian Buhund Kai Ken versus Pomsky Kai Ken versus Labradoodle Kai Ken versus German Shepherd Dog
Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.