Differences and Similarities between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken.

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Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Kishu Ken: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Kishu Ken.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kishu Ken: Overview

Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken are similar in size. The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu 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 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.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kishu Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken

Factor Icelandic Sheepdog Kishu Ken
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 5/5
Life Span 14 to 15 years 9 to 13 years
Height 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder 17 to 22 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Weight 20 to 30 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
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 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    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 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 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 Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken

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

  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kishu Ken

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

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kishu Ken

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Kishu Kens?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Kishu Ken

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Kishu Ken?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kishu 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.

    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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Kishu Kens?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Kishu Ken

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Kishu Ken?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Kishu Kens?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs and Kishu Kens?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Kishu Kens get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Kishu Ken?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Kishu Ken?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Kishu Ken?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Kishu 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:

  • Kai Ken (78 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Kai Ken.
  • Scottish Deerhound (75 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Scottish Deerhound.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chow Chow     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Italian Greyhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bearded Collie     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Puli     Icelandic Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasapoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kuvasz     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Affenpinscher     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Bulldog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomapoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Karelian Bear Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kishu Ken     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Peek A Poo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pharaoh Hound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Redbone Coonhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Komondor     

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Shiranian     Kishu Ken versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Kishu Ken versus Maltipoo     Kishu Ken versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Kishu Ken versus Bernedoodle     Kishu Ken versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Kishu Ken versus Akita Chow     Kishu Ken versus Karelian Bear Dog     Kishu Ken versus Saluki     Kishu Ken versus Shichon     Kishu Ken versus Belgian Malinois     Kishu Ken versus Dalmatian     Kishu Ken versus Redbone Coonhound     Kishu Ken versus Giant Schnauzer     Kishu Ken versus Shihpoo     Kishu Ken versus Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Samoyed     Kishu Ken versus Chi-Poo     Kishu Ken versus Chihuahua     Kishu Ken versus Great Pyrenees     Kishu Ken versus Finnish Spitz     Kishu Ken versus Chorkie     Kishu Ken versus Manchester Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Akita     

    Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Kishu Ken better suits you and your family.