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

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Irish Setter Versus Kishu Ken: Introduction

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

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

Irish Setter versus Kishu Ken: Overview

A very important difference between the Irish Setter and the Kishu Ken is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Setter is a large-sized dog while the Kishu Ken is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Irish 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.

Irish Setter versus Kishu Ken: Comparison Table

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

Factor Irish Setter Kishu Ken
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 9 to 13 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 17 to 22 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1680 No Data
Price Range $1200 – $2200 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish 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 Irish Setter is 73 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 Irish 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 Irish 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 Irish Setter and the Kishu Ken

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

  • Irish 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.
  • Irish Setters get along well with other dogs. However, Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Irish Setters are very friendly towards strangers. However, Kishu Kens are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Irish Setters are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Kishu Kens are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Irish Setters have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Kishu Kens do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Irish Setters are very playful. However, Kishu Kens not very playful.

    • The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Kishu Ken

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

  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kishu Ken do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kishu Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish 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 Irish Setter and the Kishu Ken can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kishu Ken shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kishu Ken are very easy to train.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kishu Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kishu Ken have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Kishu Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

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

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Setter and the Kishu Ken.

    Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 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 Irish Setter versus Kishu Ken

    The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Kishu Kens is between 9 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Kishu Kens is 11.0 years.

    Irish Setters live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Kishu Ken

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Irish Setters shed more than Kishu Kens?

    Irish 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 Irish Setter or the Kishu Ken

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kishu Ken?

    Irish 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 Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Kishu Kens?

    Irish 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Kishu Ken

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

    Irish 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 Irish Setter or the Kishu Ken?

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

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

    Irish 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 Irish Setters and Kishu Kens?

    Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Kishu Ken?

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

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

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Irish 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 Irish Setter

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish 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 Irish Setter:

  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs English Setter.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Labrador Retriever     Irish Setter versus Puggle     Irish Setter versus Finnish Spitz     Irish Setter versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Irish Setter versus Cockalier     Irish Setter versus Manchester Terrier     Irish Setter versus Bullmastiff     Irish Setter versus Yorkipoo     Irish Setter versus Leonberger     Irish Setter versus Portuguese Pointer     Irish Setter versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Irish Setter versus Miniature Schnauzer     Irish Setter versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Irish Setter versus Cockapoo     Irish Setter versus Cavapoo     Irish Setter versus Lhasapoo     Irish Setter versus Greyhound     Irish Setter versus Bouvier des Flandres     Irish Setter versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Irish Setter versus Miniature Poodle     Irish Setter versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Irish Setter versus Affenhuahua     Irish Setter versus Kai Ken     Irish Setter versus Collie     Irish Setter versus Lancashire Heeler     

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Mal Shi     Kishu Ken versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Kishu Ken versus Black Russian Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Lhasapoo     Kishu Ken versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Black Mouth Cur     Kishu Ken versus Alaskan Malamute     Kishu Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog     Kishu Ken versus Samoyed     Kishu Ken versus Australian Shepherd     Kishu Ken versus Miniature Poodle     Kishu Ken versus Manchester Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Affenpinscher     Kishu Ken versus Shiloh Shepherd     Kishu Ken versus Cocker Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Dachshund     Kishu Ken versus Toy Poodle     Kishu Ken versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Kishu Ken versus Yorkipoo     Kishu Ken versus Patterdale Terrier     Kishu Ken versus English Cocker Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Border Collie     Kishu Ken versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Kishu Ken versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     

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