Is the Irish Terrier Better than the Kai Ken as a Pet? Answer…

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Irish Terrier Versus Kai Ken: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier or the Kai Ken.

Irish Terrier versus Kai Ken: Overview

Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken are similar in size. The Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Irish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Irish Terrier versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken

Factor Irish Terrier Kai Ken
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 12 to 16 years
Height 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 22 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Weight 25 to 27 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1280 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $1500 No Data
Temperament Score 80.0 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Terrier is a better pet than the Kai Ken. So, you should get the Irish Terrier!

    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 Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken

    Below is a list of where the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken are most different:

  • Irish Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Kai Kens have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken

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

  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Kai Ken

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken.

    Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 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 Irish Terrier versus Kai Ken

    The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Kai Kens is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Kai Kens is 14.0 years.

    Temperament of the Kai Ken Versus the Irish Terrier

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Irish Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Irish Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken by measuring the temperaments of 10 Irish Terriers and 1 Kai Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Kai Ken

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Irish Terriers shed more than Kai Kens?

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier or the Kai Ken

    Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Kai Ken?

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?

    Irish Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Kai Ken

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier or the Kai Ken?

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers and Kai Kens?

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

    Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Irish Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Terrier or the Kai Ken?

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier

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

  • Hovawart (75 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Hovawart.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • 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:

  • Icelandic Sheepdog (78 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog.
  • Kishu Ken (79 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Kishu Ken.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus Border Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog     Irish Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Irish Terrier versus Gordon Setter     Irish Terrier versus Beagle     Irish Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Irish Terrier versus Bloodhound     Irish Terrier versus Irish Setter     Irish Terrier versus Maltese     Irish Terrier versus Maltese     Irish Terrier versus Basenji     Irish Terrier versus Barbet     Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Irish Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Irish Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Irish Terrier versus Akbash     Irish Terrier versus Mountain Cur     Irish Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Irish Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Irish Terrier versus Affenpinscher     Irish Terrier versus Whoodle     Irish Terrier versus Cavachon     Irish Terrier versus King Shepherd     Irish Terrier versus Brittany     

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Afghan Hound     Kai Ken versus Cavachon     Kai Ken versus Sealyham Terrier     Kai Ken versus Papillon     Kai Ken versus Hovawart     Kai Ken versus Plott     Kai Ken versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Kai Ken versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Kai Ken versus German Longhaired Pointer     Kai Ken versus Kooikerhondje     Kai Ken versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Kai Ken versus Puggle     Kai Ken versus American Water Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Saint Bernard     Kai Ken versus Collie     Kai Ken versus Bordoodle     Kai Ken versus Bloodhound     Kai Ken versus Bracco Italiano     Kai Ken versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Kai Ken versus Lhasapoo     Kai Ken versus Afghan Hound     Kai Ken versus Boxer     Kai Ken versus Aussiedoodle     Kai Ken versus Spinone Italiano     Kai Ken versus Chihuahua     

    Conclusion: Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.