Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Water Spaniel Versus Kai Ken: Introduction
- Irish Water Spaniel versus Kai Ken: Overview
- Irish Water Spaniel versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken
- The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Kai Ken
- Lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel versus Kai Ken
- Temperament of the Irish Water Spaniel Versus the Kai Ken
- Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Kai Ken
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Water Spaniel versus Kai Ken
- Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Kai Kens?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Kai Ken
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Kai Ken?
- Does the Irish Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?
- Do Irish Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?
- Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Kai Ken
- Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Kai Ken?
- Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Water Spaniels and Kai Kens?
- Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Water Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Water Spaniel versus Kai Ken. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Kai Ken: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel or the Kai Ken.
Irish Water Spaniel versus Kai Ken: Overview
Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken are similar in size. The Irish Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Irish Water Spaniel 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 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 Water Spaniel versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken
| Factor | Irish Water Spaniel | Kai Ken |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder | 17 to 22 inches |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 65 pounds | 25 to 45 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | No Data |
| Average Price | No Data | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 90.0 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel is a better pet than the Kai Ken. So, you should get the Irish Water Spaniel!
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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken
Below is a list of where the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken
The Irish Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Kai Ken
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken.
Irish Water Spaniels weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Irish Water Spaniels are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet 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 Water Spaniel versus Kai Ken
The lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniels.
Temperament of the Irish Water Spaniel Versus the Kai Ken
The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Irish Water Spaniel.
This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Irish Water Spaniel is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken by measuring the temperaments of 30 Irish Water Spaniels and 1 Kai Kens.
Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Irish Water Spaniel than for the Kai Ken.
5 health tests are recommended for Irish Water Spaniel while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Water Spaniels and in Kai Kens.
Irish Water Spaniel Health Problems
Irish Water Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Water Spaniels 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: Irish Water Spaniel versus Kai Ken
Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Kai Kens?
Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Kai Ken
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel or the Kai Ken?
Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Kai Ken
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel or the Kai Ken?
Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels and Kai Kens?
Irish Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?
Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.
Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.
Is the Irish Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?
Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Kai Ken?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel:
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 Irish Water Spaniel and how the Kai Ken compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel and of the Kai Ken to other breeds:
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Water Spaniel versus Bolognese Irish Water Spaniel versus Papipoo Irish Water Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Flat-Coated Retriever Irish Water Spaniel versus Carolina Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Dogue de Bordeaux Irish Water Spaniel versus Skye Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Welsh Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Pomsky Irish Water Spaniel versus Afghan Hound Irish Water Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog Irish Water Spaniel versus Sloughi Irish Water Spaniel versus Schnoodle Irish Water Spaniel versus German Wirehaired Pointer Irish Water Spaniel versus Alaskan Malamute Irish Water Spaniel versus Saluki Irish Water Spaniel versus Sealyham Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus American Staffordshire Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Plott Irish Water Spaniel versus Black Mouth Cur Irish Water Spaniel versus Gordon Setter Irish Water Spaniel versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Irish Water Spaniel versus Cavachon Irish Water Spaniel versus Mudi Irish Water Spaniel versus Boerboel
Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kai Ken versus Irish Terrier Kai Ken versus Irish Setter Kai Ken versus Flat-Coated Retriever Kai Ken versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Kai Ken versus Shichon Kai Ken versus Irish Water Spaniel Kai Ken versus Afghan Hound Kai Ken versus Schipperke Kai Ken versus Komondor Kai Ken versus Border Collie Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Kai Ken versus American Eskimo Dog Kai Ken versus Mountain Cur Kai Ken versus Bearded Collie Kai Ken versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Kai Ken versus Cavachon Kai Ken versus Kerry Blue Terrier Kai Ken versus Boerboel Kai Ken versus Schipperke Kai Ken versus Irish Terrier Kai Ken versus Bordoodle Kai Ken versus Airedale Terrier Kai Ken versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Kai Ken versus Irish Wolfhound Kai Ken versus Harrier
Conclusion: Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.