Irish Water Spaniel versus Kishu Ken. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Irish Water Spaniel Versus Kishu 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 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken.

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

Irish Water Spaniel versus Kishu Ken: Overview

Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken are similar in size. The Irish Water Spaniel and the Kishu 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 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 Water Spaniel versus Kishu Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken

Factor Irish Water Spaniel Kishu 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 9 to 13 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 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Weight 45 to 65 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 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
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    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 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 Water Spaniel is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kishu Ken is 79 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Water Spaniel is a better pet than the Kishu 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 Kishu 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 Kishu Ken

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

  • Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Kishu Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers. However, Kishu Kens are not very friendly towards strangers.

    • The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken

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

  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken are very easy to train.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kishu Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

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

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

    Lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel versus Kishu 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 Kishu Kens is between 9 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Kishu Kens is 11.0 years.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Water Spaniel versus Kishu Ken

    Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Kishu Kens?

    Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Kishu Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Kishu Ken

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel or the Kishu Ken?

    Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Irish Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kishu 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.

    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 Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Kishu Kens?

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Kishu Ken

    Irish Water Spaniels have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Kishu 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 Kishu Ken?

    Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Kishu Kens?

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels and Kishu Kens?

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Kishu Ken?

    Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Is the Irish Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Kishu Ken?

    Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 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:

  • Kerry Blue Terrier (78 percent match with Irish Water Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Kerry Blue Terrier.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Water Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Irish Water Spaniel versus Australian Shepherd     Irish Water Spaniel versus Westiepoo     Irish Water Spaniel versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Irish Water Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pomeranian     Irish Water Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Norwegian Lundehund     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pomchi     Irish Water Spaniel versus Black Mouth Cur     Irish Water Spaniel versus Whippet     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pointer     Irish Water Spaniel versus Clumber Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Morkie     Irish Water Spaniel versus Lakeland Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Chihuahua     Irish Water Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Irish Water Spaniel versus Chi-Poo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Boxer     Irish Water Spaniel versus Norwegian Buhund     Irish Water Spaniel versus King Shepherd     Irish Water Spaniel versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Standard Poodle     

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Kishu Ken versus Dogo Argentino     Kishu Ken versus Bordoodle     Kishu Ken versus French Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Stabyhoun     Kishu Ken versus Shichon     Kishu Ken versus German Pinscher     Kishu Ken versus Plott     Kishu Ken versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Shiloh Shepherd     Kishu Ken versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Scottish Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Welsh Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Kishu Ken versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Kishu Ken versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Sealyham Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Standard Poodle     Kishu Ken versus Newfoundland     Kishu Ken versus Miniature Pinscher     Kishu Ken versus Swedish Vallhund     Kishu Ken versus Giant Schnauzer     Kishu Ken versus Catahoula Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Beagle     Kishu Ken versus Bordoodle     

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