Jack Russell Terrier versus Kai Ken. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Kai Ken: Introduction

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

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

Jack Russell Terrier versus Kai Ken: Overview

A very important difference between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Jack Russell 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.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Kai Ken
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 22 inches
Life Span 10 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1100 No Data
Price Range $700 – $1250 No Data
Temperament Score 85.5 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Jack Russell Terrier is a better pet than the Kai Ken. So, you should get the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken

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

  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken are very easy to train.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Kai Ken

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

    Jack Russell Terriers weigh 13 to 17 pounds when fully grown. Jack Russell Terriers are 10 to 15 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 Jack Russell Terrier versus Kai Ken

    The lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is 12.5 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 Jack Russell Terriers.

    Temperament of the Kai Ken Versus the Jack Russell Terrier

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 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 85.5 percent, the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Kai Ken by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 1 Kai Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Kai Ken

    Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Kai Kens?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Kai Ken

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier or the Kai Ken?

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Kai Ken

    Jack Russell Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Kai Kens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Kai Ken?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terriers and Kai Kens?

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

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

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier

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

  • Airedale Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Finnish Lapphund (80 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Finnish Lapphund.
  • Welsh Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Welsh 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog.
  • Kishu Ken (79 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Kishu Ken.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus French Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Kuvasz     Jack Russell Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Whoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Basset Hound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Brittany     Jack Russell Terrier versus Siberian Husky     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Standard Poodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bearded Collie     Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Samoyed     Jack Russell Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Jack Russell Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Akita     Kai Ken versus Bracco Italiano     Kai Ken versus Dalmatian     Kai Ken versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Kai Ken versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Kai Ken versus Airedale Terrier     Kai Ken versus Shichon     Kai Ken versus English Springer Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Canaan Dog     Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Kai Ken versus Belgian Tervuren     Kai Ken versus Plott     Kai Ken versus Australian Kelpie     Kai Ken versus Cavachon     Kai Ken versus Schipperke     Kai Ken versus Sloughi     Kai Ken versus Black Russian Terrier     Kai Ken versus Carolina Dog     Kai Ken versus Airedale Terrier     Kai Ken versus Bouvier des Flandres     Kai Ken versus Redbone Coonhound     Kai Ken versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Kai Ken versus Schnoodle     Kai Ken versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Kai Ken versus Chinese Crested     

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