Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Japanese Chin Versus Kai Ken: Introduction
- Japanese Chin versus Kai Ken: Overview
- Japanese Chin versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken
- The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken
- Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Kai Ken
- Lifespan of Japanese Chin versus Kai Ken
- Temperament of the Kai Ken Versus the Japanese Chin
- Health Problems of Japanese Chin versus Health Problems of Kai Ken
- Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Chin versus Kai Ken
- Do Japanese Chins shed more than Kai Kens?
- Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Kai Ken
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Kai Ken?
- Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?
- Do Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?
- Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Kai Ken
- Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Chin or the Kai Ken?
- Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?
- How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Kai Kens?
- Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Japanese Chin versus Kai Ken. Which One is a Better Pet?
Japanese Chin Versus Kai Ken: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin or the Kai Ken.
Japanese Chin versus Kai Ken: Overview
A very important difference between the Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Chin is a tiny-sized dog while the Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken are Companion Dogs. This means both the Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken 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.
Japanese Chin versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken
| Factor | Japanese Chin | Kai Ken |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 4 to 9 pounds | 25 to 45 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 22 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1930 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2100 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Chin is a better pet than the Kai Ken. So, you should get the Japanese Chin!
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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken
Below is a list of where the Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken are most different:
The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken
The Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Kai Ken
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken.
Japanese Chins weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Chins are 8 to 11 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 Japanese Chin versus Kai Ken
The lifespan of Japanese Chins is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Chins is 12.0 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 Japanese Chins.
Temperament of the Kai Ken Versus the Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin has the same temperament score as the Kai Ken.
This is because the temperament score for the Japanese Chin is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken by measuring the temperaments of 5 Japanese Chins and 1 Kai Kens.
Health Problems of Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Japanese Chin than for the Kai Ken.
4 health tests are recommended for Japanese Chin while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Japanese Chins and in Kai Kens.
Japanese Chin Health Problems
Japanese Chins are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chins for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Japanese Chins 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: Japanese Chin versus Kai Ken
Japanese Chins do not like to be left alone.
Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Japanese Chins shed more than Kai Kens?
Japanese Chins shed moderately.
Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Kai Ken
Japanese Chins do have a very low tendency to drool.
Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Kai Ken?
Japanese Chins are moderately easy to groom.
Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?
Japanese Chins have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?
Japanese Chins bark and howl, but not very much.
Kai Kens are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?
Japanese Chins can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Kai Ken
Japanese Chins do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Kai Kens have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?
Japanese Chins cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Kai Kens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Chin or the Kai Ken?
Japanese Chins get along fairly well with other dogs.
Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?
Japanese Chins are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.
Kai Kens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Kai Kens?
Japanese Chins get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?
Japanese Chins are fairly easy to train.
Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.
Is the Japanese Chin Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?
Japanese Chins adapt very well to apartment living.
Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Chin or the Kai Ken?
Japanese Chins are very good for new dog owners.
Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin:
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 Japanese Chin and how the Kai Ken compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Chin and of the Kai Ken to other breeds:
Japanese Chin Versus Other Dog Breeds
Japanese Chin versus Curly-Coated Retriever Japanese Chin versus Sheepadoodle Japanese Chin versus Pointer Japanese Chin versus Karelian Bear Dog Japanese Chin versus Clumber Spaniel Japanese Chin versus Peek A Poo Japanese Chin versus Tibetan Terrier Japanese Chin versus Cairn Terrier Japanese Chin versus Akita Japanese Chin versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Japanese Chin versus Icelandic Sheepdog Japanese Chin versus Cairn Terrier Japanese Chin versus Sussex Spaniel Japanese Chin versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Japanese Chin versus Dachshund Japanese Chin versus Hovawart Japanese Chin versus Cocker Spaniel Japanese Chin versus Basset Hound Japanese Chin versus Scottish Terrier Japanese Chin versus Irish Wolfhound Japanese Chin versus Carolina Dog Japanese Chin versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Japanese Chin versus Bichon Frise Japanese Chin versus Chi-Poo Japanese Chin versus German Longhaired Pointer
Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kai Ken versus Toy Poodle Kai Ken versus Boston Terrier Kai Ken versus Affenhuahua Kai Ken versus Bouvier des Flandres Kai Ken versus Mastiff Kai Ken versus Cavapoo Kai Ken versus Mal Shi Kai Ken versus Shiloh Shepherd Kai Ken versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Kai Ken versus Gordon Setter Kai Ken versus Lagotto Romagnolo Kai Ken versus Saint Bernard Kai Ken versus American Foxhound Kai Ken versus Bracco Italiano Kai Ken versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Kai Ken versus Shiba Inu Kai Ken versus Bichon Frise Kai Ken versus Japanese Spitz Kai Ken versus Lancashire Heeler Kai Ken versus Akita Chow Kai Ken versus Spanish Mastiff Kai Ken versus Scottish Terrier Kai Ken versus Maltese Kai Ken versus Norfolk Terrier Kai Ken versus Chi-Poo
Conclusion: Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.