Which is Better between the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz? A Very Detailed Review.

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Kai Ken Versus Kuvasz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz 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 Kai Ken and for the Kuvasz. 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 Kai Ken and the Kuvasz.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Kai Ken or the Kuvasz.

Kai Ken versus Kuvasz: Overview

A very important difference between the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Kuvasz is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Kuvasz 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.

Kai Ken versus Kuvasz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Kuvasz 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 Kai Ken and the Kuvasz

Factor Kai Ken Kuvasz
Life Span 12 to 16 years 10 to 12 years
Height 17 to 22 inches 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 4/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 70 to 115 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $1438 – $1812
Average Price No Data $1630
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 78.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Kai Ken 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 Kuvasz. 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 Kai Ken is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kuvasz is 66 out of 125.

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

    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 Kai Ken and the Kuvasz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz

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

  • Kai Kens are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle. However, Kuvaszs 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.
  • Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Kai Kens have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Kuvaszs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz

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

  • Both the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Kuvasz

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

    Kai Kens weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Kai Kens are 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Kuvaszs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Kuvaszs are 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Kuvasz

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

    The lifespan of Kuvaszs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Kuvaszs is 11.0 years.

    Kai Kens live longer than Kuvaszs.

    Temperament of the Kuvasz Versus the Kai Ken

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Kuvasz.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Kuvasz is 78.4 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 Kai Ken has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 78.4 percent, the Kuvasz has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kai Ken and the Kuvasz by measuring the temperaments of 1 Kai Kens and 51 Kuvaszs.

    Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Kuvasz

    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 Kai Ken and the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Kuvasz than for the Kai Ken.

    2 health tests are recommended for Kai Ken while 7 tests are recommended for the Kuvasz.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Kai Kens and in Kuvaszs.

    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:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kai Kens here.

    Kuvasz Health Problems

    Kuvaszs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Kuvasz 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 Kuvaszs for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kuvaszs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Kuvasz

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

    Kuvaszs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kai Kens shed more than Kuvaszs?

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

    Kuvaszs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Kuvasz

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kuvaszs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Kuvasz?

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

    Kuvaszs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kuvasz?

    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.

    Kuvaszs 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.

    Do Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Kuvaszs?

    Kai Kens are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Kuvaszs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kuvaszs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kuvaszs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Kuvasz

    Kai Kens have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Kuvaszs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Kuvaszs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kai Ken or the Kuvasz?

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Kuvaszs?

    Kai Kens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Kuvaszs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Kuvaszs?

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

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Kuvasz?

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Kuvaszs are not easy to train.

    Is the Kai Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Kuvasz?

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Kuvaszs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    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 Kuvasz vs Icelandic Sheepdog.
  • Kishu Ken (79 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Kishu Ken.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kuvasz

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

  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Kuvasz). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Shiloh Shepherd     Kai Ken versus Bernedoodle     Kai Ken versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Kai Ken versus Puli     Kai Ken versus Mudi     Kai Ken versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Shihpoo     Kai Ken versus Irish Wolfhound     Kai Ken versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Kai Ken versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Kai Ken versus American Bulldog     Kai Ken versus Pug     Kai Ken versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Kai Ken versus Coton de Tulear     Kai Ken versus German Pinscher     Kai Ken versus Bluetick Coonhound     Kai Ken versus West Highland White Terrier     Kai Ken versus Gordon Setter     Kai Ken versus Scottish Terrier     Kai Ken versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Kai Ken versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Kai Ken versus Boykin Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Schipperke     Kai Ken versus Basset Hound     Kai Ken versus Welsh Terrier     

    Kuvasz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kuvasz versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Kuvasz versus Black Mouth Cur     Kuvasz versus Lowchen     Kuvasz versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Kuvasz versus Akita     Kuvasz versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Kuvasz versus Chihuahua     Kuvasz versus Miniature Schnauzer     Kuvasz versus Lhasa Apso     Kuvasz versus Gordon Setter     Kuvasz versus Bracco Italiano     Kuvasz versus Afador     Kuvasz versus Lhasapoo     Kuvasz versus Bouvier des Flandres     Kuvasz versus Afador     Kuvasz versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Kuvasz versus Irish Water Spaniel     Kuvasz versus Boykin Spaniel     Kuvasz versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Kuvasz versus Samoyed     Kuvasz versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Kuvasz versus Black Russian Terrier     Kuvasz versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Kuvasz versus Lancashire Heeler     Kuvasz versus Xoloitzcuintli     

    Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Kuvasz. 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 Kai Ken and the Kuvasz better suits you and your family.