Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Kai Ken Versus Leonberger: Introduction
- Kai Ken versus Leonberger: Overview
- Kai Ken versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kai Ken and the Leonberger
- The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Leonberger
- Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Leonberger
- Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Leonberger
- Temperament of the Kai Ken Versus the Leonberger
- Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Leonberger
- Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Leonberger
- Do Kai Kens shed more than Leonbergers?
- Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Leonberger
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Leonberger?
- Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
- Do Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
- Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Leonberger
- Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kai Ken or the Leonberger?
- Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
- How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Leonbergers?
- Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Leonberger. Which One is a Better Pet?
Kai Ken Versus Leonberger: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Kai Ken and the Leonberger? 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kai Ken and the Leonberger 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 Leonberger. 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 Leonberger.
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 Leonberger.
Kai Ken versus Leonberger: Overview
A very important difference between the Kai Ken and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Leonberger 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 Leonberger
| Factor | Kai Ken | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 17 to 22 inches | 25 to 31 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 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 45 pounds | 120 to 170 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $300 – $1150 |
| Average Price | No Data | $870 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 96.0 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 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 Leonberger. 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 Leonberger is 63 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Kai Ken is a better pet than the Leonberger. 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger
Below is a list of where the Kai Ken and the Leonberger are most different:
The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Leonberger
The Kai Ken and the Leonberger are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Kai Ken and the Leonberger are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Leonberger
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kai Ken and the Leonberger.
Kai Kens weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Kai Kens are 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Leonberger
The lifespan of Kai Kens is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Kai Kens is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.
Kai Kens live longer than Leonbergers.
Temperament of the Kai Ken Versus the Leonberger
The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Leonberger.
This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 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 Kai Ken has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 96.0 percent, the Leonberger has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kai Ken and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 1 Kai Kens and 25 Leonbergers.
Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Leonberger
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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Kai Ken.
2 health tests are recommended for Kai Ken while 10 tests are recommended for the Leonberger.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Kai Kens and in Leonbergers.
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.
Leonberger Health Problems
Leonbergers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Leonberger 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 Leonberger puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Leonberger 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 Leonbergers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Leonbergers here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Leonberger
Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Do Kai Kens shed more than Leonbergers?
Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Leonberger
Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Leonberger?
Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
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.
Leonbergers 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 Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
Kai Kens are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Leonberger
Kai Kens have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Kai Kens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kai Ken or the Leonberger?
Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
Kai Kens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Leonbergers?
Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Is the Kai Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?
Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kai Ken or the Leonberger?
Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Leonbergers 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Leonberger 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 Leonberger:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Kai Ken and how the Leonberger compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kai Ken and of the Leonberger to other breeds:
Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kai Ken versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Kai Ken versus Saint Berdoodle Kai Ken versus Catahoula Bulldog Kai Ken versus Saint Bernard Kai Ken versus Pomchi Kai Ken versus Berger Picard Kai Ken versus Golden Cocker Retriever Kai Ken versus Bracco Italiano Kai Ken versus Mudi Kai Ken versus Pharaoh Hound Kai Ken versus Lhasa Apso Kai Ken versus Skye Terrier Kai Ken versus Great Pyrenees Kai Ken versus Shiranian Kai Ken versus Maltese Kai Ken versus Shiranian Kai Ken versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Kai Ken versus Icelandic Sheepdog Kai Ken versus Border Collie Kai Ken versus Bloodhound Kai Ken versus Saluki Kai Ken versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Kai Ken versus Manchester Terrier Kai Ken versus Field Spaniel Kai Ken versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Cocker Spaniel Leonberger versus Dutch Shepherd Leonberger versus Great Pyrenees Leonberger versus Collie Leonberger versus Neapolitan Mastiff Leonberger versus Cavapoo Leonberger versus Kooikerhondje Leonberger versus Pointer Leonberger versus Komondor Leonberger versus Finnish Lapphund Leonberger versus Golden Retriever Leonberger versus German Shorthaired Pointer Leonberger versus Labrador Retriever Leonberger versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Leonberger versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Leonberger versus Skye Terrier Leonberger versus Cavapoo Leonberger versus Dutch Shepherd Leonberger versus Pomsky Leonberger versus American Bulldog Leonberger versus English Toy Spaniel Leonberger versus Akita Leonberger versus Miniature Pinscher Leonberger versus Portuguese Pointer Leonberger versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Leonberger. 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 Leonberger better suits you and your family.