Kai Ken versus Maremma Sheepdog. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Kai Ken Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kai Ken and the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog. 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 Maremma Sheepdog.

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 Maremma Sheepdog.

Kai Ken versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Kai Ken and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-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 Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Kai Ken Maremma Sheepdog
Life Span 12 to 16 years 11 to 13 years
Height 17 to 22 inches 23.5 to 28.5 inches
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 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $495 – $1500
Average Price No Data $1160
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • 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 Maremma Sheepdog. 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 Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Kai Ken is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. 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 Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Kai Kens have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Maremma Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Maremma Sheepdogs weigh 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Maremma Sheepdogs are 23.5 to 28.5 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.

    Kai Kens live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog

    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 Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.

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

    2 health tests are recommended for Kai Ken while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.

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

    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.

    Maremma Sheepdog Health Problems

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

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Maremma Sheepdogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kai Kens shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Maremma Sheepdog?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    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.

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Kai Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Central Asian Shepherd Dog (75 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). 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 Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kai Ken and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Lancashire Heeler     Kai Ken versus Saint Bernard     Kai Ken versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Kai Ken versus Bulldog     Kai Ken versus Cockapoo     Kai Ken versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Kai Ken versus Skye Terrier     Kai Ken versus Canaan Dog     Kai Ken versus Pekingese     Kai Ken versus Black Mouth Cur     Kai Ken versus Norwich Terrier     Kai Ken versus Brussels Griffon     Kai Ken versus Lancashire Heeler     Kai Ken versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Kai Ken versus Coton de Tulear     Kai Ken versus Chorkie     Kai Ken versus Chi-Poo     Kai Ken versus Japanese Chin     Kai Ken versus Sloughi     Kai Ken versus Irish Setter     Kai Ken versus Bich Poo     Kai Ken versus Great Pyrenees     Kai Ken versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Kai Ken versus Barbet     Kai Ken versus Pointer     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Lowchen     Maremma Sheepdog versus Stabyhoun     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bracco Italiano     Maremma Sheepdog versus Tibetan Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bullmastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Tervuren     Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Basenji     Maremma Sheepdog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bullmastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cane Corso     Maremma Sheepdog versus Mudi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bich Poo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomapoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Xoloitzcuintli     Maremma Sheepdog versus American Hairless Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bouvier des Flandres     Maremma Sheepdog versus Basset Hound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus Weimaraner     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bordoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     

    Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Maremma Sheepdog. 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 Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.