Differences and Similarities between the Kai Ken and the Pointer.

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Kai Ken Versus Pointer: Introduction

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

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

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 Pointer.

Kai Ken versus Pointer: Overview

Both the Kai Ken and the Pointer are similar in size. The Kai Ken and the Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.

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 Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Kai Ken versus Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Pointer 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 Pointer

Factor Kai Ken Pointer
Life Span 12 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Height 17 to 22 inches 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 45 to 75 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $800 – $1300
Average Price No Data $1080
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 90.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Pointer. 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 Pointer is 75 out of 125.

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

    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 Pointer 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 Pointer

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

  • Kai Kens are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Pointers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Pointers are very easy to groom.
  • Kai Kens are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Pointers are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Pointer

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Pointers weigh 45 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Pointers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Pointer

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

    The lifespan of Pointers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pointers is 13.5 years.

    Kai Kens live longer than Pointers.

    Temperament of the Pointer Versus the Kai Ken

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Pointer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Pointer is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Pointer has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kai Ken and the Pointer by measuring the temperaments of 1 Kai Kens and 20 Pointers.

    Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Pointer

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Pointer Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pointers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Pointer

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

    Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kai Kens shed more than Pointers?

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

    Pointers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Pointer

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Pointers 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 Pointers?

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

    Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Pointer

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

    Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Pointers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Pointers?

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

    Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Pointer?

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Pointers are very easy to train.

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

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (81 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • English Springer Spaniel (75 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Field Spaniel (77 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Finnish Lapphund     Kai Ken versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Kai Ken versus Beaglier     Kai Ken versus Briard     Kai Ken versus English Springer Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Japanese Chin     Kai Ken versus Black Mouth Cur     Kai Ken versus Belgian Malinois     Kai Ken versus Spinone Italiano     Kai Ken versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Kai Ken versus Cane Corso     Kai Ken versus Cairn Terrier     Kai Ken versus Norwich Terrier     Kai Ken versus Shiloh Shepherd     Kai Ken versus Norwich Terrier     Kai Ken versus Italian Greyhound     Kai Ken versus Plott     Kai Ken versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Kai Ken versus Afghan Hound     Kai Ken versus Finnish Lapphund     Kai Ken versus Cavapoo     Kai Ken versus American Foxhound     Kai Ken versus Labradoodle     Kai Ken versus Pharaoh Hound     Kai Ken versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     

    Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pointer versus Beagle     Pointer versus French Bulldog     Pointer versus Japanese Spitz     Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier     Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier     Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren     Pointer versus Standard Schnauzer     Pointer versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Pointer versus Komondor     Pointer versus Vizsla     Pointer versus Yorkshire Terrier     Pointer versus Australian Cattle Dog     Pointer versus Kooikerhondje     Pointer versus Norfolk Terrier     Pointer versus Chihuahua     Pointer versus Shichon     Pointer versus Shiranian     Pointer versus Shihpoo     Pointer versus Cavachon     Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Pointer versus Stabyhoun     Pointer versus Catahoula Bulldog     Pointer versus Afghan Hound     Pointer versus Irish Wolfhound     Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog     

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