Kai Ken versus Portuguese Pointer. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Kai Ken Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Kai Ken versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The Kai Ken and the Portuguese 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 Portuguese 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 Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Portuguese 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 Portuguese Pointer

Factor Kai Ken Portuguese Pointer
Life Span 12 to 16 years 12 to 14 years
Height 17 to 22 inches 20 to 22 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 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
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 13.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • 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 Portuguese 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 Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

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

  • Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Pointer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Pointer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Pointer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese 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 Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Portuguese Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kai Ken and the Portuguese 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, Portuguese Pointers weigh 35 to 59 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Pointers are 20 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Portuguese 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 Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.

    Kai Kens live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Portuguese 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 Portuguese 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 Portuguese Pointer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.

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

    2 health tests are recommended for Kai Ken while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    Portuguese Pointer Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Pointers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kai Kens shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

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

    Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Portuguese Pointer

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

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

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

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese 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.

    Portuguese 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 Portuguese Pointers?

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

    Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Portuguese Pointer

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

    Portuguese Pointers 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 Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Portuguese Pointers?

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

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

    Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

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

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • American Bulldog (79 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Giant Schnauzer     Kai Ken versus Great Dane     Kai Ken versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Kai Ken versus Cairn Terrier     Kai Ken versus Siberian Husky     Kai Ken versus Lowchen     Kai Ken versus Korean Jindo Dog     Kai Ken versus Black Russian Terrier     Kai Ken versus Australian Shepherd     Kai Ken versus Sussex Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Yorkipoo     Kai Ken versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Kai Ken versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Kai Ken versus Airedale Terrier     Kai Ken versus Cavapoo     Kai Ken versus Chihuahua     Kai Ken versus Affenpinscher     Kai Ken versus Chi-Poo     Kai Ken versus Belgian Sheepdog     Kai Ken versus West Highland White Terrier     Kai Ken versus Barbet     Kai Ken versus West Highland White Terrier     Kai Ken versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Kai Ken versus Border Collie     Kai Ken versus Airedale Terrier     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Border Collie     Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Pinscher     Portuguese Pointer versus Stabyhoun     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomeranian     Portuguese Pointer versus Papillon     Portuguese Pointer versus Komondor     Portuguese Pointer versus Kai Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus American Foxhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Great Dane     Portuguese Pointer versus Norwich Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus English Toy Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli     Portuguese Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus King Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Boxer     Portuguese Pointer versus Mal Shi     Portuguese Pointer versus Afador     Portuguese Pointer versus Newfoundland     Portuguese Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Silky Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Basenji     Portuguese Pointer versus Goldendoodle     

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