Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Kai Ken Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Kai Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Kai Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog Versus the Kai Ken
- Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do Kai Kens shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kai Ken or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Kai Ken Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog? 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 Water Dog 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 Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Water Dog. 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 Water Dog.
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 Water Dog.
Kai Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
Both the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog are similar in size. The Kai Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Water Dog
| Factor | Kai Ken | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Height | 17 to 22 inches | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 45 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $2500 – $3300 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2860 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 77.9 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Water Dog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the Kai Ken. So, you should get the Portuguese Water Dog!
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 Water Dog 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 Water Dog
Below is a list of where the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Kai Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog.
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 Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog
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 Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.
Kai Kens live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.
Temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog Versus the Kai Ken
The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 77.9 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 77.9 percent, the Portuguese Water Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kai Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 1 Kai Kens and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.
Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
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 Water Dog 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 Water Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Kai Ken.
2 health tests are recommended for Kai Ken while 11 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Water Dog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Kai Kens and in Portuguese Water Dogs.
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.
Portuguese Water Dog Health Problems
Portuguese Water Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Portuguese Water Dog 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 Water Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Portuguese Water Dog 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 Water Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Water Dogs here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog
Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Kai Kens shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Portuguese Water Dog
Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
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 Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Kai Kens are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Kai Kens have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Kai Kens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Water Dog?
Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Kai Kens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Kai Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kai Ken or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK 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 Portuguese Water Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Water Dog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Kai Ken and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kai Ken and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:
Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kai Ken versus American Staffordshire Terrier Kai Ken versus Akbash Kai Ken versus Belgian Tervuren Kai Ken versus Basset Hound Kai Ken versus Samoyed Kai Ken versus Border Collie Kai Ken versus Bouvier des Flandres Kai Ken versus Bracco Italiano Kai Ken versus Chow Chow Kai Ken versus Irish Setter Kai Ken versus Bearded Collie Kai Ken versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Kai Ken versus Boykin Spaniel Kai Ken versus Toy Poodle Kai Ken versus Cavapoo Kai Ken versus Kerry Blue Terrier Kai Ken versus Sheepadoodle Kai Ken versus Lancashire Heeler Kai Ken versus Saluki Kai Ken versus Papipoo Kai Ken versus Bichon Frise Kai Ken versus Bracco Italiano Kai Ken versus Coton de Tulear Kai Ken versus Chinese Crested Kai Ken versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Affenhuahua Portuguese Water Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Schnoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Catahoula Bulldog Portuguese Water Dog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Portuguese Water Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais Portuguese Water Dog versus Leonberger Portuguese Water Dog versus Hovawart Portuguese Water Dog versus Patterdale Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Bearded Collie Portuguese Water Dog versus King Shepherd Portuguese Water Dog versus Lagotto Romagnolo Portuguese Water Dog versus Keeshond Portuguese Water Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Manchester Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Patterdale Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Cocker Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Portuguese Water Dog versus Boxerdoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Chorkie Portuguese Water Dog versus Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog versus Puli Portuguese Water Dog versus Lowchen Portuguese Water Dog versus Spanish Mastiff
Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Water Dog better suits you and your family.