Breed Comparison: Kai Ken Versus Pug

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Kai Ken Versus Pug: Introduction

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

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

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 Pug.

Kai Ken versus Pug: Overview

A very important difference between the Kai Ken and the Pug is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Pug is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Kai Ken and the Pug are Companion Dogs. This means both the Kai Ken and the Pug 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.

Kai Ken versus Pug: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Pug 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 Pug

Factor Kai Ken Pug
Life Span 12 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Height 17 to 22 inches 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 14 to 18 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
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 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 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $1875
Average Price No Data $1620
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Pug Dog Club of America recommends ANNUAL screening.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Pug Dog Encephalitis
  • Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • 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 Pug. 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 Pug is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 Pug 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 Pug

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

  • Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pugs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Pugs are good for new dog owners.
  • Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Pugs are very easy to groom.
  • Kai Kens are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Pugs have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Kai Kens are highly intelligent. However, Pugs not very intelligent.
  • The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Pug

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

  • Both the Kai Ken and the Pug 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 Pug do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Pug are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Pug are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Pug are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Pug get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Pug shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Pug do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Pug

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

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

    On the other hand, Pugs weigh 14 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Pugs are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Pug

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

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

    Kai Kens live longer than Pugs.

    Temperament of the Kai Ken Versus the Pug

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Pug.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Pug is 91.7 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 91.7 percent, the Pug has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kai Ken and the Pug by measuring the temperaments of 1 Kai Kens and 48 Pugs.

    Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Pug

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

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

    2 health tests are recommended for Kai Ken while 7 tests are recommended for the Pug.

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

    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.

    Pug Health Problems

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

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Pug Dog Club of America recommends ANNUAL screening.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Pug Dog Encephalitis
  • Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pugs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Pug

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

    Pugs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kai Kens shed more than Pugs?

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

    Pugs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Pug

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pugs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Pugs are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Pugs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Pugs?

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

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

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

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Pug

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

    Pugs 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 Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pugs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Pugs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Pugs?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Pugs?

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

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

    Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Pug?

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Pugs are fairly easy to train.

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

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pugs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Boxer (74 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Boxer.
  • English Toy Spaniel (73 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs English Toy Spaniel.
  • French Bulldog (83 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs French Bulldog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Bulldog     Kai Ken versus American Water Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Lancashire Heeler     Kai Ken versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Kai Ken versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Kai Ken versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Kai Ken versus Saluki     Kai Ken versus Swedish Vallhund     Kai Ken versus Bordoodle     Kai Ken versus Bloodhound     Kai Ken versus American Foxhound     Kai Ken versus Giant Schnauzer     Kai Ken versus Sheepadoodle     Kai Ken versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Kai Ken versus Miniature Pinscher     Kai Ken versus Great Pyrenees     Kai Ken versus Welsh Terrier     Kai Ken versus Bulldog     Kai Ken versus Pekingese     Kai Ken versus Kooikerhondje     Kai Ken versus Gordon Setter     Kai Ken versus Cairn Terrier     Kai Ken versus Giant Schnauzer     Kai Ken versus American Eskimo Dog     Kai Ken versus Black Mouth Cur     

    Pug Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pug versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Pug versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Pug versus Gordon Setter     Pug versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Pug versus Irish Setter     Pug versus Beaglier     Pug versus Irish Wolfhound     Pug versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Pug versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Pug versus Afghan Hound     Pug versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Pug versus Norwich Terrier     Pug versus Kuvasz     Pug versus Mal Shi     Pug versus Barbet     Pug versus Yorkshire Terrier     Pug versus Finnish Lapphund     Pug versus Gordon Setter     Pug versus Barbet     Pug versus Scottish Deerhound     Pug versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Pug versus Afghan Hound     Pug versus Welsh Terrier     Pug versus Spanish Mastiff     

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