Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Kai Ken Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
- Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
- Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kai Ken and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Temperament of the Kai Ken Versus the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Do Kai Kens shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Do Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
- Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kai Ken or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Kai Ken Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Kai Ken and the Pyrenean Shepherd? 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kai Ken and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.
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 Pyrenean Shepherd.
Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Kai Ken and the Pyrenean Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-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 Pyrenean Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd
| Factor | Kai Ken | Pyrenean Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 15 to 17 years |
| Height | 17 to 22 inches | 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 45 pounds | 25 to 30 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 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 16.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | No Data |
| Average Price | No Data | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 75.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Kai Ken is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Kai Ken and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Pyrenean Shepherd
The Kai Ken and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Kai Ken and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kai Ken and the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Kai Kens weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Kai Kens are 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Shepherd
The lifespan of Kai Kens is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Kai Kens is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.
Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Kai Kens.
Temperament of the Kai Ken Versus the Pyrenean Shepherd
The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Pyrenean Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Pyrenean Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kai Ken and the Pyrenean Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 1 Kai Kens and 4 Pyrenean Shepherds.
Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd
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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pyrenean Shepherd than for the Kai Ken.
2 health tests are recommended for Kai Ken while 5 tests are recommended for the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Kai Kens and in Pyrenean Shepherds.
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.
Pyrenean Shepherd Health Problems
Pyrenean Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pyrenean Shepherds here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Kai Kens shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Pyrenean Shepherd
Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
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.
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds?
Kai Kens are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
Kai Kens have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Kai Kens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd?
Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
Kai Kens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Pyrenean Shepherds?
Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.
Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.
Is the Kai Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kai Ken or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pyrenean Shepherds 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Kai Ken and how the Pyrenean Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kai Ken and of the Pyrenean Shepherd to other breeds:
Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kai Ken versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Kai Ken versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Kai Ken versus Australian Kelpie Kai Ken versus Affenpinscher Kai Ken versus Shichon Kai Ken versus American Foxhound Kai Ken versus Chinese Shar-Pei Kai Ken versus Bordoodle Kai Ken versus King Shepherd Kai Ken versus Bloodhound Kai Ken versus Skye Terrier Kai Ken versus Plott Kai Ken versus Portuguese Pointer Kai Ken versus Dachshund Kai Ken versus Black Russian Terrier Kai Ken versus Sealyham Terrier Kai Ken versus English Toy Spaniel Kai Ken versus Welsh Terrier Kai Ken versus American Water Spaniel Kai Ken versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Kai Ken versus Sealyham Terrier Kai Ken versus Tibetan Terrier Kai Ken versus Bolognese Kai Ken versus Morkie Kai Ken versus Mal Shi
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Black Russian Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lakeland Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Saint Berdoodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer Pyrenean Shepherd versus Schnoodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Swedish Vallhund Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bullmastiff Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pyrenean Mastiff Pyrenean Shepherd versus Border Collie Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pyredoodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Irish Water Spaniel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Black Russian Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Westiepoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Swedish Vallhund Pyrenean Shepherd versus Tibetan Mastiff Pyrenean Shepherd versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Miniature Schnauzer Pyrenean Shepherd versus Westiepoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Manchester Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pomchi Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bloodhound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Mudi Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bull Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pug
Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.