Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Kai Ken Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
- Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
- Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kai Ken and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Kai Ken
- Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Do Kai Kens shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Do Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kai Ken or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. Which One is a Better Pet?
Kai Ken Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Kai Ken and the Rhodesian Ridgeback? 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kai Ken and the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
A very important difference between the Kai Ken and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-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 Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
| Factor | Kai Ken | Rhodesian Ridgeback |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 17 to 22 inches | 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 45 pounds | 70 to 85 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1250 – $1900 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1620 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 84.2 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a better pet than the Kai Ken. So, you should get the Rhodesian Ridgeback!
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Below is a list of where the Kai Ken and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most different:
The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Kai Ken and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Kai Ken and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kai Ken and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Kai Kens weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Kai Kens are 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
The lifespan of Kai Kens is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Kai Kens is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.
Kai Kens live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Kai Ken
The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 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 84.2 percent, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kai Ken and the Rhodesian Ridgeback by measuring the temperaments of 1 Kai Kens and 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Rhodesian Ridgeback than for the Kai Ken.
2 health tests are recommended for Kai Ken while 6 tests are recommended for the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Kai Kens and in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
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.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rhodesian Ridgebacks here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.
Do Kai Kens shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
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.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Kai Kens are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Kai Kens have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
Kai Kens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.
Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Kai Kens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.
Is the Kai Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kai Ken or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Kai Ken and how the Rhodesian Ridgeback compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kai Ken and of the Rhodesian Ridgeback to other breeds:
Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kai Ken versus Belgian Tervuren Kai Ken versus Irish Setter Kai Ken versus Puli Kai Ken versus Karelian Bear Dog Kai Ken versus Toy Poodle Kai Ken versus American Staffordshire Terrier Kai Ken versus Australian Shepherd Kai Ken versus Boxerdoodle Kai Ken versus Plott Kai Ken versus Belgian Malinois Kai Ken versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Kai Ken versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Kai Ken versus West Highland White Terrier Kai Ken versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Kai Ken versus Westiepoo Kai Ken versus Lhasapoo Kai Ken versus Dutch Shepherd Kai Ken versus Lancashire Heeler Kai Ken versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Kai Ken versus English Cocker Spaniel Kai Ken versus Briard Kai Ken versus Collie Kai Ken versus Yorkshire Terrier Kai Ken versus Basset Hound Kai Ken versus Scottish Terrier
Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Samoyed Rhodesian Ridgeback versus English Cocker Spaniel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Giant Schnauzer Rhodesian Ridgeback versus German Shepherd Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bordoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Estrela Mountain Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Doberman Pinscher Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Lhasa Apso Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Belgian Tervuren Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chinese Shar-Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pointer Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Giant Schnauzer Rhodesian Ridgeback versus English Cocker Spaniel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Ibizan Hound Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boxerdoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Dutch Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiranian Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Labradoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bich Poo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Japanese Spitz Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Tibetan Spaniel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Aussiedoodle
Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you and your family.