Breed Comparison: Kai Ken Versus Scottish Terrier

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Kai Ken Versus Scottish Terrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Scottish Terrier.

Kai Ken versus Scottish Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Kai Ken versus Scottish Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier

Factor Kai Ken Scottish Terrier
Life Span 12 to 16 years 11 to 13 years
Height 17 to 22 inches Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 18 to 22 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
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 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $1398 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1750
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 65.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • OFA
  • Patellar Luxation
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • 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 Scottish Terrier. 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 Scottish Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

    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 Scottish Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier

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

  • Both the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Scottish Terrier

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

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

    On the other hand, Scottish Terriers weigh 18 to 22 pounds when fully grown. Scottish Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Scottish Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Scottish Terriers is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Scottish Terriers is 12.0 years.

    Kai Kens live longer than Scottish Terriers.

    Temperament of the Scottish Terrier Versus the Kai Ken

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Scottish Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Scottish Terrier is 65.7 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 65.7 percent, the Scottish Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kai Ken and the Scottish Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 1 Kai Kens and 35 Scottish Terriers.

    Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Scottish Terrier

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

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

    2 health tests are recommended for Kai Ken while 3 tests are recommended for the Scottish Terrier.

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

    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.

    Scottish Terrier Health Problems

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

  • OFA
  • Patellar Luxation
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Scottish Terriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Scottish Terrier

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

    Scottish Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Kai Kens shed more than Scottish Terriers?

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

    Scottish Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Scottish Terrier

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Scottish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Scottish Terrier?

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

    Scottish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Scottish Terrier?

    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.

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

    Do Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Scottish Terriers?

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

    Scottish Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Scottish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Scottish Terrier

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

    Scottish Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Scottish Terriers 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 Scottish Terrier?

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Scottish Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Scottish Terriers?

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

    Scottish Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Scottish Terriers?

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

    Scottish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Scottish Terrier?

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Scottish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Kai Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Scottish Terrier?

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Scottish Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Scottish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Puli (79 percent match with Scottish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Puli.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Portuguese Pointer     Kai Ken versus Pomchi     Kai Ken versus Tibetan Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Akita Chow     Kai Ken versus Collie     Kai Ken versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Kai Ken versus Cesky Terrier     Kai Ken versus Shiba Inu     Kai Ken versus American Eskimo Dog     Kai Ken versus Siberian Husky     Kai Ken versus Norfolk Terrier     Kai Ken versus Doberman Pinscher     Kai Ken versus Affenhuahua     Kai Ken versus Carolina Dog     Kai Ken versus Miniature Poodle     Kai Ken versus Fila Brasileiro     Kai Ken versus Goldador     Kai Ken versus Bolognese     Kai Ken versus Miniature Poodle     Kai Ken versus Belgian Tervuren     Kai Ken versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Kai Ken versus Cocker Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Spinone Italiano     Kai Ken versus Norwich Terrier     Kai Ken versus Australian Kelpie     

    Scottish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Scottish Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Scottish Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Border Collie     Scottish Terrier versus Keeshond     Scottish Terrier versus Siberian Husky     Scottish Terrier versus Kuvasz     Scottish Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Scottish Terrier versus Cockapoo     Scottish Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Scottish Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Scottish Terrier versus Chi-Poo     Scottish Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Scottish Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Scottish Terrier versus Bich Poo     Scottish Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Scottish Terrier versus Saluki     Scottish Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Scottish Terrier versus Berger Picard     Scottish Terrier versus Pointer     Scottish Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Scottish Terrier versus Newfoundland     Scottish Terrier versus Affenhuahua     

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