Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Kai Ken Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
- Kai Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
- Kai Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kai Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Shetland Sheepdog Versus the Kai Ken
- Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Shetland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Do Kai Kens shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Shetland Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Do Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Shetland Sheepdog
- Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kai Ken or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Kai Ken Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Kai Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog? 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kai Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog.
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 Shetland Sheepdog.
Kai Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Kai Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog
| Factor | Kai Ken | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 17 to 22 inches | 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 45 pounds | Starts at 20 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 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 | 13.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1000 – $2000 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1590 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 68.9 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shetland Sheepdog is a better pet than the Kai Ken. So, you should get the Shetland Sheepdog!
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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Kai Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog
The Kai Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Kai Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kai Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog.
Kai Kens weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Kai Kens are 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog
The lifespan of Kai Kens is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Kai Kens is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is 13.5 years.
Kai Kens live longer than Shetland Sheepdogs.
Temperament of the Shetland Sheepdog Versus the Kai Ken
The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Shetland Sheepdog.
This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Shetland Sheepdog is 68.9 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 68.9 percent, the Shetland Sheepdog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kai Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 1 Kai Kens and 515 Shetland Sheepdogs.
Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Shetland Sheepdog
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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Shetland Sheepdog than for the Kai Ken.
2 health tests are recommended for Kai Ken while 4 tests are recommended for the Shetland Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Kai Kens and in Shetland Sheepdogs.
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.
Shetland Sheepdog Health Problems
Shetland Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shetland Sheepdogs here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog
Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Kai Kens shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Shetland Sheepdog
Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Kai Kens are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Shetland Sheepdogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Shetland Sheepdog
Kai Kens have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Kai Kens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog?
Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Kai Kens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shetland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Shetland Sheepdogs?
Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.
Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Is the Kai Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kai Ken or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Kai Ken and how the Shetland Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kai Ken and of the Shetland Sheepdog to other breeds:
Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kai Ken versus Aussiedoodle Kai Ken versus Affenpinscher Kai Ken versus Keeshond Kai Ken versus Black and Tan Coonhound Kai Ken versus Japanese Spitz Kai Ken versus Affenhuahua Kai Ken versus Scottish Deerhound Kai Ken versus Aussiedoodle Kai Ken versus Samoyed Kai Ken versus Chihuahua Kai Ken versus Greyhound Kai Ken versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Kai Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog Kai Ken versus German Wirehaired Pointer Kai Ken versus French Spaniel Kai Ken versus Mal Shi Kai Ken versus Pharaoh Hound Kai Ken versus Lowchen Kai Ken versus Toy Poodle Kai Ken versus Boston Terrier Kai Ken versus Dutch Shepherd Kai Ken versus American Hairless Terrier Kai Ken versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Kai Ken versus Tibetan Mastiff Kai Ken versus Chorkie
Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shetland Sheepdog versus Miniature Poodle Shetland Sheepdog versus Brussels Griffon Shetland Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Akita Shetland Sheepdog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Shetland Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua Shetland Sheepdog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Puggle Shetland Sheepdog versus Sloughi Shetland Sheepdog versus Cavachon Shetland Sheepdog versus Miniature Poodle Shetland Sheepdog versus Puggle Shetland Sheepdog versus Standard Schnauzer Shetland Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Shetland Sheepdog versus Border Collie Shetland Sheepdog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog Shetland Sheepdog versus Redbone Coonhound Shetland Sheepdog versus Borzoi Shetland Sheepdog versus Doberman Pinscher Shetland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu Shetland Sheepdog versus Chinese Crested Shetland Sheepdog versus Dogue de Bordeaux Shetland Sheepdog versus Boykin Spaniel
Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.