Differences and Similarities between the Kai Ken and the Shichon.

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Kai Ken Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

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 Shichon.

Kai Ken versus Shichon: Overview

A very important difference between the Kai Ken and the Shichon is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Shichon 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 Shichon belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Kai Ken versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Shichon 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 Shichon

Factor Kai Ken Shichon
Life Span 12 to 16 years 12 to 18 years
Height 17 to 22 inches 9 to 12 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
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 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 15.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1610
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data

    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 Shichon. 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 Shichon is 95 out of 125.

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

    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 Shichon 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 Shichon

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

  • Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Shichons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Kai Kens have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shichons have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Kai Ken and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Shichon are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Shichon are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Shichon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Shichon

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

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

    On the other hand, Shichons weigh 9 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Shichons are 9 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Shichon

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

    The lifespan of Shichons is between 12 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Shichons is 15.0 years.

    Shichons live longer than Kai Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Shichon

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

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kai Kens shed more than Shichons?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Shichon

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Shichons have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

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

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

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

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Shichon

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

    Shichons 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 Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Shichons?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Shichons?

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

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

    Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

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

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Biewer Terrier (78 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Kai Ken versus Chinook     Kai Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Kai Ken versus Belgian Tervuren     Kai Ken versus Spinone Italiano     Kai Ken versus Akita Chow     Kai Ken versus Brussels Griffon     Kai Ken versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Kai Ken versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Kai Ken versus Affenhuahua     Kai Ken versus Standard Poodle     Kai Ken versus Kuvasz     Kai Ken versus Akita     Kai Ken versus English Toy Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Kai Ken versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Kai Ken versus Kishu Ken     Kai Ken versus Miniature Schnauzer     Kai Ken versus Whoodle     Kai Ken versus Goldendoodle     Kai Ken versus Puli     Kai Ken versus Chi-Poo     Kai Ken versus Norwich Terrier     Kai Ken versus Westiepoo     Kai Ken versus Chi-Poo     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Collie     Shichon versus Maltese     Shichon versus Finnish Lapphund     Shichon versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Shichon versus Vizsla     Shichon versus Sealyham Terrier     Shichon versus Silky Terrier     Shichon versus Cockapoo     Shichon versus American Hairless Terrier     Shichon versus Chihuahua     Shichon versus Maltipoo     Shichon versus Rottweiler     Shichon versus Black Russian Terrier     Shichon versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Shichon versus Morkie     Shichon versus Beaglier     Shichon versus Akita Chow     Shichon versus Australian Kelpie     Shichon versus Great Pyrenees     Shichon versus Bracco Italiano     Shichon versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Shichon versus Bichon Frise     Shichon versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Shichon versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Shichon versus French Bulldog     

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