Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Kai Ken Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Kai Ken versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Kai Ken versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kai Ken and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Kai Ken Versus the Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Shih Tzu
- Do Kai Kens shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kai Ken or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Kai Ken Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Kai Ken and the Shih Tzu? 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kai Ken and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu.
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 Shih Tzu.
Kai Ken versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Kai Ken and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Kai Ken and the Shih Tzu are Companion Dogs. This means both the Kai Ken and the Shih Tzu 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.
Kai Ken versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
| Factor | Kai Ken | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 17 to 22 inches | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 45 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1200 – $2300 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1820 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the Kai Ken. So, you should get the Shih Tzu!
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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Kai Ken and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Shih Tzu
The Kai Ken and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Kai Ken and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kai Ken and the Shih Tzu.
Kai Kens weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Kai Kens are 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Kai Kens is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Kai Kens is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Kai Kens live longer than Shih Tzus.
Temperament of the Kai Ken Versus the Shih Tzu
The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 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 77.6 percent, the Shih Tzu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kai Ken and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 1 Kai Kens and 49 Shih Tzus.
Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Shih Tzu
Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Kai Kens shed more than Shih Tzus?
Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Shih Tzu
Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Shih Tzu?
Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
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.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus?
Kai Kens are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Shih Tzu
Kai Kens have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Kai Kens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kai Ken or the Shih Tzu?
Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Kai Kens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Shih Tzus?
Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Kai Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kai Ken or the Shih Tzu?
Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Kai Ken and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kai Ken and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kai Ken versus Papillon Kai Ken versus Puli Kai Ken versus Shiba Inu Kai Ken versus Bernese Mountain Dog Kai Ken versus Basset Hound Kai Ken versus Dogue de Bordeaux Kai Ken versus American Pit Bull Terrier Kai Ken versus Field Spaniel Kai Ken versus Mastiff Kai Ken versus Bichon Frise Kai Ken versus Chihuahua Kai Ken versus Goldendoodle Kai Ken versus Basset Hound Kai Ken versus Coton de Tulear Kai Ken versus Shihpoo Kai Ken versus Rottweiler Kai Ken versus German Shepherd Dog Kai Ken versus Belgian Sheepdog Kai Ken versus Dalmatian Kai Ken versus Welsh Terrier Kai Ken versus Australian Cattle Dog Kai Ken versus Boerboel Kai Ken versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Kai Ken versus Boxerdoodle Kai Ken versus Bloodhound
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo Shih Tzu versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Shih Tzu versus Irish Setter Shih Tzu versus Saint Berdoodle Shih Tzu versus Pomeranian Shih Tzu versus Leonberger Shih Tzu versus Cocker Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Shih Tzu versus King Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Affenpinscher Shih Tzu versus Carolina Dog Shih Tzu versus Kai Ken Shih Tzu versus Welsh Terrier Shih Tzu versus Miniature Poodle Shih Tzu versus Pyredoodle Shih Tzu versus Borzoi Shih Tzu versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Manchester Terrier Shih Tzu versus Kuvasz Shih Tzu versus Borzoi Shih Tzu versus Welsh Terrier Shih Tzu versus King Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Afghan Hound Shih Tzu versus Belgian Tervuren Shih Tzu versus Irish Terrier
Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.