Is the Kai Ken Better than the Standard Schnauzer as a Pet? Answer…

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Kai Ken Versus Standard Schnauzer: Introduction

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

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

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 Standard Schnauzer.

Kai Ken versus Standard Schnauzer: Overview

Both the Kai Ken and the Standard Schnauzer are similar in size. The Kai Ken and the Standard Schnauzer are both medium-sized dogs.

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 Standard Schnauzer belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Kai Ken versus Standard Schnauzer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer

Factor Kai Ken Standard Schnauzer
Life Span 12 to 16 years 13 to 16 years
Height 17 to 22 inches 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the s
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 2/5
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 4/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 30 to 50 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 14.5 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2150
Average Price No Data $1710
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 71.1 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 24 months, recommend every other year until age 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Standard Schnauzer. 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 Standard Schnauzer is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer

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

  • Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Standard Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Standard Schnauzer

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Standard Schnauzers weigh 30 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Standard Schnauzers are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Standard Schnauzer

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

    The lifespan of Standard Schnauzers is between 13 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Standard Schnauzers is 14.5 years.

    Standard Schnauzers live longer than Kai Kens.

    Temperament of the Kai Ken Versus the Standard Schnauzer

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Standard Schnauzer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Standard Schnauzer is 71.1 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 71.1 percent, the Standard Schnauzer has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kai Ken and the Standard Schnauzer by measuring the temperaments of 1 Kai Kens and 76 Standard Schnauzers.

    Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Standard Schnauzer

    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 Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Standard Schnauzer than for the Kai Ken.

    2 health tests are recommended for Kai Ken while 6 tests are recommended for the Standard Schnauzer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Kai Kens and in Standard Schnauzers.

    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.

    Standard Schnauzer Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 24 months, recommend every other year until age 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Standard Schnauzers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Standard Schnauzer

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

    Standard Schnauzers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kai Kens shed more than Standard Schnauzers?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Standard Schnauzer

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Standard Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Standard Schnauzer?

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

    Standard Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Standard Schnauzer?

    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.

    Standard Schnauzers 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 Standard Schnauzers?

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

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

    Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Standard Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Standard Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Standard Schnauzer

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

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

    Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Standard Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Standard Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Standard Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Standard Schnauzers?

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

    Standard Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Standard Schnauzers?

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

    Standard Schnauzers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Standard Schnauzer?

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Standard Schnauzers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Kai Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Standard Schnauzer?

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Standard Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (77 percent match with Standard Schnauzer). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus English Setter     Kai Ken versus Irish Setter     Kai Ken versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Kai Ken versus Australian Cattle Dog     Kai Ken versus Golden Retriever     Kai Ken versus Xoloitzcuintli     Kai Ken versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Kai Ken versus Labrador Retriever     Kai Ken versus Saint Bernard     Kai Ken versus Affenpinscher     Kai Ken versus Toy Fox Terrier     Kai Ken versus Biewer Terrier     Kai Ken versus Irish Terrier     Kai Ken versus Whoodle     Kai Ken versus Standard Schnauzer     Kai Ken versus Cane Corso     Kai Ken versus Toy Fox Terrier     Kai Ken versus Goldador     Kai Ken versus Greyhound     Kai Ken versus Shiranian     Kai Ken versus German Longhaired Pointer     Kai Ken versus Bordoodle     Kai Ken versus Cockalier     Kai Ken versus Cane Corso     Kai Ken versus Leonberger     

    Standard Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Standard Schnauzer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Standard Schnauzer versus Belgian Tervuren     Standard Schnauzer versus Pointer     Standard Schnauzer versus Norwegian Lundehund     Standard Schnauzer versus Puggle     Standard Schnauzer versus Saint Bernard     Standard Schnauzer versus Spinone Italiano     Standard Schnauzer versus Sealyham Terrier     Standard Schnauzer versus Akbash     Standard Schnauzer versus Boxerdoodle     Standard Schnauzer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Standard Schnauzer versus Border Terrier     Standard Schnauzer versus West Highland White Terrier     Standard Schnauzer versus Pomapoo     Standard Schnauzer versus Tibetan Spaniel     Standard Schnauzer versus Akita Chow     Standard Schnauzer versus Hovawart     Standard Schnauzer versus Portuguese Pointer     Standard Schnauzer versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Standard Schnauzer versus Manchester Terrier     Standard Schnauzer versus Bordoodle     Standard Schnauzer versus Havanese     Standard Schnauzer versus Pomapoo     Standard Schnauzer versus Xoloitzcuintli     Standard Schnauzer versus Vizsla     

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