Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Kai Ken Versus Swedish Vallhund: Introduction
- Kai Ken versus Swedish Vallhund: Overview
- Kai Ken versus Swedish Vallhund: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kai Ken and the Swedish Vallhund
- The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Swedish Vallhund
- Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Swedish Vallhund
- Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Swedish Vallhund
- Temperament of the Swedish Vallhund Versus the Kai Ken
- Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Swedish Vallhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Swedish Vallhund
- Do Kai Kens shed more than Swedish Vallhunds?
- Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Swedish Vallhund
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Swedish Vallhund?
- Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Swedish Vallhund?
- Do Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
- Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Swedish Vallhund
- Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kai Ken or the Swedish Vallhund?
- Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
- How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Swedish Vallhunds?
- Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Swedish Vallhund?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Swedish Vallhund
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Swedish Vallhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Kai Ken Versus Swedish Vallhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Kai Ken and the Swedish Vallhund? 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 Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kai Ken and the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund. 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 Swedish Vallhund.
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 Swedish Vallhund.
Kai Ken versus Swedish Vallhund: Overview
Both the Kai Ken and the Swedish Vallhund are similar in size. The Kai Ken and the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund
| Factor | Kai Ken | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 17 to 22 inches | 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 45 pounds | 22 to 35 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $2500 – $2500 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 100.0 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 Swedish Vallhund. 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 Swedish Vallhund is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Swedish Vallhund is a better pet than the Kai Ken. So, you should get the Swedish Vallhund!
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 Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund
Below is a list of where the Kai Ken and the Swedish Vallhund are most different:
The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Swedish Vallhund
The Kai Ken and the Swedish Vallhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Kai Ken and the Swedish Vallhund are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Swedish Vallhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kai Ken and the Swedish Vallhund.
Kai Kens weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Kai Kens are 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Swedish Vallhunds weigh 22 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Swedish Vallhunds are 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Swedish Vallhund
The lifespan of Kai Kens is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Kai Kens is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Swedish Vallhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Swedish Vallhunds is 13.5 years.
Kai Kens live longer than Swedish Vallhunds.
Temperament of the Swedish Vallhund Versus the Kai Ken
The Kai Ken has the same temperament score as the Swedish Vallhund.
This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Swedish Vallhund is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Swedish Vallhund has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kai Ken and the Swedish Vallhund by measuring the temperaments of 1 Kai Kens and 4 Swedish Vallhunds.
Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Swedish Vallhund
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 Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Kai Ken.
2 health tests are recommended for Kai Ken while 2 tests are recommended for the Swedish Vallhund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Kai Kens and in Swedish Vallhunds.
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.
Swedish Vallhund Health Problems
Swedish Vallhunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhunds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Swedish Vallhunds here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Swedish Vallhund
Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.
Swedish Vallhunds can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Kai Kens shed more than Swedish Vallhunds?
Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Swedish Vallhunds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Swedish Vallhund
Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Swedish Vallhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Swedish Vallhund?
Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to groom.
Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Swedish Vallhund?
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.
Swedish Vallhunds 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 Swedish Vallhunds?
Kai Kens are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Swedish Vallhunds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Swedish Vallhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Swedish Vallhund
Kai Kens have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Swedish Vallhunds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Kai Kens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Swedish Vallhunds 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 Swedish Vallhund?
Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Swedish Vallhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
Kai Kens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Swedish Vallhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Swedish Vallhunds?
Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Swedish Vallhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Swedish Vallhund?
Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.
Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to train.
Is the Kai Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Swedish Vallhund?
Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
Swedish Vallhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kai Ken or the Swedish Vallhund?
Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Swedish Vallhunds 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Swedish Vallhund
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Kai Ken and how the Swedish Vallhund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kai Ken and of the Swedish Vallhund to other breeds:
Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kai Ken versus Plott Kai Ken versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Kai Ken versus Brittany Kai Ken versus Icelandic Sheepdog Kai Ken versus Kuvasz Kai Ken versus Puggle Kai Ken versus Lancashire Heeler Kai Ken versus Plott Kai Ken versus Whoodle Kai Ken versus American Eskimo Dog Kai Ken versus Hovawart Kai Ken versus Bernese Mountain Dog Kai Ken versus Boxerdoodle Kai Ken versus Australian Shepherd Kai Ken versus Rottweiler Kai Ken versus Lagotto Romagnolo Kai Ken versus Icelandic Sheepdog Kai Ken versus Carolina Dog Kai Ken versus Golden Cocker Retriever Kai Ken versus Borzoi Kai Ken versus Belgian Tervuren Kai Ken versus Lhasapoo Kai Ken versus Norwegian Buhund Kai Ken versus Xoloitzcuintli Kai Ken versus Xoloitzcuintli
Swedish Vallhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Swedish Vallhund versus Australian Shepherd Swedish Vallhund versus Curly-Coated Retriever Swedish Vallhund versus Papipoo Swedish Vallhund versus Cavachon Swedish Vallhund versus Black Russian Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Kuvasz Swedish Vallhund versus American Foxhound Swedish Vallhund versus Bluetick Coonhound Swedish Vallhund versus Scottish Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Pekingese Swedish Vallhund versus Bichon Frise Swedish Vallhund versus Mal Shi Swedish Vallhund versus Field Spaniel Swedish Vallhund versus Bloodhound Swedish Vallhund versus American Staffordshire Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Papipoo Swedish Vallhund versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Swedish Vallhund versus Irish Wolfhound Swedish Vallhund versus Cane Corso Swedish Vallhund versus Pekingese Swedish Vallhund versus Sheepadoodle Swedish Vallhund versus Leonberger Swedish Vallhund versus Basset Hound Swedish Vallhund versus Gordon Setter Swedish Vallhund versus Spinone Italiano
Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Swedish Vallhund. 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 Swedish Vallhund better suits you and your family.