Is the Kai Ken Better than the Toy Fox Terrier as a Pet? Answer…

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Kai Ken Versus Toy Fox Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kai Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier 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 Toy Fox Terrier. 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 Toy Fox Terrier.

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 Toy Fox Terrier.

Kai Ken versus Toy Fox Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Kai Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Toy Fox Terrier is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Kai Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier are Companion Dogs. This means both the Kai Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier 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 Toy Fox Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Toy Fox Terrier 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 Toy Fox Terrier

Factor Kai Ken Toy Fox Terrier
Life Span 12 to 16 years 13 to 14 years
Height 17 to 22 inches 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
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 2/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 3 to 7 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
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 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
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 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $875 – $1200
Average Price No Data $1100
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 80.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Congenital Hypothyroidism w/Goiter
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • 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 Toy Fox Terrier. 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 Toy Fox Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

    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 Toy Fox Terrier 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 Toy Fox Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Kai Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier are most different:

  • Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Toy Fox Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Toy Fox Terriers are very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier

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

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

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kai Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier.

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

    On the other hand, Toy Fox Terriers weigh 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. Toy Fox Terriers are 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Toy Fox Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Toy Fox Terriers is between 13 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Toy Fox Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Kai Kens live longer than Toy Fox Terriers.

    Temperament of the Toy Fox Terrier Versus the Kai Ken

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Toy Fox Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Toy Fox Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Toy Fox Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kai Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 1 Kai Kens and 10 Toy Fox Terriers.

    Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Toy Fox Terrier

    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 Toy Fox Terrier 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 Toy Fox Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Toy Fox Terrier than for the Kai Ken.

    2 health tests are recommended for Kai Ken while 5 tests are recommended for the Toy Fox Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Kai Kens and in Toy Fox Terriers.

    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.

    Toy Fox Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Congenital Hypothyroidism w/Goiter
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Toy Fox Terriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Toy Fox Terrier

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

    Toy Fox Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kai Kens shed more than Toy Fox Terriers?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Toy Fox Terrier

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Toy Fox Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Toy Fox Terrier?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Toy Fox Terrier?

    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.

    Toy Fox Terriers 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 Toy Fox Terriers?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Toy Fox Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Toy Fox Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Toy Fox Terrier

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

    Toy Fox Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Toy Fox Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers 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 Toy Fox Terrier?

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Toy Fox Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Toy Fox Terriers?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Toy Fox Terriers?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Toy Fox Terrier?

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Toy Fox Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Kai Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Toy Fox Terrier?

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Toy Fox Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kai Ken or the Toy Fox Terrier?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers 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:

  • Icelandic Sheepdog (78 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Toy Fox Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog.
  • Kishu Ken (79 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Toy Fox Terrier vs Kishu Ken.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Toy Fox Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Toy Fox Terrier 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 Toy Fox Terrier:

  • Cairn Terrier (78 percent match with Toy Fox Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Ibizan Hound (76 percent match with Toy Fox Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Lowchen (77 percent match with Toy Fox Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Lowchen.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Bolognese     Kai Ken versus Lowchen     Kai Ken versus Pekingese     Kai Ken versus German Pinscher     Kai Ken versus Schnoodle     Kai Ken versus Mastiff     Kai Ken versus Bedlington Terrier     Kai Ken versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Kai Ken versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Kai Ken versus Xoloitzcuintli     Kai Ken versus Pomapoo     Kai Ken versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Kai Ken versus English Springer Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Clumber Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Kai Ken versus Tibetan Terrier     Kai Ken versus Stabyhoun     Kai Ken versus Puggle     Kai Ken versus Toy Fox Terrier     Kai Ken versus Briard     Kai Ken versus Chorkie     Kai Ken versus Lhasa Apso     Kai Ken versus Cocker Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Beagle     Kai Ken versus Silky Terrier     

    Toy Fox Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Toy Fox Terrier versus Irish Setter     Toy Fox Terrier versus Mal Shi     Toy Fox Terrier versus Komondor     Toy Fox Terrier versus Shih Tzu     Toy Fox Terrier versus Westiepoo     Toy Fox Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Toy Fox Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Toy Fox Terrier versus Saluki     Toy Fox Terrier versus Papipoo     Toy Fox Terrier versus Briard     Toy Fox Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Toy Fox Terrier versus Collie     Toy Fox Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier     Toy Fox Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier     Toy Fox Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Toy Fox Terrier versus Akita     Toy Fox Terrier versus Dachshund     Toy Fox Terrier versus Shihpoo     Toy Fox Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Toy Fox Terrier versus Dachshund     Toy Fox Terrier versus Cavapoo     Toy Fox Terrier versus King Shepherd     Toy Fox Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Toy Fox Terrier versus Berger Picard     Toy Fox Terrier versus Pekingese     

    Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Toy Fox Terrier. 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 Toy Fox Terrier better suits you and your family.