Which is Better between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken? A Very Detailed Review.

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Kerry Blue Terrier Versus Kishu Ken: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken? 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and for the Kishu Ken. 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Kishu Ken.

Kerry Blue Terrier versus Kishu Ken: Overview

Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken are similar in size. The Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Kerry Blue Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Kishu Ken 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.

Kerry Blue Terrier versus Kishu Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kerry Blue Terrier to the Kishu Ken 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken

Factor Kerry Blue Terrier Kishu Ken
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 13 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 22 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Weight 33 to 40 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1980 No Data
Price Range $2000 – $2000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Eye Examination
  • Factor XI Deficiency
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Kerry Blue Terrier 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 Kishu Ken. 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 Kerry Blue Terrier is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kishu Ken is 79 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Kishu Ken is a better pet than the Kerry Blue Terrier. So, you should get the Kishu Ken!

    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 Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken

    Below is a list of where the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken are most different:

  • Kerry Blue Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Kishu Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Kerry Blue Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Kishu Kens are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Kerry Blue Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Kishu Kens are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken

    The Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken are most similar:

  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken are very easy to train.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kerry Blue Terrier versus Kishu Ken

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken.

    Kerry Blue Terriers weigh 33 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Kerry Blue Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Kishu Kens weigh 30 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Kishu Kens are 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kerry Blue Terrier versus Kishu Ken

    The lifespan of Kerry Blue Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Kerry Blue Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Kishu Kens is between 9 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Kishu Kens is 11.0 years.

    Kerry Blue Terriers live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kerry Blue Terrier versus Kishu Ken

    Kerry Blue Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Kerry Blue Terriers shed more than Kishu Kens?

    Kerry Blue Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Kishu Ken

    Kerry Blue Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Kishu Ken?

    Kerry Blue Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Kerry Blue Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kishu Ken?

    Kerry Blue Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Kishu 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.

    Do Kerry Blue Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Kishu Kens?

    Kerry Blue Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Kerry Blue Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kerry Blue Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kerry Blue Terrier vs. Kishu Ken

    Kerry Blue Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Kishu Kens do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Kerry Blue Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Kerry Blue Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Kishu Ken?

    Kerry Blue Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Kerry Blue Terriers good family dogs? What about Kishu Kens?

    Kerry Blue Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Kishu Kens are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kerry Blue Terriers and Kishu Kens?

    Kerry Blue Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Kishu Kens get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier Easier to Train than the Kishu Ken?

    Kerry Blue Terriers are very easy to train.

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Kishu Ken?

    Kerry Blue Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Kishu Ken?

    Kerry Blue Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kerry Blue Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue Terrier:

  • Irish Water Spaniel (78 percent match with Kerry Blue Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Irish Water Spaniel.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Kerry Blue Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kishu Ken

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

  • Alaskan Klee Kai (76 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Dutch Shepherd (78 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Kai Ken (79 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier vs Kai Ken.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Kerry Blue Terrier and how the Kishu Ken compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier and of the Kishu Ken to other breeds:

    Kerry Blue Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kerry Blue Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sloughi     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Puli     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Biewer Terrier     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Pekingese     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Briard     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Bolognese     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Collie     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Golden Retriever     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Irish Setter     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Lhasapoo     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Saluki     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Borzoi     

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Harrier     Kishu Ken versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Kishu Ken versus Newfoundland     Kishu Ken versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Kishu Ken versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Kishu Ken versus Hovawart     Kishu Ken versus Saint Bernard     Kishu Ken versus Cockapoo     Kishu Ken versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Kishu Ken versus Labrador Retriever     Kishu Ken versus English Setter     Kishu Ken versus Vizsla     Kishu Ken versus Dogo Argentino     Kishu Ken versus Shih Tzu     Kishu Ken versus Basenji     Kishu Ken versus Border Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Chinook     Kishu Ken versus Cesky Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Boykin Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Italian Greyhound     Kishu Ken versus Norfolk Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Bluetick Coonhound     Kishu Ken versus Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Boxerdoodle     

    Conclusion: Kerry Blue Terrier versus Kishu Ken. 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and the Kishu Ken better suits you and your family.