Which is Better between the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso? A Very Detailed Review.

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Kishu Ken Versus Lhasa Apso: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso 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 Kishu Ken and for the Lhasa Apso. 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 Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso.

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

Kishu Ken versus Lhasa Apso: Overview

A very important difference between the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kishu Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Lhasa Apso is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Lhasa Apso 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.

Kishu Ken versus Lhasa Apso: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kishu Ken to the Lhasa Apso 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 Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso

Factor Kishu Ken Lhasa Apso
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Height 17 to 22 inches 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 12 to 15 pounds
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 13 years 12 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $1996
Average Price No Data $1780
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

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

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lhasa Apso is not better or worse than the Kishu Ken. So, you can get the Lhasa Apso or 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 Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso

Below is a list of where the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso are most different:

  • Kishu Kens are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Lhasa Apsos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Kishu Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Lhasa Apsos are good for new dog owners.
  • Kishu Kens not very playful. However, Lhasa Apsos are very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso

    The Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso are most similar:

  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso are very easy to train.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kishu Ken versus Lhasa Apso

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso.

    Kishu Kens weigh 30 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Kishu Kens are 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Lhasa Apsos weigh 12 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lhasa Apsos are 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kishu Ken versus Lhasa Apso

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

    The lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is 13.5 years.

    Lhasa Apsos live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus Lhasa Apso

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

    Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than Lhasa Apsos?

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

    Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Kishu Ken or the Lhasa Apso

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kishu Ken or the Lhasa Apso?

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Kishu Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lhasa Apso?

    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.

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Kishu Kens Bark and Howl? What about Lhasa Apsos?

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

    Lhasa Apsos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. Lhasa Apso

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

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

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Lhasa Apsos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kishu Ken or the Lhasa Apso?

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about Lhasa Apsos?

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

    Lhasa Apsos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kishu Kens and Lhasa Apsos?

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

    Lhasa Apsos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the Lhasa Apso?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Kishu Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Lhasa Apso?

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kishu Ken or the Lhasa Apso?

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

    Lhasa Apsos are very good for new dog owners.

    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 Lhasa Apso vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Dutch Shepherd (78 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Kai Ken (79 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Kai Ken.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lhasa Apso

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso:

  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (77 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Kishu Ken versus Labrador Retriever     Kishu Ken versus Miniature Pinscher     Kishu Ken versus Bolognese     Kishu Ken versus Sealyham Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Puli     Kishu Ken versus Pomeranian     Kishu Ken versus Briard     Kishu Ken versus Chorkie     Kishu Ken versus Afghan Hound     Kishu Ken versus Basenji     Kishu Ken versus Bichon Frise     Kishu Ken versus Westiepoo     Kishu Ken versus Dutch Shepherd     Kishu Ken versus Afador     Kishu Ken versus French Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Bullmastiff     Kishu Ken versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Kishu Ken versus Beagle     Kishu Ken versus Lancashire Heeler     Kishu Ken versus Chinese Crested     Kishu Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Kishu Ken versus Brittany     Kishu Ken versus Cavapoo     Kishu Ken versus French Bulldog     

    Lhasa Apso Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lhasa Apso versus Toy Fox Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus English Cocker Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Basenji     Lhasa Apso versus Mastiff     Lhasa Apso versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Lhasa Apso versus Golden Retriever     Lhasa Apso versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Lhasa Apso versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Lhasa Apso versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Lhasa Apso versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Lhasa Apso versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Kishu Ken     Lhasa Apso versus Pomeranian     Lhasa Apso versus Xoloitzcuintli     Lhasa Apso versus Labrador Retriever     Lhasa Apso versus German Longhaired Pointer     Lhasa Apso versus Cavachon     Lhasa Apso versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Peek A Poo     Lhasa Apso versus Dogo Argentino     Lhasa Apso versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Lhasa Apso versus Papipoo     Lhasa Apso versus Bolognese     Lhasa Apso versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Lhasa Apso versus Dutch Shepherd     

    Conclusion: Kishu Ken versus Lhasa Apso. 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 Kishu Ken and the Lhasa Apso better suits you and your family.