Differences and Similarities between the Kishu Ken and the Mastiff.

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Kishu Ken Versus Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kishu Ken and the Mastiff 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 Mastiff. 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 Mastiff.

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 Mastiff.

Kishu Ken versus Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Kishu Ken and the Mastiff are Working Dogs. This means both the Kishu Ken and the Mastiff 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.

Kishu Ken versus Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kishu Ken to the Mastiff 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 Mastiff

Factor Kishu Ken Mastiff
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Height 17 to 22 inches 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 130 to 220 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 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 2/5
Life Span 9 to 13 years 6 to 10 years
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 8.0 years
Price Range No Data $1100 – $2200
Average Price No Data $1740
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Minimum age 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PennGen
  • 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 Mastiff. 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 Mastiff is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Kishu Ken is a better pet than the Mastiff. 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 Kishu Ken and the Mastiff 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 Mastiff

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

  • Kishu Kens do not have the tendency to drool. However, Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Kishu Kens are highly intelligent. However, Mastiffs not very intelligent.
  • The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the Mastiff

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

  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mastiff are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mastiff do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mastiff 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 Mastiff shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mastiff are very easy to train.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mastiff require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kishu Ken versus Mastiff

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

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

    On the other hand, Mastiffs weigh 130 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Mastiffs are 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kishu Ken versus Mastiff

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

    The lifespan of Mastiffs is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Mastiffs is 8.0 years.

    Kishu Kens live longer than Mastiffs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus Mastiff

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

    Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than Mastiffs?

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

    Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Kishu Ken or the Mastiff

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kishu Ken or the Mastiff?

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Kishu Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mastiff?

    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.

    Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Kishu Kens Bark and Howl? What about Mastiffs?

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

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

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. Mastiff

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

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about Mastiffs?

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

    Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kishu Kens and Mastiffs?

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

    Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the Mastiff?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Kishu Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Mastiff?

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Mastiffs are not the best dogs 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 Mastiff vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Dutch Shepherd (78 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Mastiff vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Kai Ken (79 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Mastiff vs Kai Ken.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mastiff

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

  • Black Russian Terrier (73 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dog (72 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
  • Dogue de Bordeaux (72 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Dogue de Bordeaux.
  • Leonberger (73 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Leonberger.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Bracco Italiano     Kishu Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog     Kishu Ken versus Samoyed     Kishu Ken versus Irish Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Goldendoodle     Kishu Ken versus Standard Schnauzer     Kishu Ken versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Redbone Coonhound     Kishu Ken versus Great Pyrenees     Kishu Ken versus Airedale Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Shiranian     Kishu Ken versus Westiepoo     Kishu Ken versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Whippet     Kishu Ken versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Pomapoo     Kishu Ken versus Scottish Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Yorkipoo     Kishu Ken versus Manchester Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Pointer     Kishu Ken versus American Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Australian Shepherd     Kishu Ken versus Dalmatian     Kishu Ken versus Giant Schnauzer     Kishu Ken versus Clumber Spaniel     

    Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mastiff versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Mastiff versus Sheepadoodle     Mastiff versus Mal Shi     Mastiff versus Catahoula Bulldog     Mastiff versus Komondor     Mastiff versus French Bulldog     Mastiff versus Pomeranian     Mastiff versus Affenhuahua     Mastiff versus Goldendoodle     Mastiff versus Cockapoo     Mastiff versus King Shepherd     Mastiff versus Lhasapoo     Mastiff versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Mastiff versus Saint Berdoodle     Mastiff versus Norwich Terrier     Mastiff versus Pyredoodle     Mastiff versus Boston Terrier     Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Mastiff versus Weimaraner     Mastiff versus Borzoi     Mastiff versus Chihuahua     Mastiff versus Siberian Husky     Mastiff versus Boxer     Mastiff versus Fila Brasileiro     Mastiff versus Sussex Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Kishu Ken versus Mastiff. 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 Mastiff better suits you and your family.