A Detailed Comparison of the Kishu Ken and the Miniature Schnauzer.

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Kishu Ken Versus Miniature Schnauzer: Introduction

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

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

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 Miniature Schnauzer.

Kishu Ken versus Miniature Schnauzer: Overview

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

Kishu Ken versus Miniature Schnauzer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kishu Ken to the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer

Factor Kishu Ken Miniature Schnauzer
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Height 17 to 22 inches 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 13 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1400 – $2500
Average Price No Data $1950
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
  • 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 Miniature Schnauzer. 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 Miniature Schnauzer is 82 out of 125.

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

    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 Miniature Schnauzer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the Miniature Schnauzer

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

  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Miniature Schnauzer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Miniature Schnauzer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Miniature Schnauzer are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Miniature Schnauzer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Miniature Schnauzer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Miniature Schnauzer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Miniature Schnauzer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Miniature Schnauzer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Miniature Schnauzer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Miniature Schnauzer are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kishu Ken versus Miniature Schnauzer

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

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

    On the other hand, Miniature Schnauzers weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Miniature Schnauzers are 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kishu Ken versus Miniature Schnauzer

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

    The lifespan of Miniature Schnauzers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Miniature Schnauzers is 13.0 years.

    Miniature Schnauzers live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus Miniature Schnauzer

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

    Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than Miniature Schnauzers?

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

    Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kishu Ken or the Miniature Schnauzer

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kishu Ken or the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Kishu Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    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.

    Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzers?

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

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. Miniature Schnauzer

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

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

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about Miniature Schnauzers?

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

    Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kishu Kens and Miniature Schnauzers?

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

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Is the Kishu Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Miniature Schnauzer). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Kishu Ken versus Silky Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Lhasa Apso     Kishu Ken versus Cockalier     Kishu Ken versus Stabyhoun     Kishu Ken versus English Cocker Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Labradoodle     Kishu Ken versus Afador     Kishu Ken versus Samoyed     Kishu Ken versus Tibetan Mastiff     Kishu Ken versus Finnish Lapphund     Kishu Ken versus Plott     Kishu Ken versus Cane Corso     Kishu Ken versus Italian Greyhound     Kishu Ken versus Finnish Spitz     Kishu Ken versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Kishu Ken versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Kishu Ken versus Norfolk Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Spanish Mastiff     Kishu Ken versus Papipoo     Kishu Ken versus Pyredoodle     Kishu Ken versus Dachshund     Kishu Ken versus Papipoo     Kishu Ken versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Kishu Ken versus American Water Spaniel     

    Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Miniature Schnauzer versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Miniature Schnauzer versus Shetland Sheepdog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Miniature Schnauzer versus Peek A Poo     Miniature Schnauzer versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus German Longhaired Pointer     Miniature Schnauzer versus Aussiedoodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Catahoula Bulldog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Goldendoodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Lowchen     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bernedoodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Portuguese Water Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus German Longhaired Pointer     Miniature Schnauzer versus Skye Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Sheepadoodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus French Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus French Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Miniature Schnauzer versus German Shepherd Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bich Poo     Miniature Schnauzer versus Karelian Bear Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Golden Retriever     Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Water Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Great Dane     

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