Which is Better between the Kishu Ken and the Norwegian Buhund? A Very Detailed Review.

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Kishu Ken Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction

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

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

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 Norwegian Buhund.

Kishu Ken versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview

Both the Kishu Ken and the Norwegian Buhund are similar in size. The Kishu Ken and the Norwegian Buhund are both medium-sized dogs.

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 Norwegian Buhund belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Kishu Ken versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kishu Ken to the Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund

Factor Kishu Ken Norwegian Buhund
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Height 17 to 22 inches 16 to 18 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 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 26 to 40 pounds
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Life Span 9 to 13 years 12 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Norwegian Buhund. 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 Norwegian Buhund is 81 out of 125.

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

    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 Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund

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

  • Kishu Kens are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Kishu Kens not very playful. However, Norwegian Buhunds are very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the Norwegian Buhund

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Norwegian Buhunds weigh 26 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Norwegian Buhunds are 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kishu Ken versus Norwegian Buhund

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

    The lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is 13.5 years.

    Norwegian Buhunds live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus Norwegian Buhund

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

    Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?

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

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Kishu Ken or the Norwegian Buhund

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kishu Ken or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Kishu Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?

    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.

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhunds?

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

    Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. Norwegian Buhund

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

    Norwegian Buhunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

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

    Norwegian Buhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kishu Kens and Norwegian Buhunds?

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

    Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Kishu Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Pyredoodle (78 percent match with Norwegian Buhund). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Pyredoodle.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Kishu Ken versus Irish Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Catahoula Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus King Shepherd     Kishu Ken versus Brussels Griffon     Kishu Ken versus Cocker Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog     Kishu Ken versus Bichon Frise     Kishu Ken versus Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Catahoula Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Beagle     Kishu Ken versus Goldendoodle     Kishu Ken versus Havanese     Kishu Ken versus Silky Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Black Russian Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Standard Schnauzer     Kishu Ken versus Korean Jindo Dog     Kishu Ken versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Kishu Ken versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Kishu Ken versus Labrador Retriever     Kishu Ken versus Affenpinscher     Kishu Ken versus Berger Picard     Kishu Ken versus Fila Brasileiro     Kishu Ken versus German Shepherd Dog     Kishu Ken versus Yorkipoo     

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Pug     Norwegian Buhund versus Beaglier     Norwegian Buhund versus Schnoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Korean Jindo Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Redbone Coonhound     Norwegian Buhund versus Azawakh     Norwegian Buhund versus Belgian Sheepdog     Norwegian Buhund versus Dalmatian     Norwegian Buhund versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Norwegian Buhund versus Azawakh     Norwegian Buhund versus Shetland Sheepdog     Norwegian Buhund versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Norwegian Buhund versus Pointer     Norwegian Buhund versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Norwegian Buhund versus Maremma Sheepdog     Norwegian Buhund versus Cockalier     Norwegian Buhund versus Bull Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Norwegian Buhund versus Maltipoo     Norwegian Buhund versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Norwegian Buhund versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Norwegian Buhund versus Ibizan Hound     Norwegian Buhund versus German Pinscher     Norwegian Buhund versus Boxer     Norwegian Buhund versus Maltese     

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