Is the Kishu Ken Better than the Papillon as a Pet? Answer…

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Kishu Ken Versus Papillon: Introduction

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

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

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 Papillon.

Kishu Ken versus Papillon: Overview

A very important difference between the Kishu Ken and the Papillon is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kishu Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Papillon 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 Papillon 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 Papillon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kishu Ken to the Papillon 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 Papillon

Factor Kishu Ken Papillon
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Height 17 to 22 inches 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
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 3/5
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 4 to 9 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 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 13 years 12 to 16 years
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Price Range No Data $1400 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1800
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination- recommend screening every 2 years
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Papillon. 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 Papillon is 89 out of 125.

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

    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 Papillon 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 Papillon

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

  • Kishu Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Papillons are good for new dog owners.
  • Kishu Kens are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Papillons are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Kishu Kens not very playful. However, Papillons are very playful.
  • Kishu Kens can tolerate cold weather. However, Papillons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the Papillon

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

  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Papillon are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Papillon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Papillon are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Papillon 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 Papillon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Papillon are very easy to train.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Papillon have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Papillon require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Papillon are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kishu Ken versus Papillon

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

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

    On the other hand, Papillons weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Papillons are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kishu Ken versus Papillon

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

    The lifespan of Papillons is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Papillons is 14.0 years.

    Papillons live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus Papillon

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

    Papillons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than Papillons?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Kishu Ken or the Papillon

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Papillons do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Papillons are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Papillons 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 Papillons?

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

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

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

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Papillons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. Papillon

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

    Papillons 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 Papillons Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Papillons can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Papillons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about Papillons?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Kishu Kens and Papillons?

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

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

    Is the Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the Papillon?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Papillons are very easy to train.

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

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Papillons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Bichon Frise (78 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Bichon Frise.
  • Cavachon (78 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Cavachon.
  • Havanese (79 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Havanese.
  • Papipoo (86 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Papipoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Peek A Poo     Kishu Ken versus Rottweiler     Kishu Ken versus Black Russian Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Gordon Setter     Kishu Ken versus Irish Wolfhound     Kishu Ken versus Great Pyrenees     Kishu Ken versus Bluetick Coonhound     Kishu Ken versus Scottish Deerhound     Kishu Ken versus Toy Fox Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Tibetan Mastiff     Kishu Ken versus Finnish Lapphund     Kishu Ken versus Cavapoo     Kishu Ken versus English Toy Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Boxer     Kishu Ken versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Pomeranian     Kishu Ken versus Saint Berdoodle     Kishu Ken versus Cockapoo     Kishu Ken versus Akita Chow     Kishu Ken versus Bracco Italiano     Kishu Ken versus Cavachon     Kishu Ken versus American Foxhound     Kishu Ken versus Boxer     

    Papillon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Papillon versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Papillon versus American Water Spaniel     Papillon versus Dachshund     Papillon versus Belgian Tervuren     Papillon versus Redbone Coonhound     Papillon versus Golden Retriever     Papillon versus Spinone Italiano     Papillon versus Afador     Papillon versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Papillon versus Pomsky     Papillon versus Collie     Papillon versus Puli     Papillon versus Brussels Griffon     Papillon versus Belgian Malinois     Papillon versus Giant Schnauzer     Papillon versus Pomeranian     Papillon versus Korean Jindo Dog     Papillon versus Harrier     Papillon versus Karelian Bear Dog     Papillon versus Papipoo     Papillon versus Stabyhoun     Papillon versus Cavachon     Papillon versus Airedale Terrier     Papillon versus Chinook     Papillon versus Bluetick Coonhound     

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