Is the Kishu Ken Better than the Portuguese Water Dog as a Pet? Answer…

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Kishu Ken Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kishu Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog.

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 Portuguese Water Dog.

Kishu Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview

Both the Kishu Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog are similar in size. The Kishu Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Kishu Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog are Working Dogs. This means both the Kishu Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kishu Ken to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog

Factor Kishu Ken Portuguese Water Dog
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Height 17 to 22 inches 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
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 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 35 to 60 pounds
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Life Span 9 to 13 years 10 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $2500 – $3300
Average Price No Data $2860
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annual exams until age 10
  • GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Univ of Pennsylvania –
  • NYU
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog

    Below is a list of where the Kishu Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:

  • Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs. However, Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with other dogs.
  • Kishu Kens are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Portuguese Water Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Kishu Kens not very playful. However, Portuguese Water Dogs are very playful.
  • Kishu Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog

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

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

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kishu Ken and the Portuguese Water Dog.

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

    On the other hand, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kishu Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog

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

    The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.

    Portuguese Water Dogs live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kishu Ken or the Portuguese Water Dog

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kishu Ken or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Kishu Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    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.

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Kishu Kens Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. Portuguese Water Dog

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kishu Kens and Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Kishu Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog:

  • Bernedoodle (83 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). 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 Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kishu Ken and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Aussiedoodle     Kishu Ken versus Valley Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Manchester Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Standard Schnauzer     Kishu Ken versus Collie     Kishu Ken versus Kai Ken     Kishu Ken versus Harrier     Kishu Ken versus Shih Tzu     Kishu Ken versus Shiba Inu     Kishu Ken versus Irish Water Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Chow Chow     Kishu Ken versus Lhasapoo     Kishu Ken versus Pomchi     Kishu Ken versus Pointer     Kishu Ken versus Sheepadoodle     Kishu Ken versus Great Dane     Kishu Ken versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Kishu Ken versus Lakeland Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Clumber Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Frenchton     Kishu Ken versus English Cocker Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Pharaoh Hound     Kishu Ken versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Kishu Ken versus Manchester Terrier     

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Affenhuahua     Portuguese Water Dog versus Cavapoo     Portuguese Water Dog versus English Toy Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Portuguese Water Dog versus Samoyed     Portuguese Water Dog versus West Highland White Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Beaglier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Kai Ken     Portuguese Water Dog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Portuguese Water Dog versus Dalmatian     Portuguese Water Dog versus Yorkipoo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Weimaraner     Portuguese Water Dog versus Maltese     Portuguese Water Dog versus Chorkie     Portuguese Water Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Schnoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Standard Schnauzer     Portuguese Water Dog versus Field Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Maltese     Portuguese Water Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Shihpoo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Portuguese Water Dog versus Schipperke     Portuguese Water Dog versus Giant Schnauzer     

    Conclusion: Kishu Ken versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.