Differences and Similarities between the Kishu Ken and the Puli.

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Kishu Ken Versus Puli: Introduction

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

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

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 Puli.

Kishu Ken versus Puli: Overview

Both the Kishu Ken and the Puli are similar in size. The Kishu Ken and the Puli 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 Puli 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 Puli: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kishu Ken to the Puli 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 Puli

Factor Kishu Ken Puli
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Height 17 to 22 inches 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
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 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 25 to 35 pounds
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
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 10 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Price Range No Data $1875 – $2750
Average Price No Data $2250
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Puli. 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 Puli is 74 out of 125.

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

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

  • Kishu Kens are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Pulis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs. However, Pulis get along well with other dogs.
  • Kishu Kens do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Kishu Kens not very playful. However, Pulis are very playful.
  • Kishu Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the Puli

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kishu Ken versus Puli

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

    The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.

    Pulis live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus Puli

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

    Pulis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than Pulis?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Kishu Ken or the Puli

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Pulis 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 Pulis?

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

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

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

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. Puli

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

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

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pulis 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 Puli?

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Pulis get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about Pulis?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Kishu Kens and Pulis?

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

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

    Is the Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the Puli?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Pulis are not easy to train.

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

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Briard (77 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Briard.
  • Welsh Terrier (75 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Scottish Terrier (79 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Scottish Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Toy Poodle     Kishu Ken versus Maremma Sheepdog     Kishu Ken versus American Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Azawakh     Kishu Ken versus English Cocker Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Chinook     Kishu Ken versus Miniature Schnauzer     Kishu Ken versus Affenpinscher     Kishu Ken versus Puli     Kishu Ken versus Finnish Spitz     Kishu Ken versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Kishu Ken versus German Longhaired Pointer     Kishu Ken versus Papillon     Kishu Ken versus Shiranian     Kishu Ken versus Tibetan Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Tibetan Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Finnish Lapphund     Kishu Ken versus Australian Shepherd     Kishu Ken versus American Hairless Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Shih Tzu     Kishu Ken versus Siberian Husky     Kishu Ken versus Lowchen     Kishu Ken versus Saint Berdoodle     Kishu Ken versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Kishu Ken versus Bouvier des Flandres     

    Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Puli versus Akita     Puli versus Great Dane     Puli versus English Springer Spaniel     Puli versus Bulldog     Puli versus Skye Terrier     Puli versus Skye Terrier     Puli versus Boerboel     Puli versus Maltese     Puli versus American Foxhound     Puli versus Sealyham Terrier     Puli versus Australian Cattle Dog     Puli versus Kuvasz     Puli versus Clumber Spaniel     Puli versus Affenpinscher     Puli versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Puli versus Kai Ken     Puli versus Akbash     Puli versus Australian Cattle Dog     Puli versus Pomchi     Puli versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Puli versus Carolina Dog     Puli versus Welsh Terrier     Puli versus Doberman Pinscher     Puli versus English Setter     Puli versus Airedale Terrier     

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