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

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Kishu Ken Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction

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

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

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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Kishu Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview

A very important difference between the Kishu Ken and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kishu Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-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 Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Kishu Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kishu Ken to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback

Factor Kishu Ken Rhodesian Ridgeback
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 5/5
Height 17 to 22 inches 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
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 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
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 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
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 70 to 85 pounds
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 13 years 10 to 12 years
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $1250 – $1900
Average Price No Data $1620
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.

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

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

  • 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, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Kishu Kens not very playful. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kishu Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kishu Ken or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kishu Ken or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

    Does the Kishu Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    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.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

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

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

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

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kishu Kens and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Is the Kishu Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Black Mouth Cur (79 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bracco Italiano (80 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus American Water Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Sheepadoodle     Kishu Ken versus Clumber Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Saint Bernard     Kishu Ken versus Whoodle     Kishu Ken versus Ibizan Hound     Kishu Ken versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Kishu Ken versus Akbash     Kishu Ken versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Goldendoodle     Kishu Ken versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Kishu Ken versus Bichon Frise     Kishu Ken versus Harrier     Kishu Ken versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Kishu Ken versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Kishu Ken versus Bichon Frise     Kishu Ken versus Stabyhoun     Kishu Ken versus Finnish Spitz     Kishu Ken versus Pomsky     Kishu Ken versus Standard Schnauzer     Kishu Ken versus Spanish Mastiff     Kishu Ken versus Morkie     Kishu Ken versus Australian Kelpie     Kishu Ken versus Airedale Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Greyhound     

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Patterdale Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Alaskan Malamute     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Scottish Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chihuahua     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Weimaraner     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus West Highland White Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Welsh Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Greyhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Siberian Husky     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Welsh Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bordoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bearded Collie     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boxer     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Kishu Ken     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Norfolk Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bernedoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chihuahua     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Schnoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bolognese     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus King Shepherd     

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