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

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Kishu Ken Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

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 Shetland Sheepdog.

Kishu Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

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

The table below compares the Kishu Ken to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Kishu Ken Shetland Sheepdog
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Height 17 to 22 inches 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
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 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
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 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds Starts at 20 pounds
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Life Span 9 to 13 years 12 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1000 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1590
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- Recommend evaluation every year until age 5, every 2 years thereafter until age 9.
  • 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125.

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

    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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Kishu Kens are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Kishu Kens are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers.

    • The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Kishu Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

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

    On the other hand, Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kishu Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

    The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is 13.5 years.

    Shetland Sheepdogs live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kishu Ken or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kishu Ken or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Kishu Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    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.

    Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Kishu Kens Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog?

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kishu Kens and Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Kishu Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Dutch Shepherd (78 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Kai Ken (79 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Kai Ken.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Collie (81 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Berger Picard     Kishu Ken versus Shiba Inu     Kishu Ken versus Borzoi     Kishu Ken versus Australian Kelpie     Kishu Ken versus Affenhuahua     Kishu Ken versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Kishu Ken versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Kishu Ken versus Scottish Deerhound     Kishu Ken versus French Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Pekingese     Kishu Ken versus Scottish Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Spinone Italiano     Kishu Ken versus Collie     Kishu Ken versus Maltese     Kishu Ken versus Miniature Pinscher     Kishu Ken versus Australian Cattle Dog     Kishu Ken versus Kai Ken     Kishu Ken versus Yorkshire Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Boxer     Kishu Ken versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Kishu Ken versus Basenji     Kishu Ken versus Tibetan Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Norwegian Buhund     

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus Alaskan Malamute     Shetland Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Shetland Sheepdog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shetland Sheepdog versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Papipoo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Mal Shi     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Shetland Sheepdog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Akbash     Shetland Sheepdog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Plott     Shetland Sheepdog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Mal Shi     Shetland Sheepdog versus Tibetan Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Boxerdoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pomchi     Shetland Sheepdog versus French Bulldog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Greyhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Field Spaniel     

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