Which is Better between the Kishu Ken and the Shiranian? A Very Detailed Review.

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Kishu Ken Versus Shiranian: Introduction

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

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

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 Shiranian.

Kishu Ken versus Shiranian: Overview

A very important difference between the Kishu Ken and the Shiranian is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kishu Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Shiranian 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 Shiranian belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Kishu Ken versus Shiranian: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kishu Ken to the Shiranian 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 Shiranian

Factor Kishu Ken Shiranian
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Height 17 to 22 inches 7 to 12 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
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 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 4 to 16 pounds
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
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 $925 – $1200
Average Price No Data $1230
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

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 Shiranian. 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 Shiranian is 84 out of 125.

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

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 Shiranian 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 Shiranian

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

  • Kishu Kens have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shiranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Kishu Kens can tolerate cold weather. However, Shiranians cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the Shiranian

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

  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shiranian are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shiranian do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shiranian do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shiranian are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Shiranian 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 Shiranian are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kishu Ken versus Shiranian

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

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

    On the other hand, Shiranians weigh 4 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shiranians are 7 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kishu Ken versus Shiranian

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

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

    Shiranians live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus Shiranian

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

    Shiranians do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than Shiranians?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Kishu Ken or the Shiranian

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Shiranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Kishu Kens Bark and Howl? What about Shiranians?

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

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

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

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. Shiranian

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

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shiranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about Shiranians?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Kishu Kens and Shiranians?

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

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

    Is the Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the Shiranian?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Shiranians are not easy to train.

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

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shiranians adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Pomapoo (75 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Pomapoo.
  • Shichon (74 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Shichon.
  • Shihpoo (76 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Shihpoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Cockalier     Kishu Ken versus Stabyhoun     Kishu Ken versus Norfolk Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Kishu Ken versus Alaskan Malamute     Kishu Ken versus Whoodle     Kishu Ken versus Spanish Mastiff     Kishu Ken versus Border Collie     Kishu Ken versus Boykin Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Beaglier     Kishu Ken versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Kishu Ken versus Harrier     Kishu Ken versus Leonberger     Kishu Ken versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Kishu Ken versus Schnoodle     Kishu Ken versus Pekingese     Kishu Ken versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Kishu Ken versus Belgian Malinois     Kishu Ken versus Bordoodle     Kishu Ken versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Kishu Ken versus Puli     Kishu Ken versus American Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Lancashire Heeler     Kishu Ken versus Yorkshire Terrier     

    Shiranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiranian versus Redbone Coonhound     Shiranian versus Brittany     Shiranian versus Cairn Terrier     Shiranian versus Tibetan Spaniel     Shiranian versus Doberman Pinscher     Shiranian versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Shiranian versus Black Russian Terrier     Shiranian versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shiranian versus Airedale Terrier     Shiranian versus Basset Hound     Shiranian versus Lhasapoo     Shiranian versus Cane Corso     Shiranian versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shiranian versus Shetland Sheepdog     Shiranian versus Irish Setter     Shiranian versus Mountain Cur     Shiranian versus Komondor     Shiranian versus Bich Poo     Shiranian versus Japanese Spitz     Shiranian versus Japanese Spitz     Shiranian versus Patterdale Terrier     Shiranian versus Leonberger     Shiranian versus Irish Wolfhound     Shiranian versus Ibizan Hound     Shiranian versus Karelian Bear Dog     

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