A Detailed Comparison of the Kishu Ken and the Spinone Italiano.

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Kishu Ken Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction

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

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

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 Spinone Italiano.

Kishu Ken versus Spinone Italiano: Overview

A very important difference between the Kishu Ken and the Spinone Italiano is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kishu Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Kishu Ken versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kishu Ken to the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano

Factor Kishu Ken Spinone Italiano
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Height 17 to 22 inches 22 to 28 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
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 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 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 61 to 86 pounds
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 13 years 10 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $1000 – $1000
Average Price No Data $1180
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams beginning at 1 year of age
  • 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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano is 86 out of 125.

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

    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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano

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

  • Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs. However, Spinone Italianos get along well with other dogs.
  • Kishu Kens are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Spinone Italianos are very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the Spinone Italiano

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

  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Spinone Italiano are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Spinone Italiano are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Spinone Italiano are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Spinone Italiano are very easy to train.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Spinone Italiano have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Spinone Italiano require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Spinone Italiano can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Spinone Italiano are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kishu Ken versus Spinone Italiano

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

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

    On the other hand, Spinone Italianos weigh 61 to 86 pounds when fully grown. Spinone Italianos are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kishu Ken versus Spinone Italiano

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

    The lifespan of Spinone Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Spinone Italianos is 12.0 years.

    Spinone Italianos live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus Spinone Italiano

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

    Spinone Italianos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Kishu Ken or the Spinone Italiano

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kishu Ken or the Spinone Italiano?

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Kishu Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spinone Italiano?

    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.

    Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italianos?

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

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

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spinone Italianos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. Spinone Italiano

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

    Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italiano?

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Spinone Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kishu Kens and Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Spinone Italianos are very easy to train.

    Is the Kishu Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Spinone Italiano?

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Spinone Italianos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Collie (75 percent match with Spinone Italiano). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Collie.
  • French Spaniel (78 percent match with Spinone Italiano). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs French Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Puli     Kishu Ken versus Belgian Malinois     Kishu Ken versus Sealyham Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Dutch Shepherd     Kishu Ken versus Scottish Deerhound     Kishu Ken versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Kishu Ken versus Boxer     Kishu Ken versus American Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Kishu Ken versus Berger Picard     Kishu Ken versus Irish Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Kishu Ken versus Schipperke     Kishu Ken versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Kishu Ken versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Kishu Ken versus Japanese Spitz     Kishu Ken versus Whippet     Kishu Ken versus Bernedoodle     Kishu Ken versus Italian Greyhound     Kishu Ken versus Harrier     Kishu Ken versus Korean Jindo Dog     Kishu Ken versus Canaan Dog     Kishu Ken versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Kishu Ken versus Labradoodle     

    Spinone Italiano Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spinone Italiano versus Cockalier     Spinone Italiano versus Goldendoodle     Spinone Italiano versus Pomeranian     Spinone Italiano versus Golden Retriever     Spinone Italiano versus American Foxhound     Spinone Italiano versus Morkie     Spinone Italiano versus Giant Schnauzer     Spinone Italiano versus Great Pyrenees     Spinone Italiano versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Spinone Italiano versus Spanish Mastiff     Spinone Italiano versus Fila Brasileiro     Spinone Italiano versus American Water Spaniel     Spinone Italiano versus Mal Shi     Spinone Italiano versus Komondor     Spinone Italiano versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Spinone Italiano versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Mudi     Spinone Italiano versus Bloodhound     Spinone Italiano versus Lancashire Heeler     Spinone Italiano versus Mastiff     Spinone Italiano versus Yorkshire Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Spinone Italiano versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Spinone Italiano versus Bull Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Pug     

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