Breed Comparison: Kishu Ken Versus Tibetan Terrier

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Kishu Ken Versus Tibetan Terrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Tibetan Terrier.

Kishu Ken versus Tibetan Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Kishu Ken and the Tibetan Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kishu Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Tibetan Terrier 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 Tibetan Terrier belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Kishu Ken versus Tibetan Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kishu Ken to the Tibetan Terrier 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 Tibetan Terrier

Factor Kishu Ken Tibetan Terrier
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Height 17 to 22 inches 14 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 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
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 2/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 20 to 24 pounds
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
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 12 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $2100
Average Price No Data $1930
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Annual recertification REQUIRED
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • NEURONAL CEROID LIPOFUSCINOSIS (NCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens 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 Tibetan Terrier. 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 Tibetan Terrier is 85 out of 125.

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

    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 Tibetan Terrier 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 Tibetan Terrier

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

  • Kishu Kens are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Tibetan Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Kishu Kens not very playful. However, Tibetan Terriers are very playful.
  • Kishu Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Tibetan Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the Tibetan Terrier

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Tibetan Terriers weigh 20 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Tibetan Terriers are 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kishu Ken versus Tibetan Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Tibetan Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Tibetan Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Tibetan Terriers live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus Tibetan Terrier

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

    Tibetan Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than Tibetan Terriers?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Kishu Ken or the Tibetan Terrier

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tibetan Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kishu Ken or the Tibetan Terrier?

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Kishu Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Tibetan Terrier?

    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.

    Tibetan Terriers 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 Tibetan Terriers?

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

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

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Tibetan Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Tibetan Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. Tibetan Terrier

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

    Tibetan Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Tibetan Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Tibetan Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Tibetan Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about Tibetan Terriers?

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

    Tibetan Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kishu Kens and Tibetan Terriers?

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

    Tibetan Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the Tibetan Terrier?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Tibetan Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Kishu Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Tibetan Terrier?

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Tibetan Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Portuguese Water Dog (78 percent match with Tibetan Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Portuguese Water Dog.
  • Barbet (79 percent match with Tibetan Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Barbet.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Tibetan Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (78 percent match with Tibetan Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Newfoundland     Kishu Ken versus Newfoundland     Kishu Ken versus Akita Chow     Kishu Ken versus Australian Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Welsh Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Toy Poodle     Kishu Ken versus Schipperke     Kishu Ken versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Kishu Ken versus Azawakh     Kishu Ken versus Portuguese Pointer     Kishu Ken versus Manchester Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Cairn Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Kishu Ken versus Spanish Mastiff     Kishu Ken versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Kishu Ken versus English Cocker Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus English Toy Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Lakeland Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Clumber Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Coton de Tulear     Kishu Ken versus Berger Picard     Kishu Ken versus Pomapoo     Kishu Ken versus Catahoula Bulldog     Kishu Ken versus Black Russian Terrier     Kishu Ken versus French Spaniel     

    Tibetan Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Tibetan Terrier versus Mastiff     Tibetan Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog     Tibetan Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Tibetan Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Tibetan Terrier versus Bearded Collie     Tibetan Terrier versus Jack Russell Terrier     Tibetan Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Tibetan Terrier versus French Bulldog     Tibetan Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Tibetan Terrier versus Mal Shi     Tibetan Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Tibetan Terrier versus Golden Retriever     Tibetan Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer     Tibetan Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Tibetan Terrier versus Samoyed     Tibetan Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Tibetan Terrier versus Rottweiler     Tibetan Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     Tibetan Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Tibetan Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Tibetan Terrier versus Papillon     Tibetan Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     Tibetan Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     Tibetan Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Tibetan Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     

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