Is the Kishu Ken Better than the Toy Fox Terrier as a Pet? Answer…

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Kishu Ken Versus Toy Fox Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Kishu Ken versus Toy Fox Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Kishu Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kishu Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Toy Fox Terrier is a tiny-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 Toy Fox 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 Toy Fox Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kishu Ken to the Toy Fox 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 Toy Fox Terrier

Factor Kishu Ken Toy Fox Terrier
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Height 17 to 22 inches 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
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 2/5
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 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 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 3 to 7 pounds
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 13 years 13 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $875 – $1200
Average Price No Data $1100
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Congenital Hypothyroidism w/Goiter
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • 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 Toy Fox 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 Toy Fox Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Kishu Ken is a better pet than the Toy Fox Terrier. 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 Toy Fox 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 Toy Fox Terrier

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

  • Kishu Kens are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Toy Fox Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Kishu Kens not very playful. However, Toy Fox Terriers are very playful.
  • Kishu Kens can tolerate cold weather. However, Toy Fox Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier

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

  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Toy Fox 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 Toy Fox Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Toy Fox Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kishu Ken versus Toy Fox Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kishu Ken and the Toy Fox 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, Toy Fox Terriers weigh 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. Toy Fox Terriers are 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kishu Ken versus Toy Fox 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 Toy Fox Terriers is between 13 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Toy Fox Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Toy Fox Terriers live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus Toy Fox Terrier

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

    Toy Fox Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than Toy Fox Terriers?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kishu Ken or the Toy Fox Terrier

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Toy Fox Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    Toy Fox Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Kishu Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Toy Fox 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.

    Toy Fox Terriers 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 Toy Fox Terriers?

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

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

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Toy Fox Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Toy Fox Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. Toy Fox 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.

    Toy Fox Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Toy Fox Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers 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 Toy Fox Terrier?

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Toy Fox Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about Toy Fox Terriers?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kishu Kens and Toy Fox Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the Toy Fox Terrier?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Toy Fox Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Kishu Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Toy Fox Terrier?

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Toy Fox Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Cairn Terrier (78 percent match with Toy Fox Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Ibizan Hound (76 percent match with Toy Fox Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Lowchen (77 percent match with Toy Fox Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Lowchen.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus English Setter     Kishu Ken versus Bracco Italiano     Kishu Ken versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Pomsky     Kishu Ken versus Frenchton     Kishu Ken versus Boerboel     Kishu Ken versus Irish Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Kishu Ken versus Irish Water Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Mal Shi     Kishu Ken versus Manchester Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Doberman Pinscher     Kishu Ken versus Samoyed     Kishu Ken versus Black Mouth Cur     Kishu Ken versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Kishu Ken versus Puli     Kishu Ken versus Miniature Pinscher     Kishu Ken versus Shihpoo     Kishu Ken versus Goldendoodle     Kishu Ken versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Kishu Ken versus Bich Poo     Kishu Ken versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Kishu Ken versus Maltese     Kishu Ken versus American Water Spaniel     

    Toy Fox Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Toy Fox Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Toy Fox Terrier versus Bullmastiff     Toy Fox Terrier versus Mudi     Toy Fox Terrier versus Bracco Italiano     Toy Fox Terrier versus Borzoi     Toy Fox Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Toy Fox Terrier versus Lowchen     Toy Fox Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Toy Fox Terrier versus Cockalier     Toy Fox Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Toy Fox Terrier versus Chi-Poo     Toy Fox Terrier versus Rottweiler     Toy Fox Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Toy Fox Terrier versus Briard     Toy Fox Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Toy Fox Terrier versus Kishu Ken     Toy Fox Terrier versus Whippet     Toy Fox Terrier versus Saluki     Toy Fox Terrier versus Lowchen     Toy Fox Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Toy Fox Terrier versus Schnoodle     Toy Fox Terrier versus Maltipoo     Toy Fox Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     Toy Fox Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Toy Fox Terrier versus Field Spaniel     

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