Which is Better between the Kishu Ken and the West Highland White Terrier? A Very Detailed Review.

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Kishu Ken Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Kishu Ken versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Kishu Ken and the West Highland White Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kishu Ken is a medium-sized dog while the West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Kishu Ken versus West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kishu Ken to the West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier

Factor Kishu Ken West Highland White Terrier
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Height 17 to 22 inches 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
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 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 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 13 to 22 pounds
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
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 12 to 16 years
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Price Range No Data $1600 – $2700
Average Price No Data $2220
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams until at least age 8yrs (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier is 80 out of 125.

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

    Below is a list of where the Kishu Ken and the West Highland White Terrier are most different:

  • Kishu Kens are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, West Highland White Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs. However, West Highland White Terriers get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the West Highland White Terrier

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

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

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kishu Ken and the West Highland White 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, West Highland White Terriers weigh 13 to 22 pounds when fully grown. West Highland White Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kishu Ken versus West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is 14.0 years.

    West Highland White Terriers live longer than Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus West Highland White Terrier

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

    West Highland White Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kishu Ken or the West Highland White Terrier

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    West Highland White Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kishu Ken or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

    West Highland White Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Kishu Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the West Highland White 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.

    West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    West Highland White Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. West Highland White 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.

    West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier?

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    West Highland White Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kishu Kens and West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    West Highland White Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Kishu Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    West Highland White Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kishu Ken or the West Highland White Terrier?

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

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

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier:

  • Bearded Collie (82 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Bearded Collie.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (84 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Lowchen     Kishu Ken versus Maremma Sheepdog     Kishu Ken versus Shih Tzu     Kishu Ken versus Cane Corso     Kishu Ken versus Scottish Deerhound     Kishu Ken versus Keeshond     Kishu Ken versus Tibetan Mastiff     Kishu Ken versus Karelian Bear Dog     Kishu Ken versus Bich Poo     Kishu Ken versus Bolognese     Kishu Ken versus Sheepadoodle     Kishu Ken versus Clumber Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Aussiedoodle     Kishu Ken versus Great Dane     Kishu Ken versus Samoyed     Kishu Ken versus Patterdale Terrier     Kishu Ken versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Kishu Ken versus Cairn Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Stabyhoun     Kishu Ken versus Dachshund     Kishu Ken versus Pomeranian     Kishu Ken versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Kishu Ken versus Pug     Kishu Ken versus Shiba Inu     Kishu Ken versus Saint Berdoodle     

    West Highland White Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    West Highland White Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     West Highland White Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     West Highland White Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     West Highland White Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Chinese Crested     West Highland White Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer     West Highland White Terrier versus Bearded Collie     West Highland White Terrier versus Borzoi     West Highland White Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Akbash     West Highland White Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     West Highland White Terrier versus Pomeranian     West Highland White Terrier versus Cavachon     West Highland White Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     West Highland White Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     West Highland White Terrier versus Boxerdoodle     West Highland White Terrier versus Mountain Cur     West Highland White Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Chinese Crested     West Highland White Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     West Highland White Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Silky Terrier     

    Conclusion: Kishu Ken versus West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier better suits you and your family.