Samoyed vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Samoyed vs Kai Ken - Breed ComparisonKai Ken is originated from Japan but Samoyed is originated from Russia. Both Kai Ken and Samoyed are having almost same height. Kai Ken may weigh 8 kg / 17 pounds lesser than Samoyed. Both Kai Ken and Samoyed has almost same life span. Both Kai Ken and Samoyed has almost same litter size. Both Kai Ken and Samoyed requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
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Japan
Russia
Height Male:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
48 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
Height Female:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
48 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 7
4 - 8
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Tiger Dog, Tora Inu
Sammy, Bjelkier, Smiley
Colors Available:
Brindle color in black or red shade
White
Coat:
Medium length and coarse
Medium length, thick
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

kai kenThe Kai Ken dog hails from Japan and is both an ancient and rare dog. In fact the dog was discovered in 1929 in the Kai province near Mount Fuji. The dog has the nickname Tora Inu in Japan which means 'Tiger Dog'. Maybe its got to do with the brindle striped coat or his bravery.

He falls into the working class category. In 1931, the Kai Ken Aigokai registry was formed to preserve the dog. In fact in this year Dasuke Adachi discovered these dogs and in 1934 was actually designated a Natural Monument in Japan and also protected by law.

The Kai Ken was recognized in 1934 by the Japanese Kennel Club. It is not 100% certain but it is thought that the dog was brought to the United States in the 1950s.

samoyedThe Samoyed is a large breed of dog; a spitz-type dog, with a thick, double-layer coat. The dog was used to help with herding and to also haul sledges for the Siberian Samoyede people.

The Samoyed has been used in polar expeditions, including Sir Ernest Shackleton's journey to the Antarctic. They’ve put up with a lot of hardships on these journeys and some of them have lost their lives on these expeditions.

The first standard for the breed was adopted in England in 1909, and in 1923 the original Samoyed Club of America was established.

Description

kai ken puppy - descriptionThe Kai Ken has always been used for hunting purposes. He comes as recommended for hunting people and those who are active.

It is a medium sized dog standing at between 43 to 56cm in height both male and female and weighing between 14 and 22kg.

The ears of the dog are erect, the muzzle is fairly tapered and the nose is black. The tail is bushy like that of a fox and curls over the back. The double coat of the dog is of medium length and harsh and is a brindle color in a reddish or black shade.

Puppies are born black and then the brindle stripe-like pattern comes in later. He has an athletic body and is a keen swimmer.

Temperament:

The Kai Ken is an intelligent dog, loyal to his human family while being somewhat reserved around strangers. They are amicable with both children in the home as well as other pets.

He is a friendly, intelligent dog, forming close bonds with his family. Have him trained and socialized and he'll make you a splendid pet who will be willing to guard you if anyone threatens.

One look at that bright face and you can see that he is an intelligent, independent dog. He is also courageous and fearless and makes a great watchdog, especially because he is naturally reserved and suspicious with strangers.

samoyed puppy - descriptionThe Samoyed is a large herding dog standing at between 48 to 60cm in height and weighing 16 – 30kg. He has a thick, double layer coat that is silvery white.

The top layer is fairly long and coarse. The dog sheds heavily once or twice a year, but the dog is described as being hypoallergenic.

The ears of the dog are typical spitz-like – erect. The eyes of the dog are almond in shape and while they are usually brown, they can sometimes be blue too. The tail is long and curls over the dog’s back. When these dogs sleep in the snow, you might notice the tail is folded so that it covers the dog’s nose.

Temperament:

The Samoyed is a friendly dog, to such an extent that you wouldn’t call him a good watchdog. They’re friendly dogs with happy expressions on their faces. They make great family pets and will get on well with children as well as other dogs in the home.

Like all dogs, the Samoyed will need early training and socialization to make him obedient and well rounded. He is intelligent and can easily learn a few basic commands.

Characteristics

kai ken dog - characteristicsThe Kai Ken is a working- and hunting dog, so he is used to being active and will want a home where he can be played with and exercised regularly.

He can be slightly stubborn and independent so training and socialization are imperative. This is also because the dog’s curiosity and his athletic skills can lead to trouble if he isn’t properly trained.

Treat him the way he deserves and you’ll see that he is able to develop a strong bond with you and be altogether an excellent family pet.

samoyed dog - characteristicsThe Samoyed is a gentle, easy going dog that gets on well with everyone, loving children and being prepared to be friendly towards other dogs too.

His friendliness makes it that he doesn’t make a good watchdog. He is intelligent and can be trained to obey basic commands.

He loves plenty of exercise, after all he has always been a working dog. Apart from the coat which will require quite a bit of upkeep, the Samoyed is prepared to come into your home and make you a splendid pet and companion.

Health Problems

kai ken puppies - health problemsWith a lifespan of 14 to 16 years, and given the genetic purity of the Kai Ken, you aren't likely to battle with congenital health problems with your dog, but it is always good to be aware of certain minor health issues that he could succumb to.

He can suffer from a few common dog diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy or hip dysplasia.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This is a disease of the eye where there is wasting of certain parts, and in this case the cells of the retina develop abnormally. This can eventually lead to blindness. It’s an inherited disease that can occur in pure- and mixed breeds, and dogs with PRA shouldn’t be used for breeding.

It isn’t a painful condition, and the first symptom usually noticed in a dog is night blindness where you may notice him bumping into things at night and being reluctant to walk around in the dark.

Some of the common canine diseases your Samoyed can succumb to -

Diabetes:

samoyed puppies - health problemsDogs can get diabetes just like people can. Diabetes is becoming more common in dogs as people try and feed their dogs ‘treats’ such as chocolates, biscuits and ice-cream.

Fortunately diabetes is manageable. Certainly, if you discover signs of diabetes in your pet, get him to the vet. The typical symptoms of diabetes in dogs are increased urination, increased thirst and weight loss. Cataracts and blindness can also occur.

Glaucoma: 

Glaucoma is when there is increased pressure in the eye. It can be hereditary or secondary where there is decreased fluid in the eye because of other eye diseases. Symptoms include pain and even vision loss. It can be treated surgically or with eye drops.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is an inherited condition in dogs where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Some dogs will even have lameness in both rear legs. The vet will want x-rays to diagnose hip dysplasia. Unfortunately arthritis can also develop.

Caring The Pet

kai ken dogs - caringEven though the coat is thick, the Kai Ken will require basic canine care, so a brush twice a week will be enough to keep the coat free of loose hair. He sheds more heavily a couple of times a year and then he will require more brushing.

He has always been used to hunt so he is a dog that will require regular exercise such as walks, hikes, swimming and ball games.

The nails of the dog should be trimmed regularly once they become long as long nails can be hazardous and can hook onto things, causing injury to the nail area.

The ears of the dog should be checked regularly for fleas and ticks, and teeth should also be brushed with canine toothbrush and toothpaste.

Grooming:

samoyed dogs - caringThe coat of the dog is super thick and in the Spring, the dog sheds a lot. Samoyed dog owners will need to be regular with their brushing routine with these dogs as the coat can easily tangle. Some people just prefer to get their Samoyed to a professional groomer.

Exercise:

This is a working dog, used to working hard in all kinds of conditions. He doesn’t take kindly to being bored with nothing to do and he howls and barks till you take him on a walk. He requires regular exercise such as hiking, ball games, running and swimming. It is why this dog isn’t suited to life on a small property in the city. He requires a large garden or farm and lots of exercise.

Diet:

If you want your Samoyed to be healthy so that you’re not constantly at the vet, provide him with top quality food. It is always useful and convenient having commercially manufactured food but you want to vary the diet just a bit by providing some homemade food too.

If you boil chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots in a pot you can chop it all up and freeze it and feed portions twice a week to your dog. Warmed up it can be added to his dry kibble and be a wonderful tasty treat for him. Every now and then you can also include some raw meat which can be beneficial for his skin. Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Samoyed vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Samoyed vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Samoyed vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Samoyed vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Samoyed vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Samoyed vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Samoyed vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Samoyed vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Samoyed vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Samoyed vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Samoyed vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Samoyed vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Samoyed vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Samoyed vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Samoyed vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Samoyed vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Samoyed vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Samoyed vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Samoyed vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Samoyed vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Samoyed vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Samoyed vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Samoyed vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Samoyed vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Samoyed vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison