Why you Should Get the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Instead of the Kai Ken.

Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Kai Ken: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken? 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and for the Kai Ken. 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Kai Ken.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kai Ken

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kai Ken: Overview

A very important difference between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken are Companion Dogs. This means both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken 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.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the Kai Ken 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken

Factor Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Kai Ken
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Height 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder 17 to 22 inches
Weight 13 to 18 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Life Span 9 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $2410 No Data
Price Range $1800 – $3000 No Data
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination;
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Kai Ken. 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 91 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a better pet than the Kai Ken. So, you should get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kai Ken

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken

    Below is a list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken are most different:

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt well to apartment living. However, Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are good for new dog owners. However, Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone. However, Kai Kens are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers. However, Kai Kens are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken are most similar:

  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size Comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kai Ken

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken.

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs 13 to 18 pounds when fully grown. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Kai Ken weighs 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. The Kai Ken is 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Size of Kai Ken

    Lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kai Ken

    The lifespan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of the Kai Ken is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Kai Ken is 14.0 years.

    The Kai Ken live longer than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kai Ken

    Temperament of the Kai Ken Versus the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 85.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 85.5 percent, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Kai Ken has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken by measuring the temperaments of 62 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and 1 Kai Kens.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kai Ken

    Health Problems of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Health Problems of Kai Ken

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel than for the Kai Ken.

    4 health tests are recommended for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and in Kai Kens.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Problems

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination;
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels here.

    Kai Ken Health Problems

    Kai Kens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Kai Ken puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Kai Ken puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Kai Ken breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Kai Kens for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kai Kens here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kai Ken

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed more than Kai Kens?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Kai Ken?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Kai Ken?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Kai Kens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Kai Ken

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Kai Kens?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Kai 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.

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. Kai Ken

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

    Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Kai Ken?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel compares to other breeds aside from the Kai Ken. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to other breeds:

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Frenchton     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bulldog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Scottish Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shiranian     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Havanese     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Cavachon     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Schipperke     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus English Toy Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kai Ken. 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.