Why you Should Get the Pomeranian Instead of the Kai Ken.

Last Updated: Apr 12, 2022

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Pomeranian Versus Kai Ken: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Kai Ken.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian or the Kai Ken.

Pomeranian versus Kai Ken

Pomeranian versus Kai Ken: Overview

A very important difference between the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pomeranian is a tiny-sized dog while the Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken are Companion Dogs. This means both the Pomeranian 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.

Pomeranian versus Kai Ken: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Kai Ken

Factor Pomeranian Kai Ken
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 12 to 16 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 3/5
Weight 3 to 7 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Height 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 22 inches
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $2150 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2500 No Data
Temperament Score 77.8 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kai Ken is 73 out of 125.

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

    Pomeranian versus Kai Ken

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken

    Below is a list of where the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken are most different:

  • Pomeranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Kai Kens have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Pomeranians have low exercise needs. However, Kai Kens require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Pomeranians are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Kai Kens are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken

    The Pomeranian and the Kai Ken are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken are most similar:

  • Both the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken are very easy to train.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Kai Ken

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pomeranian and the Kai Ken.

    The Pomeranian weighs 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. The Pomeranian is 7 to 12 inches tall 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 Pomeranian versus Size of Kai Ken

    Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Kai Ken

    The lifespan of the Pomeranian is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Pomeranian is 14.0 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 as long as the Pomeranian.

    Pomeranian versus Kai Ken

    Temperament of the Pomeranian Versus the Kai Ken

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Pomeranian.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Pomeranian is 77.8 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 77.8 percent, the Pomeranian has a below-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 Pomeranian and the Kai Ken by measuring the temperaments of 36 Pomeranians and 1 Kai Kens.

    Pomeranian versus Kai Ken

    Health Problems of Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pomeranian than for the Kai Ken.

    6 health tests are recommended for Pomeranian while 2 tests are recommended for the Kai Ken.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pomeranians and in Kai Kens.

    Pomeranian Health Problems

    Pomeranians are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pomeranian 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 Pomeranians for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pomeranians 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: Pomeranian versus Kai Ken

    Pomeranians do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Pomeranians shed more than Kai Kens?

    Pomeranians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pomeranian or the Kai Ken?

    Pomeranians require a lot of grooming and they are not 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 Pomeranian or the Kai Ken?

    Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Kai Kens?

    Pomeranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Kai Ken?

    Pomeranians are very easy to train.

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Kai Ken

    Pomeranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Kai Kens?

    Pomeranians do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kai Ken?

    Pomeranians 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.

    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 Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Kai Kens?

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

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

    Can Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pomeranians can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Kai Ken

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian Better for Apartment Owners than the Kai Ken?

    Pomeranians adapt very well to apartment living.

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pomeranian or the Kai Ken?

    Pomeranians are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

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

    Pomeranian versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Pomeranian versus Shih Tzu     Pomeranian versus Toy Fox Terrier     Pomeranian versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Pomeranian versus Stabyhoun     Pomeranian versus Shiba Inu     Pomeranian versus American Bulldog     Pomeranian versus Manchester Terrier     Pomeranian versus Ibizan Hound     Pomeranian versus Kuvasz     Pomeranian versus Pomeranian     Pomeranian versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Pomeranian versus Great Pyrenees     Pomeranian versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Pomeranian versus Scottish Terrier     

    Conclusion: Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Kai Ken better suits you and your family.