English Cocker Spaniel vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison

English Cocker Spaniel vs Kai Ken - Breed ComparisonKai Ken is originated from Japan but English Cocker Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom. Kai Ken may grow 13 cm / 6 inches higher than English Cocker Spaniel. Kai Ken may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than English Cocker Spaniel. Both Kai Ken and English Cocker Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Kai Ken and English Cocker Spaniel has same litter size. Both Kai Ken and English Cocker Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Japan
United Kingdom
Height Male:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
41 - 43 cm
16 - 17 inches
Height Female:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
38 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
13 - 16 kg
28 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 7
3 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Tiger Dog, Tora Inu
Cocker Spaniel, Spaniel Cocker, English Cocker
Colors Available:
Brindle color in black or red shade
Liver, Black and White, Liver and White, Red, Black
Coat:
Medium length and coarse
medium-length, silky, and slightly wavy coat
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, Energetic, Friendly
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
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.

english cocker spanielThe English Cocker Spaniel has a rich history that dates back to at least the 14th century in England. Originally bred as a bird hunting dog, the breed's name "Cocker" comes from their specialization in hunting the woodcock bird.

Early spaniels, including the Cocker, were used as gun dogs to flush out and retrieve game. Over time, they were developed into a smaller, more agile hunter, distinct from other spaniels like the English Springer Spaniel.

By the 19th century, breeders in England focused on enhancing the breed's stamina, agility, and hunting instincts, while also fostering a gentle temperament. The English Cocker Spaniel became recognized as a separate breed from the American Cocker Spaniel in the early 20th century. Though originally bred for fieldwork, the breed’s affectionate nature and beautiful, silky coat led to its growing popularity as a companion dog.

Today, the English Cocker Spaniel is cherished both as a working dog and a family pet, known for its friendly, playful, and loyal personality.

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.

english cocker spaniel puppy - descriptionThe English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized, elegant, and compact dog known for its beautiful coat and gentle nature. With a graceful, athletic build, it has a slightly wavy, silky coat that is longer on the ears, legs, chest, and belly, giving the dog a refined appearance.

Their large, expressive eyes and long, floppy ears add to their charming look. Typically, they stand between 15 to 17 inches (38 to 43 cm) tall and weigh between 26 to 34 pounds (12 to 15.5 kg), with males being slightly larger than females.

This breed is known for its friendly, affectionate nature, making it a beloved family companion. The English Cocker Spaniel is also energetic, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation, and is well-suited for active families.

Originally bred as a bird hunting dog, they have a strong instinct for retrieving and a keen sense of smell. Despite their hunting background, they are also social and adaptable, getting along well with other pets and children.

Their eager-to-please attitude makes them trainable, though they do require consistency. Overall, the English Cocker Spaniel is a loving, playful, and loyal dog that thrives in a family environment.

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.

english cocker spaniel dog - characteristicsThe English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized, graceful breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature. Standing between 15 to 17 inches tall and weighing between 26 to 34 pounds, they have a silky, slightly wavy coat with longer feathering on their ears, chest, legs, and belly, giving them an elegant appearance.

Their large, expressive eyes and long, floppy ears further enhance their charm. These dogs are gentle, playful, and social, forming strong bonds with their families and getting along well with children and other pets. Energetic and active, they enjoy regular exercise like walks, playtime, and sometimes swimming.

Smart and eager to please, they are relatively easy to train, though they may show a bit of independence at times. Loyal and loving, they seek companionship and attention from their owners. While generally healthy, English Cocker Spaniels can be prone to certain health issues like ear infections, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy. Overall, they make excellent companions for active families or individuals due to their affectionate, energetic, and loyal temperament.

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.

english cocker spaniel puppies - health problemsThe English Cocker Spaniel is generally healthy, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain health issues: Ear Infections: Their long ears can trap moisture, leading to infections. Regular cleaning is essential. Hip Dysplasia: A hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A genetic condition causing progressive vision loss.

Cataracts: Cloudiness in the lens of the eye, common in older dogs. Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Heart Issues: Mitral valve disease in older dogs. Obesity: Prone to weight gain if not properly exercised or fed. Regular vet visits, proper diet, and exercise help manage these conditions.

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.

english cocker spaniel dogs - caringCaring for an English Cocker Spaniel involves meeting their physical, emotional, and grooming needs. They are an active breed, so it’s important to provide daily exercise—a walk or play session for about 30 to 60 minutes will keep them happy and healthy. Mental stimulation is equally important, so be sure to provide toys, puzzles, and training sessions to keep their mind engaged.

Grooming is essential for this breed, as their long, silky coat needs to be brushed 2–3 times a week to prevent matting, especially around the ears and legs. Regular ear cleaning is also important to avoid infections, and they should be bathed every 4–6 weeks using a gentle dog shampoo.Nail trimming every 3–4 weeks and teeth brushing a few times a week will help maintain their overall health.

Their diet should consist of high-quality food tailored to their age, size, and activity level, with fresh water always available. Regular vet visits for vaccinations and health check-ups are crucial, and you should be vigilant for any signs of illness like ear infections or limping. Additionally, early socialization and positive reinforcement training will ensure they grow into well-rounded, obedient companions. By providing consistent care and attention to their physical and emotional needs, your English Cocker Spaniel will thrive as a loyal and loving member of the family.

Comparison with other breeds

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