Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Japanese Spitz Versus Maltese: Introduction
- Japanese Spitz versus Maltese: Overview
- Japanese Spitz versus Maltese: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese
- The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese
- Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Maltese
- Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Maltese
- Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Maltese
- Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Maltese
- Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Malteses?
- Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Maltese
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Maltese?
- Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?
- Do Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?
- Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Maltese
- Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Spitz or the Maltese?
- Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Malteses?
- How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Malteses?
- Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Maltese?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Spitz
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Japanese Spitz versus Maltese. Which One is a Better Pet?
Japanese Spitz Versus Maltese: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese? 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 Japanese Spitz and the Maltese 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 Japanese Spitz and the Maltese.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese 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 Japanese Spitz and for the Maltese. 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 Japanese Spitz and the Maltese.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Japanese Spitz or the Maltese.
![](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/japanese-spitz-vs-maltese-which-is-better.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
Japanese Spitz versus Maltese: Overview
A very important difference between the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog while the Maltese is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese are Companion Dogs. This means both the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese 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.
Japanese Spitz versus Maltese: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Maltese 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 Japanese Spitz and the Maltese
Factor | Japanese Spitz | Maltese |
---|---|---|
Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Height | 10 to 16 inches | 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
Life Span | 10 to 16 years | 12 to 15 years |
Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | Up to 7 pounds |
Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 2/5 |
Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.5 years |
Average Price | $1600 | $2580 |
Price Range | $1500 – $2000 | $1800 – $3000 |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Japanese Spitz 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 Maltese. 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 Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maltese is 82 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Spitz is a better pet than the Maltese. So, you should get the Japanese Spitz!
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 Japanese Spitz and the Maltese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
![](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/similarities-between-japanese-spitz-and-maltese.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese
Below is a list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese are most different:
The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese
The Japanese Spitz and the Maltese are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Maltese
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese.
Japanese Spitzs weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Spitzs are 10 to 16 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Malteses weigh Up to 7 pounds when fully grown. Malteses are 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Maltese
The lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.
Malteses live longer than Japanese Spitzs.
![](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/breed-comparison-japanese-spitz-versus-maltese.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Maltese
The average price of the Japanese Spitz puppy is $1600. The price of the Japanese Spitz typically ranges from $1500 – $2000. However, the price of a Japanese Spitz can be as low as $800 and as high as $2200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 5 Japanese Spitz puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Maltese puppy is $2580. The price of the Maltese typically ranges from $1800 – $3000. However, the price of the Maltese can be as low as $500 and as high as $7995. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 413 Maltese puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Maltese is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.
Japanese Spitz | Maltese | |
---|---|---|
Average Price | $1600 | $2580 |
Price Range | $1500 to $2000 | $1800 to $3000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Japanese Spitz and Maltese. For different price points, the charts show how many Japanese Spitz puppies or how many Maltese puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
![A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Spitzs. The typical price range is shaded Green.](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/japanese-spitz-prices-average-range.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Spitzs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
![A breakdown of the prices of Malteses](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/maltese-prices-average-range.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
A breakdown of the prices of Malteses
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Japanese Spitz puppy or the Maltese puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
![](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/japanese-spitz-versus-maltese.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Maltese
Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.
Malteses do not like to be left alone.
Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Malteses?
Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.
Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Maltese
Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Maltese?
Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.
Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?
Japanese Spitzs 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.
Malteses 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 Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?
Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?
Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Maltese
Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Malteses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?
Japanese Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Malteses can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Spitz or the Maltese?
Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.
Malteses get along very well with other dogs.
Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Malteses?
Japanese Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Malteses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Malteses?
Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Maltese?
Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.
Malteses are very easy to train.
Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Maltese?
Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.
Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Spitz or the Maltese?
Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.
Malteses are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Spitz
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maltese 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 Maltese:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Japanese Spitz and how the Maltese compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Spitz and of the Maltese to other breeds:
Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds
Japanese Spitz versus Akbash Japanese Spitz versus Azawakh Japanese Spitz versus King Shepherd Japanese Spitz versus Toy Fox Terrier Japanese Spitz versus Schipperke Japanese Spitz versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Japanese Spitz versus Cocker Spaniel Japanese Spitz versus Boxerdoodle Japanese Spitz versus Siberian Husky Japanese Spitz versus Ibizan Hound Japanese Spitz versus Labrador Retriever Japanese Spitz versus Field Spaniel Japanese Spitz versus American Bulldog Japanese Spitz versus Papillon Japanese Spitz versus Chinook Japanese Spitz versus Sheepadoodle Japanese Spitz versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Japanese Spitz versus Morkie Japanese Spitz versus Chihuahua Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff Japanese Spitz versus Briard Japanese Spitz versus Keeshond Japanese Spitz versus Australian Cattle Dog Japanese Spitz versus Bouvier des Flandres Japanese Spitz versus Silky Terrier
Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maltese versus Black Mouth Cur Maltese versus Dogo Argentino Maltese versus Brittany Maltese versus Australian Shepherd Maltese versus Norwich Terrier Maltese versus Manchester Terrier Maltese versus Schipperke Maltese versus Japanese Chin Maltese versus Pomeranian Maltese versus Cairn Terrier Maltese versus Golden Retriever Maltese versus Spinone Italiano Maltese versus Cesky Terrier Maltese versus Shetland Sheepdog Maltese versus Irish Terrier Maltese versus Pointer Maltese versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Maltese versus Chinook Maltese versus Kai Ken Maltese versus Cockapoo Maltese versus Pomchi Maltese versus Boxerdoodle Maltese versus Saluki Maltese versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Maltese versus Spanish Mastiff
Conclusion: Japanese Spitz versus Maltese. 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 Japanese Spitz and the Maltese better suits you and your family.