Which is Better between the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz? A Very Detailed Review.

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Affenpinscher versus Japanese Spitz

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Affenpinscher Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz 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 Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz 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 Affenpinscher and for the Japanese Spitz. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Affenpinscher or the Japanese Spitz

Affenpinscher versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

A very important difference between the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Affenpinscher is a tiny-sized dog while the Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz are Companion Dogs. This means both the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz 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.

Affenpinscher versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Affenpinscher to the Japanese Spitz 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.

Factor Affenpinscher Japanese Spitz
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 16 years
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Weight 7 to 9 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Height 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 16 inches
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2220 $1670
Price Range $500 – $1962 $1400 – $2100
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Affenpinscher 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 Japanese Spitz. 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 a Affenpinscher is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Spitz is a better pet than the Affenpinscher. 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 Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz

    Below is a list of where the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz are most different:

  • Affenpinschers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    • The Similarities Between the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz

    The Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz are most similar:

  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Affenpinscher versus Japanese Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz.

    Affenpinschers weigh 7 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Affenpinschers are 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Japanese Spitzs weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Spitzs are 10 to 16 inches when fully grown.

    Price of Affenpinscher versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Affenpinscher puppy is $2220. The price of the Affenpinscher typically ranges from $500 – $1962. However, the price of a Affenpinscher can be as low as $150 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 8 Affenpinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Japanese Spitz puppy is $1670. The price of the Japanese Spitz typically ranges from $1400 – $2100. However, the price of a Japanese Spitz can be as low as $800 and as high as $2200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Japanese Spitz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Affenpinscher is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Affenpinscher Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $2220 $1670
    Price Range $500 to $1962 $1400 to $2100

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Affenpinscher and Japanese Spitz. For different price points, the charts show how many Affenpinscher puppies or how many Japanese Spitz puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Affenpinschers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Affenpinschers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Spitzs

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Spitzs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Affenpinscher puppy or the Japanese Spitz 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Affenpinscher versus Japanese Spitz

    Affenpinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    How Kid-friendly are Affenpinschers and Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Do Affenpinschers shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Affenpinschers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Affenpinscher or the Japanese Spitz

    Affenpinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Is the Affenpinscher Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Affenpinschers are not easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Do Affenpinschers Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

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

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Affenpinscher vs. Japanese Spitz

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

    Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Affenpinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Affenpinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Affenpinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Affenpinschers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Japanese Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Affenpinscher or the Japanese Spitz?

    Affenpinschers are moderately easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Affenpinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    Affenpinschers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    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.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Affenpinscher or the Japanese Spitz?

    Affenpinschers are very good for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Affenpinscher or the Japanese Spitz?

    Affenpinschers get along very well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Affenpinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Affenpinschers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Are Affenpinschers good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Affenpinscher

    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:

  • Bergamasco Sheepdog (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Affenpinscher vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Affenpinscher vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Affenpinscher vs Dutch Shepherd.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Spitz

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Affenpinscher 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 Affenpinscher:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (75 percent match with Affenpinscher). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Peek A Poo (75 percent match with Affenpinscher). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Peek A Poo.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Affenpinscher and how the Japanese Spitz compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Affenpinscher and of the Japanese Spitz to other breeds:

    Affenpinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Affenpinscher versus Cane Corso     Affenpinscher versus Plott     Affenpinscher versus Ibizan Hound     Affenpinscher versus Shiloh Shepherd     Affenpinscher versus Great Dane     Affenpinscher versus Collie     Affenpinscher versus Borzoi     Affenpinscher versus Boykin Spaniel     Affenpinscher versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Affenpinscher versus Boston Terrier     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Cairn Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Komondor     Japanese Spitz versus Bordoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Japanese Spitz versus Chinook     Japanese Spitz versus Greyhound     Japanese Spitz versus American Foxhound     

    Conclusion: Affenpinscher versus Japanese Spitz. 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 Affenpinscher and the Japanese Spitz better suits you and your family.