Airedale Terrier versus Japanese Spitz. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

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Airedale Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

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Airedale Terrier Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier or the Japanese Spitz

Airedale Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

Airedale Terrier versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Airedale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Japanese Spitz belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs 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.

Airedale Terrier versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier Japanese Spitz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 10 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Height 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 16 inches
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
General Health 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1360 $1600
Price Range $950 – $1800 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier is 70 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 Airedale Terrier. 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 Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Airedale Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Japanese Spitzs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Airedale Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Japanese Spitzs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Airedale Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Japanese Spitzs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    • The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to train.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Airedale Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

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

    Airedale Terriers weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Airedale Terriers are 21 to 23 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 Airedale Terrier versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Airedale Terrier puppy is $1360. The price of the Airedale Terrier typically ranges from $950 – $1800. However, the price of a Airedale Terrier can be as low as $250 and as high as $3135. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 282 Airedale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    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 collecting and reviewing the prices of 5 Japanese Spitz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Japanese Spitz is more expensive than the Airedale Terrier.

    Airedale Terrier Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $1360 $1600
    Price Range $950 to $1800 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Airedale Terriers. 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 Airedale Terrier 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.

    Airedale Terrier versus Japanese Spitz
    Airedale Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

    Is the Airedale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which one drools more, the Airedale Terrier or the Japanese Spitz

    Airedale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Airedale Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

    Airedale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Airedale Terriers shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?

    Airedale Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Airedale Terriers 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.

    Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Airedale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Airedale Terriers and Japanese Spitzs?

    Airedale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    Airedale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Airedale Terriers are very easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Do Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

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

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. Japanese Spitz

    Airedale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    Airedale Terriers 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.

    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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Airedale Terrier

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

  • Australian Shepherd (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Australian Shepherd.
  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Springer Spaniel (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs English Springer Spaniel.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Airedale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Airedale Terrier versus Boxer     Airedale Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Airedale Terrier versus Australian Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel     Airedale Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     Airedale Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog     Airedale Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Airedale Terrier versus Shihpoo     Airedale Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Pomsky     Japanese Spitz versus Lhasapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Bouvier des Flandres     Japanese Spitz versus Schnoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Lowchen          Japanese Spitz versus Sealyham Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Boston Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Mal Shi     Japanese Spitz versus Finnish Lapphund     

    Conclusion: Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Japanese Spitz better suits you and your family.