Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Better than the Japanese Spitz as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Anatolian Shepherd Dog Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz? 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 Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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 Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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 Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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 Anatolian Shepherd Dog or the Japanese Spitz.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

A very important difference between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz

Factor Anatolian Shepherd Dog Japanese Spitz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 2/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 10 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 2 feet, 3 inches to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the s 10 to 16 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Weight 80 to 150 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $990 $2200
Price Range $750 – $1150 $2200 – $2200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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 the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Spitz is a better pet than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog. 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 Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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 Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz

    Below is a list of where the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz are most different:

    • Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Japanese Spitzs adapt well to apartment living.
    • Anatolian Shepherd Dogs 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 Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz

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

    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to train.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather.

    Size Comparison of Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Japanese Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 150 pounds when fully grown. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are 2 feet, 3 inches to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the s 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.

    Lifespan of Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is 13.0 years.

    Japanese Spitzs live longer than Anatolian Shepherd Dogs.

    Price of Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppy is $990. The price of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $750 – $1150. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 119 Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Japanese Spitz puppy is $2200. The price of the Japanese Spitz typically ranges from $2200 – $2200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Japanese Spitz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Japanese Spitz is more expensive than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. 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 Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Japanese Spitz

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Anatolian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or the Japanese Spitz

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs drool moderately.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or the Japanese Spitz?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs 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.

    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.

    Do Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs 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.

    Can Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Anatolian Shepherd Dog vs. Japanese Spitz

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs 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.

    Can Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs 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 Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or the Japanese Spitz?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs and Japanese Spitzs?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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 Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Japanese Spitz better suits you and your family.