A Detailed Comparison of the Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz.

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Australian Cattle Dog Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Cattle 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 Australian Cattle 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 Australian Cattle 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 Australian Cattle Dog or the Japanese Spitz.

Australian Cattle Dog versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Australian Cattle Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Australian Cattle Dog versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Cattle 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz

Factor Australian Cattle Dog Japanese Spitz
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 16 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 50 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $840 $2200
Price Range $500 – $996 $2200 – $2200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia (evaluation at two years or older)
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy RCD4
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Cattle 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 Australian Cattle Dog is 76 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 Australian Cattle 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 Australian Cattle 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz

    Below is a list of where the Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz are most different:

    • Australian Cattle Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Japanese Spitzs are good for new dog owners.
    • Australian Cattle Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Japanese Spitzs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Australian Cattle Dogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Japanese Spitzs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz

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

    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Australian Cattle 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to train.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Cattle Dog versus Japanese Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz.

    Australian Cattle Dogs weigh 30 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Australian Cattle Dogs are 17 to 20 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.

    Lifespan of Australian Cattle Dog versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is 13.5 years.

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

    Australian Cattle Dogs live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Price of Australian Cattle Dog versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Australian Cattle Dog puppy is $840. The price of the Australian Cattle Dog typically ranges from $500 – $996. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 692 Australian Cattle 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 Australian Cattle Dog.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Cattle Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Cattle 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 Australian Cattle 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: Australian Cattle Dog versus Japanese Spitz

    Australian Cattle Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Cattle Dogs shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Australian Cattle Dogs shed moderately.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Japanese Spitz

    Australian Cattle Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Japanese Spitz?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Cattle Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    Australian Cattle Dogs 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.

    Do Australian Cattle Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Australian Cattle 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 Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Cattle Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Cattle Dog vs. Japanese Spitz

    Australian Cattle 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 Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Cattle Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Australian Cattle Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Cattle Dogs good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Australian Cattle Dogs 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 Australian Cattle Dogs and Japanese Spitzs?

    Australian Cattle Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Australian Cattle Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Australian Cattle Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Cattle 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Japanese Spitz better suits you and your family.