Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cairn Terrier Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction
- Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Spitz: Overview
- Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Japanese Spitz
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Spitz
- Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Spitz
- Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Japanese Spitz
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Spitz
- Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Japanese Spitzs?
- Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Japanese Spitz
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?
- Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?
- Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Japanese Spitz
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?
- Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?
- How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Japanese Spitzs?
- Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Spitz
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Spitz. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cairn Terrier Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Japanese Spitz.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn 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 Cairn 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier or the Japanese Spitz.
Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Spitz: Overview
A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Japanese Spitz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Cairn 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.
Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cairn 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.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Cairn Terrier and the Japanese Spitz
| Factor | Cairn Terrier | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Weight | 13 to 14 pounds | 11 to 20 pounds |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 10 to 16 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1600 | $1600 |
| Price Range | $1475 – $1750 | $1500 – $2000 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cairn 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 the Cairn Terrier is 86 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 Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Japanese Spitz
The Cairn Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Spitz
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the Japanese Spitz.
Cairn Terriers weigh 13 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Cairn Terriers are 9 to 10 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 Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Spitz
The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn Terriers 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.
Cairn Terriers live longer than Japanese Spitzs.
Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Japanese Spitz
The average price of the Cairn Terrier puppy is $1600. The price of the Cairn Terrier typically ranges from $1475 – $1750. However, the price of a Cairn Terrier can be as low as $650 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 132 Cairn 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 the 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 and the Cairn Terrier are sold for about the same price.
| Cairn Terrier | Japanese Spitz | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1600 | $1600 |
| Price Range | $1475 to $1750 | $1500 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Cairn Terrier and Japanese Spitz. For different price points, the charts show how many Cairn Terrier puppies or how many Japanese Spitz puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Cairn Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Spitzs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cairn 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 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: Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Spitz
Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.
Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Japanese Spitzs?
Cairn Terriers shed moderately.
Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Japanese Spitz
Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?
Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.
Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.
Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?
Cairn 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.
Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?
Cairn 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.
Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Japanese Spitz
Cairn Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?
Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?
Cairn 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 Cairn Terriers and Japanese Spitzs?
Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?
Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.
Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.
Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?
Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cairn Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?
Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier:
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 Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the Japanese Spitz compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Japanese Spitz to other breeds:
Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cairn Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Beagle Cairn Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer Cairn Terrier versus Hovawart Cairn Terrier versus Border Terrier Cairn Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Cairn Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Cairn Terrier versus Miniature Poodle Cairn Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Belgian Malinois Cairn Terrier versus Kishu Ken Cairn Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Cairn Terrier versus Carolina Dog Cairn Terrier versus Borzoi Cairn Terrier versus Afador Cairn Terrier versus Skye Terrier Cairn Terrier versus Pomsky Cairn Terrier versus Bichon Frise Cairn Terrier versus Afador Cairn Terrier versus Collie Cairn Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute Cairn Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd Cairn Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier
Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds
Japanese Spitz versus Lancashire Heeler Japanese Spitz versus Beaglier Japanese Spitz versus Icelandic Sheepdog Japanese Spitz versus Chinese Shar-Pei Japanese Spitz versus English Setter Japanese Spitz versus Shihpoo Japanese Spitz versus Cavapoo Japanese Spitz versus Bracco Italiano Japanese Spitz versus Estrela Mountain Dog Japanese Spitz versus Irish Water Spaniel Japanese Spitz versus Norwegian Buhund Japanese Spitz versus Flat-Coated Retriever Japanese Spitz versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Japanese Spitz versus Border Terrier Japanese Spitz versus Bernese Mountain Dog Japanese Spitz versus Bull Terrier Japanese Spitz versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Japanese Spitz versus Coton de Tulear Japanese Spitz versus Pug Japanese Spitz versus Skye Terrier Japanese Spitz versus Border Collie Japanese Spitz versus Italian Greyhound Japanese Spitz versus Norwegian Buhund Japanese Spitz versus Cockalier Japanese Spitz versus Kuvasz
Conclusion: Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Japanese Spitz better suits you and your family.