A Detailed Comparison of the Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz.

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Canaan Dog Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

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

Canaan Dog versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Canaan 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.

Canaan Dog versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Canaan 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 Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz

Factor Canaan Dog Japanese Spitz
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Height 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 16 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Weight 35 to 55 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $600 $1600
Price Range $600 – $600 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Canaan 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 Canaan Dog is 85 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 Canaan 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 Canaan 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 Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Canaan 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 Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Canaan 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 Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Canaan Dog versus Japanese Spitz

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

    Canaan Dogs weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Canaan Dogs are 19 to 24 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 Canaan Dog versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of Canaan Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Canaan 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.

    Canaan Dogs live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Price of Canaan Dog versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Canaan Dog puppy is $600. The price of the Canaan Dog typically ranges from $600 – $600. However, the price of a Canaan Dog can be as low as $600 and as high as $600. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Canaan Dog 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 is more expensive than the Canaan Dog.

    Canaan Dog Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $600 $1600
    Price Range $600 to $600 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Canaan 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 Canaan 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: Canaan Dog versus Japanese Spitz

    Canaan Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Canaan Dogs shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Canaan Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Canaan Dog or the Japanese Spitz

    Canaan 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 Canaan Dog or the Japanese Spitz?

    Canaan Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

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

    Canaan Dogs 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.

    Do Canaan Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Canaan Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Canaan Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Canaan Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Canaan Dog vs. Japanese Spitz

    Canaan Dogs 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 Canaan Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Canaan 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 Canaan Dog or the Japanese Spitz?

    Canaan Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Canaan Dogs good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Canaan 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 Canaan Dogs and Japanese Spitzs?

    Canaan 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 Canaan Dog Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Canaan Dogs are very easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Is the Canaan Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Canaan Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Canaan Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Canaan Dog

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

  • Dutch Shepherd (78 percent match with Canaan Dog). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz 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 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 Canaan Dog vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Canaan Dog vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Canaan Dog vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Canaan Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Canaan Dog versus Mudi     Canaan Dog versus Collie     Canaan Dog versus Manchester Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Spanish Mastiff     Canaan Dog versus King Shepherd     Canaan Dog versus Lancashire Heeler     Canaan Dog versus Labradoodle     Canaan Dog versus Pomsky     Canaan Dog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Canaan Dog versus Brussels Griffon     Canaan Dog versus Great Dane     Canaan Dog versus Lakeland Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Azawakh     Canaan Dog versus Cocker Spaniel     Canaan Dog versus King Shepherd     Canaan Dog versus Italian Greyhound     Canaan Dog versus Havanese     Canaan Dog versus Whoodle     Canaan Dog versus Australian Kelpie     Canaan Dog versus Maltese     Canaan Dog versus Japanese Spitz     Canaan Dog versus Bluetick Coonhound     Canaan Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Canaan Dog versus Gordon Setter     Canaan Dog versus Bernedoodle     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Bluetick Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Lowchen     Japanese Spitz versus Norfolk Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Chinese Crested     Japanese Spitz versus Bich Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Komondor     Japanese Spitz versus Mountain Cur     Japanese Spitz versus Coton de Tulear     Japanese Spitz versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Toy Poodle     Japanese Spitz versus Cockapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Schipperke     Japanese Spitz versus Coton de Tulear     Japanese Spitz versus Japanese Chin     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Pinscher     Japanese Spitz versus Azawakh     Japanese Spitz versus Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Beaglier     Japanese Spitz versus Welsh Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Bracco Italiano     Japanese Spitz versus Azawakh     Japanese Spitz versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Borzoi     Japanese Spitz versus Lhasapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Pinscher     

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