Chinese Shar-Pei versus Japanese Spitz. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Chinese Shar-Pei Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Chinese Shar-Pei or the Japanese Spitz.

Chinese Shar-Pei versus Japanese Spitz

Chinese Shar-Pei versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Chinese Shar-Pei 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.

Chinese Shar-Pei versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz

Factor Chinese Shar-Pei Japanese Spitz
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
General Health 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 1/5 4/5
Height 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 16 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 55 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Life Span 8 to 12 years 10 to 16 years
Average Lifespan 10.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1620 $1600
Price Range $1100 – $2000 $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 Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Chinese Shar-Pei is 68 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 Chinese Shar-Pei. 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 Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz

    Below is a list of where the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz are most different:

  • Chinese Shar-Peis do not get along well with other dogs. However, Japanese Spitzs get along well with other dogs.
  • Chinese Shar-Peis not very playful. However, Japanese Spitzs are very playful.
  • Chinese Shar-Peis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Chinese Shar-Peis are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Japanese Spitzs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz

    The Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz are most similar:

  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chinese Shar-Pei versus Japanese Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz.

    Chinese Shar-Peis weigh 40 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Chinese Shar-Peis are 18 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 Chinese Shar-Pei versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of Chinese Shar-Peis is between 8 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Chinese Shar-Peis is 10.0 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 Chinese Shar-Peis.

    Price of Chinese Shar-Pei versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Chinese Shar-Pei puppy is $1620. The price of the Chinese Shar-Pei typically ranges from $1100 – $2000. However, the price of a Chinese Shar-Pei can be as low as $300 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 238 Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Chinese Shar-Pei is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Chinese Shar-Pei Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $1620 $1600
    Price Range $1100 to $2000 $1500 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Chinese Shar-Peis. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chinese Shar-Peis. 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 Chinese Shar-Pei 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: Chinese Shar-Pei versus Japanese Spitz

    Chinese Shar-Peis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chinese Shar-Peis shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Chinese Shar-Peis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Chinese Shar-Pei or the Japanese Spitz

    Chinese Shar-Peis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chinese Shar-Pei or the Japanese Spitz?

    Chinese Shar-Peis are very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Chinese Shar-Pei Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Chinese Shar-Peis Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Chinese Shar-Peis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chinese Shar-Peis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chinese Shar-Pei vs. Japanese Spitz

    Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Chinese Shar-Peis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chinese Shar-Peis cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chinese Shar-Pei or the Japanese Spitz?

    Chinese Shar-Peis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Chinese Shar-Peis good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Chinese Shar-Peis are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Chinese Shar-Peis and Japanese Spitzs?

    Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Chinese Shar-Pei Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Chinese Shar-Peis are fairly easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Is the Chinese Shar-Pei Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Chinese Shar-Peis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chinese Shar-Pei or the Japanese Spitz?

    Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Chinese Shar-Pei

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Chinese Shar-Pei:

  • Chow Chow (63 percent match with Chinese Shar-Pei). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Chow Chow.
  • Affenhuahua (62 percent match with Chinese Shar-Pei). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Affenhuahua.
  • 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 Chinese Shar-Pei vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Chinese Shar-Pei vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Chinese Shar-Pei vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Chinese Shar-Pei and how the Japanese Spitz compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Chinese Shar-Pei and of the Japanese Spitz to other breeds:

    Chinese Shar-Pei Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chinese Shar-Pei versus Pharaoh Hound     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Dogo Argentino     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Miniature Poodle     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Bolognese     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Hovawart     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Pomeranian     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Stabyhoun     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Dalmatian     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Spinone Italiano     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Toy Poodle     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Boykin Spaniel     Chinese Shar-Pei versus German Shepherd Dog     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Miniature Schnauzer     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Whoodle     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Pomchi     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Bearded Collie     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Goldador     Chinese Shar-Pei versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Pomeranian     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Bernedoodle     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Pharaoh Hound     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Standard Poodle     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Catahoula Bulldog     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus West Highland White Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Toy Fox Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Catahoula Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Maltese     Japanese Spitz versus Shichon     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Shepherd     Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Japanese Spitz versus Affenhuahua     Japanese Spitz versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus German Shepherd Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Bich Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Kishu Ken     Japanese Spitz versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Japanese Spitz versus Border Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Akbash     Japanese Spitz versus German Longhaired Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     

    Conclusion: Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Chinese Shar-Pei and the Japanese Spitz better suits you and your family.