Differences and Similarities between the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Cocker Spaniel Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel or the Japanese Spitz.

Cocker Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz

Cocker Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz are similar in size. The Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Cocker Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Cocker Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz

Factor Cocker Spaniel Japanese Spitz
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Height 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s 10 to 16 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Weight 24 to 28 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1760 $1600
Price Range $1200 – $2000 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel is 77 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 Cocker Spaniel. 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Cocker Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz

    Below is a list of where the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz are most different:

  • Cocker Spaniels require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.
  • Cocker Spaniels have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Japanese Spitzs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    • The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to train.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz.

    Cocker Spaniels weigh 24 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cocker Spaniels are 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 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 Cocker Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of Cocker Spaniels is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cocker Spaniels 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.

    Cocker Spaniels live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Cocker Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz

    Price of Cocker Spaniel versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Cocker Spaniel puppy is $1760. The price of the Cocker Spaniel typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of a Cocker Spaniel can be as low as $700 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 297 Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Cocker Spaniel Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $1760 $1600
    Price Range $1200 to $2000 $1500 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cocker Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cocker Spaniels. 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 Cocker Spaniel 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.

    Cocker Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cocker Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz

    Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Japanese Spitz

    Cocker Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cocker Spaniel or the Japanese Spitz?

    Cocker Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Cocker Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Cocker Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Japanese Spitz

    Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniel or the Japanese Spitz?

    Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniels and Japanese Spitzs?

    Cocker Spaniels get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Is the Cocker Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Cocker Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel:

  • Bichon Frise (77 percent match with Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Bichon Frise.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (76 percent match with Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs English Cocker Spaniel.

    • 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 Cocker Spaniel vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Cocker Spaniel vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Cocker Spaniel vs Dutch Shepherd.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cocker Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cocker Spaniel versus Belgian Sheepdog     Cocker Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Cocker Spaniel versus Papillon     Cocker Spaniel versus English Setter     Cocker Spaniel versus Spinone Italiano     Cocker Spaniel versus Akita     Cocker Spaniel versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Cocker Spaniel versus Norwegian Buhund     Cocker Spaniel versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Cocker Spaniel versus Silky Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Australian Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Mountain Cur     Cocker Spaniel versus Affenpinscher     Cocker Spaniel versus Belgian Sheepdog     Cocker Spaniel versus French Bulldog     Cocker Spaniel versus Irish Water Spaniel     Cocker Spaniel versus Beagle     Cocker Spaniel versus Bulldog     Cocker Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog     Cocker Spaniel versus Australian Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Great Pyrenees     Cocker Spaniel versus Barbet     Cocker Spaniel versus Barbet     Cocker Spaniel versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Rottweiler     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Scottish Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Norwich Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Pekingese     Japanese Spitz versus American Eskimo Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Belgian Malinois     Japanese Spitz versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Irish Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Dutch Shepherd     Japanese Spitz versus Yorkshire Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Standard Schnauzer     Japanese Spitz versus Field Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Rottweiler     Japanese Spitz versus Swedish Vallhund     Japanese Spitz versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Japanese Spitz versus Standard Poodle     Japanese Spitz versus Gordon Setter     Japanese Spitz versus Alaskan Malamute     Japanese Spitz versus Finnish Lapphund     Japanese Spitz versus Shihpoo     Japanese Spitz versus Boston Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Saint Bernard     Japanese Spitz versus Keeshond     Japanese Spitz versus Kuvasz     

    Conclusion: Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Japanese Spitz better suits you and your family.