Which is Better between the Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz? A Very Detailed Review.

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Dachshund versus Japanese Spitz

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Dachshund Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dachshund 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 Dachshund 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dachshund 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 Dachshund or the Japanese Spitz

Dachshund versus Japanese Spitz

Dachshund versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dachshund belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Dachshund versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dachshund 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.

Factor Dachshund Japanese Spitz
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Weight 16 to 32 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
General Health 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Height 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 16 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1730 $1600
Price Range $1000 – $2000 $1500 – $2000
Temperament Score 69.4 percent No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
    		•  No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dachshund 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 a Dachshund is 69 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Spitz is a better pet than the Dachshund. 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 Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Dachshund versus Japanese Spitz

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Dachshunds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Japanese Spitzs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Dachshunds gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Japanese Spitzs are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Dachshunds 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.
  • Dachshunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    • The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Japanese Spitz are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus Japanese Spitz

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

    Dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds when fully grown. Dachshunds are 8 inches to 9 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.

    Price of Dachshund versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Dachshund puppy is $1730. The price of the Dachshund typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Dachshund can be as low as $200 and as high as $24000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 698 Dachshund 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 a 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 Dachshund is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Dachshund Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $1730 $1600
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dachshunds. 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 Dachshund 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Dachshund versus Japanese Spitz
    Dachshund versus Japanese Spitz

    Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dachshunds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the Japanese Spitz

    Dachshunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Dachshunds are not easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus Japanese Spitz

    Dachshunds can be left alone only for a short time.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dachshunds 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 Dachshund or the Japanese Spitz?

    Dachshunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dachshunds shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Dachshunds shed moderately.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the Japanese Spitz?

    Dachshunds are moderately easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

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

    Dachshunds are very good for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Dachshunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Dachshund Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Dachshunds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and Japanese Spitzs?

    Dachshunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    Dachshunds 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 Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

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

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. Japanese Spitz

    Dachshunds 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund

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

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (71 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Lhasa Apso (71 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Lhasa Apso.
  • Manchester Terrier (75 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Miniature Pinscher (72 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Miniature Pinscher.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dachshund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dachshund versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Dachshund versus Rottweiler     Dachshund versus Dogo Argentino     Dachshund versus Goldendoodle     Dachshund versus Weimaraner     Dachshund versus Azawakh     Dachshund versus Labradoodle     Dachshund versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Dachshund versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Dachshund versus Bichon Frise     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Plott     Japanese Spitz versus Cairn Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Stabyhoun     Japanese Spitz versus Pomapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Berger Picard     Japanese Spitz versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Papipoo     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Black Mouth Cur     

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