Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Dogo Argentino Versus Japanese Chin: Introduction
- Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Chin: Overview
- Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Chin: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin
- The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin
- Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Chin
- Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Japanese Chin
- The Popularity of Dogo Argentino versus Popularity of Japanese Chin
- Health Problems of Dogo Argentino versus Health Problems of Japanese Chin
- Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Japanese Chins?
- Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Chin
- Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather?
- How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Japanese Chins?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the Japanese Chin?
- Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Japanese Chin?
- Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Chins?
- Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Japanese Chin
- Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Japanese Chins?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Japanese Chin?
- Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Japanese Chin
- Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Chin?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Chin. Which One is a Better Pet?
Dogo Argentino Versus Japanese Chin: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin? 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 Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin 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 Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin 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 Dogo Argentino and for the Japanese Chin. 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 Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Dogo Argentino or the Japanese Chin
Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Chin: Overview
A very important difference between the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dogo Argentino is a large-sized dog while the Japanese Chin is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Dogo Argentino 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 Chin 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.
Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Chin: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Dogo Argentino to the Japanese Chin 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 | Dogo Argentino | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 23 to 27 inches | 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 80 to 100 pounds | 4 to 9 pounds |
| Life Span | 9 to 15 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $2510 | $1930 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2500 | $1500 – $2100 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 93 | 102 |
*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 Dogo Argentino 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 Chin. 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 Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Japanese Chin is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Chin is a better pet than the Dogo Argentino. So, you should get the Japanese Chin!
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 Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin
Below is a list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin are most different:
The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin
The Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Chin
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin.
Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Japanese Chins weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Chins are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Japanese Chin
The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Japanese Chin puppy is $1930. The price of the Japanese Chin typically ranges from $1500 – $2100. However, the price of a Japanese Chin can be as low as $600 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 71 Japanese Chin puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Japanese Chin.
| Dogo Argentino | Japanese Chin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2510 | $1930 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2500 | $1500 to $2100 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Dogo Argentino and Japanese Chin. For different price points, the charts show how many Dogo Argentino puppies or how many Japanese Chin puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Chins
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dogo Argentino puppy or the Japanese Chin 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.
The Popularity of Dogo Argentino versus Popularity of Japanese Chin
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Dogo Argentino is more popular with dog owners than the Japanese Chin. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Dogo Argentino is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Japanese Chin is 102 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Dogo Argentino
Popularity of Japanese Chin
| Year | Dogo Argentino Popularity Rank | Japanese Chin Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 93.0 | 111 |
| 2013 | no data | 87 |
| 2014 | no data | 93 |
| 2015 | no data | 97 |
| 2016 | no data | 108 |
| 2017 | no data | 108 |
| 2018 | no data | 104 |
| 2019 | no data | 108 |
Health Problems of Dogo Argentino versus Health Problems of Japanese Chin
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Japanese Chin is prone to more genetic health problems than the Dogo Argentino.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Japanese Chin than for the Dogo Argentino.
3 health tests are recommended for Dogo Argentino while 4 tests are recommended for the Japanese Chin.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dogo Argentinos and in Japanese Chins.
Dogo Argentino Health Problems
Dogo Argentinos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dogo Argentino puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Dogo Argentino puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dogo Argentino breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Dogo Argentinos for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogo Argentinos here.
Japanese Chin Health Problems
Japanese Chins are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Japanese Chin puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Japanese Chin puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Japanese Chin breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Japanese Chins for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Japanese Chins here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Dogo Argentinos and Japanese Chins
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Dogo Argentino Breed is Baer Hearing Test problems.
This is because the Dogo Argentino ranks 3 out of 21 dog breeds for Baer Hearing Test problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 105 Dogo Argentinos, 3 of them had Baer Hearing Test problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dogo Argentinos, and how common these diseases are in Dogo Argentinos relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Japanese Chin Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Japanese Chin ranks 1 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 50 Japanese Chins, 5 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Japanese Chins, and how common these diseases are in Japanese Chins relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Dogo Argentino and in Japanese Chin and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin:
| Disease | Dogo Argentino Rank | Japanese Chin Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Baer Hearing Test problems | 3 out of 21 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 16 out of 198 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 85 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 1 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Gm2-Gangliosidosis problems | Not Common | 1 out of 2 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 7 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 13 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 44 out of 159 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Chin?
Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.
Japanese Chins adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dogo Argentino or the Japanese Chin?
Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Japanese Chins are very good for new dog owners.
Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Japanese Chins?
Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Japanese Chins shed moderately.
Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Chin
Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.
Japanese Chins do not like to be left alone.
Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather?
Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Japanese Chins can moderately tolerate cold weather.
How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Japanese Chins?
Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Japanese Chins get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the Japanese Chin?
Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.
Japanese Chins get along fairly well with other dogs.
Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Japanese Chin?
Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.
Japanese Chins are fairly easy to train.
Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Chins?
Dogo Argentinos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Japanese Chins bark and howl, but not very much.
Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Japanese Chin
Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.
Japanese Chins do have a very low tendency to drool.
Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather?
Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.
Japanese Chins cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Japanese Chins?
Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Japanese Chins are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Japanese Chin?
Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.
Japanese Chins are moderately easy to groom.
Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Japanese Chin
Dogo Argentinos have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Japanese Chins do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Chin?
Dogo Argentinos 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 Chins have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Japanese Chin 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 Chin:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Dogo Argentino and how the Japanese Chin compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dogo Argentino and of the Japanese Chin to other breeds:
Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dogo Argentino versus Dalmatian Dogo Argentino versus Cockalier Dogo Argentino versus Afghan Hound Dogo Argentino versus English Toy Spaniel Dogo Argentino versus Boerboel Dogo Argentino versus Spinone Italiano Dogo Argentino versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Dogo Argentino versus Chow Chow Dogo Argentino versus Silky Terrier Dogo Argentino versus Skye Terrier
Japanese Chin Versus Other Dog Breeds
Japanese Chin versus Manchester Terrier Japanese Chin versus Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Chin versus Lhasa Apso Japanese Chin versus Cane Corso Japanese Chin versus Sussex Spaniel Japanese Chin versus German Shepherd Dog Japanese Chin versus Skye Terrier Japanese Chin versus Xoloitzcuintli Japanese Chin versus Cockalier Japanese Chin versus Pyrenean Mastiff
Conclusion: Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Chin. 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 Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Chin better suits you and your family.