Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Spitz. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Spitz

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Dogo Argentino Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino or the Japanese Spitz

Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Spitz

Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino Japanese Spitz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 23 to 27 inches 10 to 16 inches
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2510 $1600
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 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 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 Dogo Argentino is 67 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 Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Spitz

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Japanese Spitzs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Japanese Spitzs are good for new dog owners.
  • Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Dogo Argentinos 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 Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Spitz are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Spitz are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Japanese Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Spitz

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

    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 Spitzs weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Spitzs are 10 to 16 inches when fully grown.

    Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    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 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 Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Dogo Argentino Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $2510 $1600
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1500 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Dogo Argentino and Japanese Spitz. For different price points, the charts show how many Dogo Argentino puppies or how many Japanese Spitz 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 Dogo Argentinos. 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 Dogo Argentino 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.

    Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Spitz
    Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Spitz

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Japanese Spitz

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Japanese Spitzs?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the Japanese Spitz?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Dogo Argentinos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Japanese Spitz

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Japanese Spitz?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Japanese Spitz

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    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 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.

    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:

  • American Bulldog (78 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • 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 Dogo Argentino vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus Stabyhoun     Dogo Argentino versus Shihpoo     Dogo Argentino versus Keeshond     Dogo Argentino versus English Cocker Spaniel     Dogo Argentino versus Lakeland Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Dogo Argentino versus Bernedoodle     Dogo Argentino versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Dogo Argentino versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Dogo Argentino versus Sussex Spaniel     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Coton de Tulear     Japanese Spitz versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Saluki     Japanese Spitz versus Ibizan Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Xoloitzcuintli     Japanese Spitz versus Borzoi     Japanese Spitz versus Shiranian     Japanese Spitz versus Morkie     Japanese Spitz versus German Pinscher     Japanese Spitz versus Redbone Coonhound     

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