Differences and Similarities between the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz.

Dutch Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Dutch Shepherd Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Japanese Spitz

Dutch Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz

Dutch Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Dutch Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd Japanese Spitz
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 10 to 16 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1590 $1600
Price Range $900 – $2000 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd is 85 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 Dutch Shepherd. 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

Dutch Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz

The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz

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

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 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 Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd 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 Japanese Spitz is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.

    Dutch Shepherd Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $1590 $1600
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. 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 Dutch Shepherd 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.

    Dutch Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz
    Dutch Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Japanese Spitz

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Japanese Spitz

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Japanese Spitz?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds and Japanese Spitzs?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Japanese Spitz?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

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

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs French 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 Dutch Shepherd vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Bordoodle.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus French Bulldog     Dutch Shepherd versus Mastiff     Dutch Shepherd versus Korean Jindo Dog     Dutch Shepherd versus Bouvier des Flandres     Dutch Shepherd versus Redbone Coonhound     Dutch Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Bracco Italiano     Dutch Shepherd versus Pomapoo     Dutch Shepherd versus Border Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Mudi     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Japanese Spitz versus Dachshund     Japanese Spitz versus English Springer Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Toy Fox Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Stabyhoun     Japanese Spitz versus Kai Ken     Japanese Spitz versus Schnoodle     Japanese Spitz versus American Water Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Cane Corso     

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