A Detailed Comparison of the English Setter and the Japanese Spitz.

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English Setter versus Japanese Spitz

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English Setter Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English Setter 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 English Setter 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 English Setter 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 English Setter or the Japanese Spitz

English Setter versus Japanese Spitz

English Setter versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, the English Setter 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.

English Setter versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English Setter 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 English Setter Japanese Spitz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 10 to 16 inches
Life Span 11 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1020 $1600
Price Range $800 – $1200 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • 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 English Setter 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 English Setter is 74 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 English Setter. 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 English Setter and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    English Setter versus Japanese Spitz

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the English Setter and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • English Setters do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Japanese Spitzs adapt well to apartment living.
  • English Setters are very friendly towards strangers. However, Japanese Spitzs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • English Setters gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Japanese Spitzs are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • English Setters 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.
  • English Setters 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 English Setter and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the English Setter and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the English Setter and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Setter and the Japanese Spitz do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the English Setter 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 English Setter and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the English Setter and the Japanese Spitz are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the English Setter and the Japanese Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the English Setter and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the English Setter and the Japanese Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the English Setter and the Japanese Spitz get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the English Setter and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the English Setter and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of English Setter versus Japanese Spitz

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

    English Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. English Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 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 English Setter versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the English Setter puppy is $1020. The price of the English Setter typically ranges from $800 – $1200. However, the price of a English Setter can be as low as $450 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 English Setter 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 English Setter.

    English Setter Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $1020 $1600
    Price Range $800 to $1200 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of English Setters. 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 English Setter 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.

    English Setter versus Japanese Spitz
    English Setter versus Japanese Spitz

    Is the English Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    English Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: English Setter versus Japanese Spitz

    English Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the English Setter or the Japanese Spitz

    English Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    English Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Can English Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    English Setters 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.

    Do English Setters shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    English Setters shed moderately.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the English Setter or the Japanese Spitz?

    English Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Is the English Setter Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    English Setters are fairly easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Can English Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    English Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Do English Setters Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

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

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

    Are English Setters good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    English Setters 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 English Setters and Japanese Spitzs?

    English Setters 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 English Setter or the Japanese Spitz?

    English Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Does the English Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    English Setters 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: English Setter vs. Japanese Spitz

    English Setters 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 English Setter

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

  • Irish Setter (83 percent match with English Setter). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Irish Setter.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    English Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Setter versus Shiloh Shepherd     English Setter versus Ibizan Hound     English Setter versus Clumber Spaniel     English Setter versus Affenhuahua     English Setter versus Flat-Coated Retriever     English Setter versus Pomapoo     English Setter versus Basset Hound     English Setter versus Akita     English Setter versus Karelian Bear Dog     English Setter versus Irish Setter     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Boykin Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Sloughi     Japanese Spitz versus Cavapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Irish Wolfhound     Japanese Spitz versus Border Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Bernedoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Ibizan Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Maltese     Japanese Spitz versus Dogo Argentino     

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