Is the Fila Brasileiro Better than the Japanese Spitz as a Pet? Answer…

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Fila Brasileiro versus Japanese Spitz

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Japanese Spitz

Fila Brasileiro versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Fila Brasileiro belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro Japanese Spitz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 10 to 16 inches
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 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
Life Span 9 to 12 years 10 to 16 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1270 $1600
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 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 Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Japanese Spitzs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Japanese Spitzs are good for new dog owners.
  • Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Japanese Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Japanese Spitz do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Japanese Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Japanese Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Japanese Spitz

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

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 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 Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $1270 $1600
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the Japanese Spitz?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Japanese Spitz

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Japanese Spitzs?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Japanese Spitz

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Japanese Spitz

    Fila Brasileiros have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Japanese Spitz?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro

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

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Boerboel.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus English Toy Spaniel     Fila Brasileiro versus Toy Poodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Bull Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Shih Tzu     Fila Brasileiro versus Chinook     Fila Brasileiro versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Fila Brasileiro versus Havanese     Fila Brasileiro versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Fila Brasileiro versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Fila Brasileiro versus Toy Fox Terrier     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Tibetan Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Irish Setter     Japanese Spitz versus Welsh Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Bouvier des Flandres     Japanese Spitz versus Borzoi     Japanese Spitz versus Fila Brasileiro     Japanese Spitz versus Black Russian Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Valley Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Karelian Bear Dog     

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