Is the Gordon Setter Better than the Japanese Spitz as a Pet? Answer…

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Gordon Setter Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Gordon Setter and the Japanese Spitz? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Gordon 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 Gordon Setter and the Japanese Spitz.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Gordon 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 Gordon 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Gordon 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 Gordon Setter or the Japanese Spitz.

Gordon Setter versus Japanese Spitz

Gordon Setter versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Gordon 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.

Gordon Setter versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Gordon 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Gordon Setter and the Japanese Spitz

Factor Gordon Setter Japanese Spitz
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 10 to 12 years 10 to 16 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1360 $1600
Price Range $1250 – $1500 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • DNA Repository (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • rcd4 PRA (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Gordon 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 the Gordon Setter is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Spitz is a better pet than the Gordon 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 Gordon Setter and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Gordon Setter versus Japanese Spitz

    The Similarities Between the Gordon Setter and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Japanese Spitz do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Gordon 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 Gordon Setter and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Japanese Spitz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to train.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Japanese Spitz are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.

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

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

    Gordon Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Gordon 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.

    Lifespan of Gordon Setter versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of Gordon Setters is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Gordon Setters is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is 13.0 years.

    Japanese Spitzs live longer than Gordon Setters.

    Gordon Setter versus Japanese Spitz

    Price of Gordon Setter versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Gordon Setter puppy is $1360. The price of the Gordon Setter typically ranges from $1250 – $1500. However, the price of a Gordon Setter can be as low as $600 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Gordon 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 the 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 Gordon Setter.

    Gordon Setter Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $1360 $1600
    Price Range $1250 to $1500 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Gordon 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 Gordon 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 to buy 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 a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Gordon Setter versus Japanese Spitz

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Gordon Setters shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

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

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Gordon Setters require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

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

    Gordon 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.

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

    Gordon 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.

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

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Japanese Spitz

    Gordon 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.

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

    Gordon 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.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Gordon Setter or the Japanese Spitz?

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Gordon 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 Gordon Setters and Japanese Spitzs?

    Gordon Setters get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

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

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

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

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter

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

  • Belgian Tervuren (78 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Giant Schnauzer (79 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Mudi (75 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Mudi.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus Beagle     Gordon Setter versus Manchester Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Cavachon     Gordon Setter versus Brittany     Gordon Setter versus Keeshond     Gordon Setter versus Newfoundland     Gordon Setter versus Hovawart     Gordon Setter versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Gordon Setter versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Gordon Setter versus Afador     Gordon Setter versus Tibetan Mastiff     Gordon Setter versus Mudi     Gordon Setter versus Manchester Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Biewer Terrier     Gordon Setter versus American Foxhound     Gordon Setter versus Great Pyrenees     Gordon Setter versus Bordoodle     Gordon Setter versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Gordon Setter versus Cocker Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Affenhuahua     Gordon Setter versus Briard     Gordon Setter versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Gordon Setter versus Chow Chow     Gordon Setter versus Whoodle     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus German Shepherd Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Brussels Griffon     Japanese Spitz versus French Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Cocker Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Pomeranian     Japanese Spitz versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Poodle     Japanese Spitz versus American Foxhound     Japanese Spitz versus Chow Chow     Japanese Spitz versus Maltese     Japanese Spitz versus Bearded Collie     Japanese Spitz versus American Hairless Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Kelpie     Japanese Spitz versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Chi-Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Bordoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Redbone Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Chorkie     Japanese Spitz versus Siberian Husky     Japanese Spitz versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Puli     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Schnauzer     Japanese Spitz versus Rottweiler     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Poodle     

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