Which is Better between the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz? A Very Detailed Review.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Havanese Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Havanese 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 Havanese 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 Havanese 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 Havanese or the Japanese Spitz.

Havanese versus Japanese Spitz

Havanese versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

Both the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz are similar in size. The Havanese and the Japanese Spitz are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz are Companion Dogs. This means both the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz 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.

Havanese versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Havanese 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 Havanese and the Japanese Spitz

Factor Havanese Japanese Spitz
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 7 to 13 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Height 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 16 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2180 $1600
Price Range $1700 – $2750 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Havanese 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 Havanese is 91 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Havanese is a better pet than the Japanese Spitz. So, you should get the Havanese!

    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 Havanese and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Havanese versus Japanese Spitz

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Havaneses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.
  • Havaneses are very friendly towards strangers. However, Japanese Spitzs are not very friendly towards strangers.

    • The Similarities Between the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Havanese 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 Havanese and the Japanese Spitz do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Havanese 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 Havanese and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to train.
  • Both the Havanese and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Havanese versus Japanese Spitz

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

    Havaneses weigh 7 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Havaneses are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Havanese versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of Havaneses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Havaneses is 13.5 years.

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

    Havaneses live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Havanese versus Japanese Spitz

    Price of Havanese versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Havanese puppy is $2180. The price of the Havanese typically ranges from $1700 – $2750. However, the price of a Havanese can be as low as $600 and as high as $4550. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 647 Havanese 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 Havanese is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Havanese Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $2180 $1600
    Price Range $1700 to $2750 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Havaneses. 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 Havanese 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.

    Havanese versus Japanese Spitz

    Tolerates Being Alone: Havanese versus Japanese Spitz

    Havaneses do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Havaneses shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Havanese or the Japanese Spitz

    Havaneses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Havanese or the Japanese Spitz?

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Havanese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Havaneses 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.

    Can Havaneses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Havaneses can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Havanese vs. Japanese Spitz

    Havaneses 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.

    Can Havaneses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Havaneses can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Havaneses get along very well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Havaneses good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses and Japanese Spitzs?

    Havaneses get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Havanese Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Havaneses are very easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Is the Havanese Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Havaneses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Havaneses are very good for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Havanese

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

  • Bichon Frise (86 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Bichon Frise.
  • Cavachon (84 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Cavachon.
  • Bich Poo (85 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Bich Poo.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Havanese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Havanese versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Havanese versus Belgian Tervuren     Havanese versus Barbet     Havanese versus Cocker Spaniel     Havanese versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Havanese versus Australian Shepherd     Havanese versus Labrador Retriever     Havanese versus Pekingese     Havanese versus Schipperke     Havanese versus Dogo Argentino     Havanese versus Belgian Tervuren     Havanese versus Cane Corso     Havanese versus Vizsla     Havanese versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Havanese versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Havanese versus Bearded Collie     Havanese versus Shetland Sheepdog     Havanese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Havanese versus Pug     Havanese versus Kooikerhondje     Havanese versus Belgian Sheepdog     Havanese versus Shetland Sheepdog     Havanese versus French Bulldog     Havanese versus Cocker Spaniel     Havanese versus Chorkie     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Coton de Tulear     Japanese Spitz versus Kuvasz     Japanese Spitz versus Catahoula Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Frenchton     Japanese Spitz versus Maremma Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Sheepadoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Carolina Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Barbet     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Japanese Spitz versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Aussiedoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Shih Tzu     Japanese Spitz versus Rottweiler     Japanese Spitz versus Cockalier     Japanese Spitz versus Shiloh Shepherd     Japanese Spitz versus Akita Chow     Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu     Japanese Spitz versus Maltipoo     Japanese Spitz versus Field Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Xoloitzcuintli     Japanese Spitz versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Japanese Spitz versus Beaglier     Japanese Spitz versus Ibizan Hound     

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