Differences and Similarities between the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz.

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Hovawart Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

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

Hovawart versus Japanese Spitz

Hovawart versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Hovawart 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.

Hovawart versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz

Factor Hovawart Japanese Spitz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 10 to 16 inches
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
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
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1600
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Hovawart 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 Hovawart is 78 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 Hovawart. 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 Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

Hovawart versus Japanese Spitz

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Japanese Spitzs adapt well to apartment living.

    • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.

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

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

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 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.

    Lifespan of Hovawart versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 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 Hovawarts.

    Hovawart versus Japanese Spitz
    Hovawart versus Japanese Spitz

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Japanese Spitz

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Japanese Spitz

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

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

    Hovawarts 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.

    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 Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Japanese Spitz

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart or the Japanese Spitz?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Japanese Spitzs?

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

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

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

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

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Hovawart

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

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Spanish Mastiff.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Hovawart versus Komondor     Hovawart versus Valley Bulldog     Hovawart versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Hovawart versus Airedale Terrier     Hovawart versus Maltese     Hovawart versus Chihuahua     Hovawart versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Hovawart versus Tibetan Spaniel     Hovawart versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Hovawart versus Lancashire Heeler     Hovawart versus Norwich Terrier     Hovawart versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Hovawart versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Hovawart versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Hovawart versus Basenji     Hovawart versus Giant Schnauzer     Hovawart versus Schnoodle     Hovawart versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Hovawart versus Dogo Argentino     Hovawart versus Swedish Vallhund     Hovawart versus Berger Picard     Hovawart versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Hovawart versus Leonberger     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Dachshund     Japanese Spitz versus Cockapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Black Mouth Cur     Japanese Spitz versus Skye Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Shiranian     Japanese Spitz versus Dogo Argentino     Japanese Spitz versus Saluki     Japanese Spitz versus Westiepoo     Japanese Spitz versus Vizsla     Japanese Spitz versus Boxer     Japanese Spitz versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Aussiedoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Saint Bernard     Japanese Spitz versus Whoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Bolognese     Japanese Spitz versus Bernedoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Sussex Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Chinook     Japanese Spitz versus Fila Brasileiro     Japanese Spitz versus Patterdale Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Pinscher     Japanese Spitz versus Bull Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Ibizan Hound     

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