Irish Setter versus Japanese Spitz. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Irish Setter Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

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

Irish Setter versus Japanese Spitz

Irish Setter versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Irish 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.

Irish Setter versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish 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 Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz

Factor Irish Setter Japanese Spitz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 10 to 16 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
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
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1680 $1600
Price Range $1200 – $2200 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish 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 Irish Setter is 73 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 Irish 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 Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Irish Setter versus Japanese Spitz

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

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

  • Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Japanese Spitzs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Irish Setters are very friendly towards strangers. However, Japanese Spitzs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Irish Setters are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Japanese Spitzs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Irish 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.
  • Irish 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 Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Irish 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 Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to train.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.

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

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

    Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 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 Irish Setter versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.

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

    Irish Setter versus Japanese Spitz

    Price of Irish Setter versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Irish Setter puppy is $1680. The price of the Irish Setter typically ranges from $1200 – $2200. However, the price of a Irish Setter can be as low as $500 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 105 Irish 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 Irish Setter is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Irish Setter Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $1680 $1600
    Price Range $1200 to $2200 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish 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 Irish 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.

    Irish Setter versus Japanese Spitz

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Japanese Spitz

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Setters shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

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

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

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

    Irish 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 Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Irish 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Japanese Spitz

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

    Irish 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 Irish Setter or the Japanese Spitz?

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Irish 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 Irish Setters and Japanese Spitzs?

    Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

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

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter

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

  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs English 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 Irish Setter vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Dutch Shepherd.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Dachshund     Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Shiloh Shepherd     Irish Setter versus Chinese Crested     Irish Setter versus Norwegian Buhund     Irish Setter versus Briard     Irish Setter versus Cane Corso     Irish Setter versus Whoodle     Irish Setter versus Toy Poodle     Irish Setter versus Karelian Bear Dog     Irish Setter versus Affenhuahua     Irish Setter versus Basenji     Irish Setter versus Sheepadoodle     Irish Setter versus Briard     Irish Setter versus Harrier     Irish Setter versus Shetland Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Portuguese Water Dog     Irish Setter versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Irish Setter versus Kooikerhondje     Irish Setter versus Australian Cattle Dog     Irish Setter versus Miniature Schnauzer     Irish Setter versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Lancashire Heeler     Irish Setter versus Saluki     Irish Setter versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Belgian Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Patterdale Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Clumber Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Vizsla     Japanese Spitz versus Keeshond     Japanese Spitz versus Skye Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Labradoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Finnish Spitz     Japanese Spitz versus Sussex Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Dalmatian     Japanese Spitz versus Afador     Japanese Spitz versus Puggle     Japanese Spitz versus Norfolk Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Whoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Boxer     Japanese Spitz versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu     Japanese Spitz versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Pharaoh Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Skye Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Standard Schnauzer     Japanese Spitz versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Border Collie     

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