Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Terrier Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction
- Irish Terrier versus Japanese Spitz: Overview
- Irish Terrier versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Terrier and the Japanese Spitz
- The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Japanese Spitz
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Japanese Spitz
- Lifespan of Irish Terrier versus Japanese Spitz
- Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Japanese Spitz
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Japanese Spitz
- Do Irish Terriers shed more than Japanese Spitzs?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Terrier or the Japanese Spitz
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?
- Does the Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?
- Do Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?
- Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Japanese Spitz
- Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?
- Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Terriers and Japanese Spitzs?
- Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Spitz
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Terrier versus Japanese Spitz. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Terrier Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Terrier 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 Terrier 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 Terrier and the Japanese Spitz.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Terrier 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 Terrier 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 Terrier 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 Terrier or the Japanese Spitz.
Irish Terrier versus Japanese Spitz: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Terrier and the Japanese Spitz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Irish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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 Terrier versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Terrier 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 Terrier and the Japanese Spitz
| Factor | Irish Terrier | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 10 to 16 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 27 pounds | 11 to 20 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1280 | $1600 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $1500 | $1500 – $2000 |
| 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 Irish Terrier 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 Terrier 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 Irish Terrier. 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 Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Japanese Spitz
Below is a list of where the Irish Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Japanese Spitz
The Irish Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Japanese Spitz
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Terrier and the Japanese Spitz.
Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 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 Irish Terrier versus Japanese Spitz
The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is 13.0 years.
Irish Terriers live longer than Japanese Spitzs.
Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Japanese Spitz
The average price of the Irish Terrier puppy is $1280. The price of the Irish Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $1500. However, the price of a Irish Terrier can be as low as $450 and as high as $2800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 26 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier.
| Irish Terrier | Japanese Spitz | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1280 | $1600 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $1500 | $1500 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Irish Terrier and Japanese Spitz. For different price points, the charts show how many Irish Terrier puppies or how many Japanese Spitz puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
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 Terrier 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: Irish Terrier versus Japanese Spitz
Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.
Do Irish Terriers shed more than Japanese Spitzs?
Irish Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Irish Terrier or the Japanese Spitz
Irish Terriers 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 Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?
Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?
Irish Terriers 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 Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Japanese Spitz
Irish Terriers 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.
Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?
Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?
Irish Terriers 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 Terriers and Japanese Spitzs?
Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?
Irish Terriers are not easy to train.
Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.
Is the Irish Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?
Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Terrier 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 Terrier:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Irish Terrier and how the Japanese Spitz compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Terrier and of the Japanese Spitz to other breeds:
Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier Irish Terrier versus Chi-Poo Irish Terrier versus Cane Corso Irish Terrier versus Shihpoo Irish Terrier versus Mastiff Irish Terrier versus Akita Irish Terrier versus Welsh Terrier Irish Terrier versus American Water Spaniel Irish Terrier versus Border Collie Irish Terrier versus American Bulldog Irish Terrier versus Chow Chow Irish Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Irish Terrier versus Manchester Terrier Irish Terrier versus Spinone Italiano Irish Terrier versus Kuvasz Irish Terrier versus Carolina Dog Irish Terrier versus Toy Poodle Irish Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog Irish Terrier versus Great Pyrenees Irish Terrier versus Havanese Irish Terrier versus Bullmastiff Irish Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier Irish Terrier versus Pekingese Irish Terrier versus Samoyed Irish Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres
Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds
Japanese Spitz versus Basset Hound Japanese Spitz versus Coton de Tulear Japanese Spitz versus Pekingese Japanese Spitz versus Rottweiler Japanese Spitz versus Toy Poodle Japanese Spitz versus Patterdale Terrier Japanese Spitz versus Cockalier Japanese Spitz versus Schnoodle Japanese Spitz versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Japanese Spitz versus Border Collie Japanese Spitz versus Flat-Coated Retriever Japanese Spitz versus Neapolitan Mastiff Japanese Spitz versus Sloughi Japanese Spitz versus Brittany Japanese Spitz versus Patterdale Terrier Japanese Spitz versus Coton de Tulear Japanese Spitz versus Berger Picard Japanese Spitz versus Estrela Mountain Dog Japanese Spitz versus American Eskimo Dog Japanese Spitz versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Japanese Spitz versus Pyrenean Mastiff Japanese Spitz versus Peek A Poo Japanese Spitz versus Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Spitz versus French Spaniel Japanese Spitz versus German Wirehaired Pointer
Conclusion: Irish Terrier 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 Terrier and the Japanese Spitz better suits you and your family.