Italian Greyhound versus Japanese Spitz. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Italian Greyhound Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

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

Italian Greyhound versus Japanese Spitz

Italian Greyhound versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

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

Italian Greyhound versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz

Factor Italian Greyhound Japanese Spitz
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 16 inches
Life Span 14 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Weight 6 to 15 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1930 $1600
Price Range $1500 – $2250 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination at 36 months, recommend annual testing to age 10
  • Hip Dysplasia/Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound is 82 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 Italian Greyhound. 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 Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Italian Greyhound versus Japanese Spitz

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Italian Greyhounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Japanese Spitzs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Italian Greyhounds 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.

    • The Similarities Between the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to groom.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Italian Greyhound versus Japanese Spitz

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

    Italian Greyhounds weigh 6 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Italian Greyhounds are 13 to 15 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 Italian Greyhound versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of Italian Greyhounds is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Italian Greyhounds is 14.5 years.

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

    Italian Greyhounds live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Italian Greyhound versus Japanese Spitz

    Price of Italian Greyhound versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Italian Greyhound puppy is $1930. The price of the Italian Greyhound typically ranges from $1500 – $2250. However, the price of a Italian Greyhound can be as low as $750 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 141 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Italian Greyhound Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $1930 $1600
    Price Range $1500 to $2250 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Italian Greyhounds. 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 Italian Greyhound 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.

    Italian Greyhound versus Japanese Spitz

    Tolerates Being Alone: Italian Greyhound versus Japanese Spitz

    Italian Greyhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Italian Greyhounds shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Italian Greyhound or the Japanese Spitz

    Italian Greyhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Italian Greyhound or the Japanese Spitz?

    Italian Greyhounds are very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Italian Greyhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Italian Greyhounds bark and howl, but not very much.

    Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Italian Greyhounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Italian Greyhound vs. Japanese Spitz

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound or the Japanese Spitz?

    Italian Greyhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Italian Greyhounds good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds and Japanese Spitzs?

    Italian Greyhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Italian Greyhound Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Italian Greyhounds are fairly easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Is the Italian Greyhound Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Italian Greyhounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Italian Greyhounds are very good for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Italian Greyhound

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

  • Whippet (78 percent match with Italian Greyhound). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Whippet.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Italian Greyhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Italian Greyhound versus Collie     Italian Greyhound versus Dogo Argentino     Italian Greyhound versus Yorkshire Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Italian Greyhound versus Norwegian Lundehund     Italian Greyhound versus King Shepherd     Italian Greyhound versus Patterdale Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Italian Greyhound versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Italian Greyhound versus Bracco Italiano     Italian Greyhound versus Keeshond     Italian Greyhound versus Azawakh     Italian Greyhound versus Great Dane     Italian Greyhound versus Stabyhoun     Italian Greyhound versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Italian Greyhound versus Boxer     Italian Greyhound versus Border Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Italian Greyhound versus Shiba Inu     Italian Greyhound versus Weimaraner     Italian Greyhound versus Standard Schnauzer     Italian Greyhound versus Bluetick Coonhound     Italian Greyhound versus Beagle     Italian Greyhound versus Collie     Italian Greyhound versus Collie     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Silky Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Akita Chow     Japanese Spitz versus Newfoundland     Japanese Spitz versus Basenji     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Poodle     Japanese Spitz versus Canaan Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Field Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Mudi     Japanese Spitz versus Belgian Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Dalmatian     Japanese Spitz versus Black Russian Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Labrador Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Bloodhound     Japanese Spitz versus Xoloitzcuintli     Japanese Spitz versus Maremma Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Borzoi     Japanese Spitz versus Canaan Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Finnish Lapphund     Japanese Spitz versus Kishu Ken     Japanese Spitz versus Bull Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     

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