Breed Comparison: Jack Russell Terrier Versus Japanese Spitz

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier or the Japanese Spitz.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

Jack Russell Terrier versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Jack Russell 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.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Spitz
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 16 inches
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1100 $1600
Price Range $700 – $1250 $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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier is 77 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz

Below is a list of where the Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are most different:

  • Jack Russell Terriers 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.
  • Jack Russell Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Japanese Spitzs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to train.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz.

    Jack Russell Terriers weigh 13 to 17 pounds when fully grown. Jack Russell Terriers are 10 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 Jack Russell Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is 12.5 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 Jack Russell Terriers.

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

    Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Jack Russell Terrier puppy is $1100. The price of the Jack Russell Terrier typically ranges from $700 – $1250. However, the price of a Jack Russell Terrier can be as low as $200 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 410 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier.

    Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $1100 $1600
    Price Range $700 to $1250 $1500 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Jack Russell Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Jack Russell Terriers. 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 Jack Russell 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.

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

    Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

    Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Japanese Spitz

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Japanese Spitz

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terriers and Japanese Spitzs?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier:

  • Airedale Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Finnish Lapphund (80 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Finnish Lapphund.
  • Welsh Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Welsh 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:

  • Bergamasco Sheepdog (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Beaglier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasapoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Morkie     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd     Jack Russell Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Jack Russell Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Golden Retriever     Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Beagle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Mudi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Jack Russell Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Jack Russell Terrier versus German Pinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Chinook     Jack Russell Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Jack Russell Terrier versus Kooikerhondje     Jack Russell Terrier versus Maltipoo     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Airedale Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Tibetan Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Italian Greyhound     Japanese Spitz versus Cocker Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Newfoundland     Japanese Spitz versus Hovawart     Japanese Spitz versus Carolina Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Dogo Argentino     Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu     Japanese Spitz versus Canaan Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Cocker Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Dutch Shepherd     Japanese Spitz versus Finnish Spitz     Japanese Spitz versus Boerboel     Japanese Spitz versus Morkie     Japanese Spitz versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Basenji     Japanese Spitz versus Catahoula Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Biewer Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus French Bulldog     

    Conclusion: Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Japanese Spitz better suits you and your family.