A Detailed Comparison of the Japanese Chin and the Japanese Spitz.

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Japanese Chin Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

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

Japanese Chin versus Japanese Spitz

Japanese Chin versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

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

Japanese Chin versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Japanese Spitz

Factor Japanese Chin Japanese Spitz
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 16 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 4 to 9 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Height 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 16 inches
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1930 $1600
Price Range $1500 – $2100 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 3 years
  • Gangliosidosis (GM2)
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is 84 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 Japanese Chin. 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 Japanese Chin and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Japanese Chin versus Japanese Spitz

    The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Japanese Spitz do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Japanese Spitz cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Japanese Spitz have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Japanese Spitz have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Japanese Spitz are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Japanese Spitz adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Japanese Chins weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Chins are 8 to 11 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 Japanese Chin versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of Japanese Chins is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins.

    Price of Japanese Chin versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Japanese Chin puppy is $1930. The price of the Japanese Chin typically ranges from $1500 – $2100. However, the price of a Japanese Chin can be as low as $600 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 71 Japanese Chin 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 Chin is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Japanese Chin Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $1930 $1600
    Price Range $1500 to $2100 $1500 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Chins. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Chins. 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 Japanese Chin 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: Japanese Chin versus Japanese Spitz

    Japanese Chins do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Chins shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Japanese Chins shed moderately.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Japanese Spitz

    Japanese Chins do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Japanese Chins are moderately easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

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

    Japanese Chins have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Japanese Chins bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Chins can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Japanese Spitz

    Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Japanese Chins cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Japanese Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Chin or the Japanese Spitz?

    Japanese Chins get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Japanese Chins are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    Japanese Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Japanese Spitzs?

    Japanese Chins get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Japanese Chins are fairly easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

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

    Japanese Chins adapt very well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Chins are very good for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin

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

  • Pomapoo (77 percent match with Japanese Chin). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Japanese Chin). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Peek A Poo.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Chin Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Chin versus Bracco Italiano     Japanese Chin versus Boykin Spaniel     Japanese Chin versus Pomapoo     Japanese Chin versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Japanese Chin versus Bouvier des Flandres     Japanese Chin versus Swedish Vallhund     Japanese Chin versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Japanese Chin versus Bluetick Coonhound     Japanese Chin versus Westiepoo     Japanese Chin versus Irish Setter     Japanese Chin versus Chow Chow     Japanese Chin versus Yorkshire Terrier     Japanese Chin versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Japanese Chin versus Siberian Husky     Japanese Chin versus Yorkshire Terrier     Japanese Chin versus Pomeranian     Japanese Chin versus Akita Chow     Japanese Chin versus Irish Wolfhound     Japanese Chin versus Stabyhoun     Japanese Chin versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Japanese Chin versus Goldendoodle     Japanese Chin versus Great Pyrenees     Japanese Chin versus Kuvasz     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Standard Poodle     Japanese Spitz versus Sloughi     Japanese Spitz versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Bolognese     Japanese Spitz versus Cockapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Lhasapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Tibetan Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Bloodhound     Japanese Spitz versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Japanese Spitz versus Dalmatian     Japanese Spitz versus Pomsky     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Pinscher     Japanese Spitz versus Barbet     Japanese Spitz versus Norfolk Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Pomapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Norwegian Buhund     Japanese Spitz versus Siberian Husky     Japanese Spitz versus Leonberger     Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu     Japanese Spitz versus Belgian Tervuren     Japanese Spitz versus Mal Shi     Japanese Spitz versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Chinese Crested     Japanese Spitz versus Irish Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Harrier     

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