Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Japanese Chin Versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Introduction
- Japanese Chin versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Overview
- Japanese Chin versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Japanese Chin versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus the Japanese Chin
- The Popularity of Japanese Chin versus Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Japanese Chin versus Health Problems of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Chin versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Do Japanese Chins shed more than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Do Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Chin or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Japanese Chin versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Japanese Chin Versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Japanese Chin and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog? 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Chin and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Japanese Chin versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Japanese Chin and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Chin is a tiny-sized dog while the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Japanese Chin 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.
On the other hand, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Japanese Chin versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Japanese Chin to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog
| Factor | Japanese Chin | Polish Lowland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 4 to 9 pounds | 35 to 55 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1930 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2100 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 54.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 102 | 169 |
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is not better or worse than the Japanese Chin. So, you can get the Polish Lowland Sheepdog or the Japanese Chin!
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The Japanese Chin and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Japanese Chin and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Chin and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
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, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Japanese Chin versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The lifespan of Japanese Chins is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Chins is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs is 11.0 years.
Japanese Chins live longer than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
Temperament of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus the Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin has a better temperament than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
This is because the temperament score for the Japanese Chin is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 54.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Japanese Chin has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 54.5 percent, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Japanese Chin and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 5 Japanese Chins and 11 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
The Popularity of Japanese Chin versus Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Japanese Chin and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Japanese Chin is more popular with dog owners than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Japanese Chin is 102 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 169 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Japanese Chin
Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
| Year | Japanese Chin Popularity Rank | Polish Lowland Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 87 | 157 |
| 2014 | 93 | 170 |
| 2015 | 97 | 164 |
| 2016 | 108 | 169 |
| 2017 | 108 | 176 |
| 2018 | 104 | 170 |
| 2019 | 108 | 173 |
| 2020 | 111 | 175 |
Health Problems of Japanese Chin versus Health Problems of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Japanese Chin and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Japanese Chin is prone to more genetic health problems than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Japanese Chin than for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
4 health tests are recommended for Japanese Chin while 2 tests are recommended for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Japanese Chins and in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
Japanese Chin Health Problems
Japanese Chins are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Japanese Chin puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Japanese Chin puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Japanese Chin breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Japanese Chins for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Japanese Chins here.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Health Problems
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Polish Lowland Sheepdog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Polish Lowland Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Polish Lowland Sheepdogs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Japanese Chins and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Japanese Chin Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Japanese Chin ranks 1 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 50 Japanese Chins, 5 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Japanese Chins, and how common these diseases are in Japanese Chins relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Breed is Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Polish Lowland Sheepdog ranks 1 out of 8 dog breeds for Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 341 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, 60 of them had Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Japanese Chin and in Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Japanese Chin and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog:
| Disease | Japanese Chin Rank | Polish Lowland Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 1 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Gm2-Gangliosidosis problems | 1 out of 2 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 7 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 13 out of 182 dog breeds | 106 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 44 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | Not Common | 1 out of 8 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | Not Common | 60 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 116 out of 144 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Chin versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Japanese Chins do not like to be left alone.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Japanese Chins shed more than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Japanese Chins shed moderately.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Japanese Chins do have a very low tendency to drool.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Japanese Chins are moderately easy to groom.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Japanese Chins have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Japanese Chins bark and howl, but not very much.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Japanese Chins can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Japanese Chins do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Japanese Chins cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Chin or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Japanese Chins get along fairly well with other dogs.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Japanese Chins are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Japanese Chins get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Japanese Chins are fairly easy to train.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Is the Japanese Chin Better for Apartment Owners than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Japanese Chins adapt very well to apartment living.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Chin or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Japanese Chins are very good for new dog owners.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are not the best dogs 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Japanese Chin and how the Polish Lowland Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Chin and of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog to other breeds:
Japanese Chin Versus Other Dog Breeds
Japanese Chin versus Pyrenean Mastiff Japanese Chin versus Neapolitan Mastiff Japanese Chin versus German Pinscher Japanese Chin versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Japanese Chin versus Harrier Japanese Chin versus Neapolitan Mastiff Japanese Chin versus Ibizan Hound Japanese Chin versus Westiepoo Japanese Chin versus Standard Schnauzer Japanese Chin versus Saint Berdoodle Japanese Chin versus Westiepoo Japanese Chin versus Coton de Tulear Japanese Chin versus Afador Japanese Chin versus Saint Bernard Japanese Chin versus Estrela Mountain Dog Japanese Chin versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Japanese Chin versus Cavachon Japanese Chin versus Silky Terrier Japanese Chin versus Chinese Crested Japanese Chin versus Akita Japanese Chin versus Silky Terrier Japanese Chin versus Finnish Spitz Japanese Chin versus Cockapoo Japanese Chin versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Japanese Chin versus Golden Cocker Retriever
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Japanese Chin Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Pomchi Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus English Cocker Spaniel Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Pekingese Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Chinook Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Alaskan Malamute Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Belgian Malinois Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Pug Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Maltipoo Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Shiba Inu Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Alaskan Klee Kai Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Dutch Shepherd Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Goldador Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Pomeranian Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Westiepoo Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Papipoo Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Lancashire Heeler Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Pomsky Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Havanese
Conclusion: Japanese Chin versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.