Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Japanese Chin Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction
- Japanese Chin versus Spinone Italiano: Overview
- Japanese Chin versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Chin and the Spinone Italiano
- The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Spinone Italiano
- Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Spinone Italiano
- Lifespan of Japanese Chin versus Spinone Italiano
- Temperament of the Spinone Italiano Versus the Japanese Chin
- Price of Japanese Chin versus Price of Spinone Italiano
- The Popularity of Japanese Chin versus Popularity of Spinone Italiano
- Health Problems of Japanese Chin versus Health Problems of Spinone Italiano
- Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Chin versus Spinone Italiano
- Do Japanese Chins shed more than Spinone Italianos?
- Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Spinone Italiano
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Spinone Italiano?
- Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spinone Italiano?
- Do Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Spinone Italianos?
- Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Spinone Italiano
- Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Chin or the Spinone Italiano?
- Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?
- How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Spinone Italianos?
- Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spinone Italiano
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Japanese Chin versus Spinone Italiano. Which One is a Better Pet?
Japanese Chin Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Japanese Chin and the Spinone Italiano? 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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Chin and the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano.
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 Spinone Italiano.
Japanese Chin versus Spinone Italiano: Overview
A very important difference between the Japanese Chin and the Spinone Italiano is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Chin is a tiny-sized dog while the Spinone Italiano is a large-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 Spinone Italiano belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Japanese Chin versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Japanese Chin to the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano
| Factor | Japanese Chin | Spinone Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 4 to 9 pounds | 61 to 86 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder | 22 to 28 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1930 | $1180 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2100 | $1000 – $1000 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 50.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 102 | 112 |
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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Spinone Italiano is a better pet than the Japanese Chin. So, you should get the Spinone Italiano!
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 Spinone Italiano so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Chin and the Spinone Italiano
Below is a list of where the Japanese Chin and the Spinone Italiano are most different:
The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Spinone Italiano
The Japanese Chin and the Spinone Italiano are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Japanese Chin and the Spinone Italiano are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Spinone Italiano
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Chin and the Spinone Italiano.
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, Spinone Italianos weigh 61 to 86 pounds when fully grown. Spinone Italianos are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.
Lifespan of Japanese Chin versus Spinone Italiano
The lifespan of Japanese Chins is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Chins is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Spinone Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Spinone Italianos is 12.0 years.
Temperament of the Spinone Italiano Versus the Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin has a better temperament than the Spinone Italiano.
This is because the temperament score for the Japanese Chin is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Spinone Italiano is 50.0 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 50.0 percent, the Spinone Italiano has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Japanese Chin and the Spinone Italiano by measuring the temperaments of 5 Japanese Chins and 6 Spinone Italianos.
Price of Japanese Chin versus Price of Spinone Italiano
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 Spinone Italiano puppy is $1180. The price of the Spinone Italiano typically ranges from $1000 – $1000. However, the price of the Spinone Italiano can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 30 Spinone Italiano puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Japanese Chin is more expensive than the Spinone Italiano.
| Japanese Chin | Spinone Italiano | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1930 | $1180 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2100 | $1000 to $1000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Japanese Chin and Spinone Italiano. For different price points, the charts show how many Japanese Chin puppies or how many Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italianos
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Japanese Chin puppy or the Spinone Italiano 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.
The Popularity of Japanese Chin versus Popularity of Spinone Italiano
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 Spinone Italiano over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Japanese Chin is more popular with dog owners than the Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano is 112 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Japanese Chin
Popularity of Spinone Italiano
| Year | Japanese Chin Popularity Rank | Spinone Italiano Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 87 | 117 |
| 2014 | 93 | 118 |
| 2015 | 97 | 112 |
| 2016 | 108 | 105 |
| 2017 | 108 | 111 |
| 2018 | 104 | 109 |
| 2019 | 108 | 116 |
| 2020 | 111 | 110 |
Health Problems of Japanese Chin versus Health Problems of Spinone Italiano
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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano is prone to more genetic health problems than the Japanese Chin.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Spinone Italiano than for the Japanese Chin.
4 health tests are recommended for Japanese Chin while 5 tests are recommended for the Spinone Italiano.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Japanese Chins and in Spinone Italianos.
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.
Spinone Italiano Health Problems
Spinone Italianos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italianos for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Spinone Italianos here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Japanese Chins and Spinone Italianos
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 Spinone Italiano Breed is Shoulder problems.
This is because the Spinone Italiano ranks 5 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 50 Spinone Italianos, 2 of them had Shoulder problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Spinone Italianos, and how common these diseases are in Spinone Italianos relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Japanese Chin and in Spinone Italiano and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Japanese Chin and the Spinone Italiano:
| Disease | Japanese Chin Rank | Spinone Italiano 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 | 164 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 44 out of 159 dog breeds | 20 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 5 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 16 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 61 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | Not Common | 77 out of 198 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 Spinone Italiano
Japanese Chins do not like to be left alone.
Spinone Italianos do not like to be left alone.
Do Japanese Chins shed more than Spinone Italianos?
Japanese Chins shed moderately.
Spinone Italianos shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Spinone Italiano
Japanese Chins do have a very low tendency to drool.
Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Spinone Italiano?
Japanese Chins are moderately easy to groom.
Spinone Italianos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spinone Italiano?
Japanese Chins have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Spinone Italianos 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.
Do Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Spinone Italianos?
Japanese Chins bark and howl, but not very much.
Spinone Italianos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?
Japanese Chins can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Spinone Italianos can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Spinone Italiano
Japanese Chins do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?
Japanese Chins cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italiano?
Japanese Chins get along fairly well with other dogs.
Spinone Italianos get along very well with other dogs.
Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?
Japanese Chins are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.
Spinone Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Spinone Italianos?
Japanese Chins get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Spinone Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?
Japanese Chins are fairly easy to train.
Spinone Italianos are very easy to train.
Is the Japanese Chin Better for Apartment Owners than the Spinone Italiano?
Japanese Chins adapt very well to apartment living.
Spinone Italianos adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Chin or the Spinone Italiano?
Japanese Chins are very good for new dog owners.
Spinone Italianos 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spinone Italiano
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Japanese Chin and how the Spinone Italiano compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Chin and of the Spinone Italiano to other breeds:
Japanese Chin Versus Other Dog Breeds
Japanese Chin versus American Foxhound Japanese Chin versus Afghan Hound Japanese Chin versus Norwich Terrier Japanese Chin versus Basenji Japanese Chin versus German Shorthaired Pointer Japanese Chin versus Pomchi Japanese Chin versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Japanese Chin versus Puli Japanese Chin versus Clumber Spaniel Japanese Chin versus Bulldog Japanese Chin versus Cesky Terrier Japanese Chin versus Great Pyrenees Japanese Chin versus Karelian Bear Dog Japanese Chin versus Standard Poodle Japanese Chin versus Frenchton Japanese Chin versus Boxerdoodle Japanese Chin versus Borzoi Japanese Chin versus French Spaniel Japanese Chin versus Dogue de Bordeaux Japanese Chin versus Kooikerhondje Japanese Chin versus Pharaoh Hound Japanese Chin versus Pomeranian Japanese Chin versus Shiloh Shepherd Japanese Chin versus Pomchi Japanese Chin versus Pyrenean Mastiff
Spinone Italiano Versus Other Dog Breeds
Spinone Italiano versus Japanese Chin Spinone Italiano versus Giant Schnauzer Spinone Italiano versus Portuguese Water Dog Spinone Italiano versus Sheepadoodle Spinone Italiano versus Chinese Shar-Pei Spinone Italiano versus English Springer Spaniel Spinone Italiano versus Coton de Tulear Spinone Italiano versus Korean Jindo Dog Spinone Italiano versus Canaan Dog Spinone Italiano versus Japanese Chin Spinone Italiano versus Miniature Poodle Spinone Italiano versus Lhasapoo Spinone Italiano versus Black Russian Terrier Spinone Italiano versus Puggle Spinone Italiano versus Lhasapoo Spinone Italiano versus Pyredoodle Spinone Italiano versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Spinone Italiano versus German Longhaired Pointer Spinone Italiano versus Puli Spinone Italiano versus Skye Terrier Spinone Italiano versus Frenchton Spinone Italiano versus Shihpoo Spinone Italiano versus Toy Fox Terrier Spinone Italiano versus German Longhaired Pointer Spinone Italiano versus German Pinscher
Conclusion: Japanese Chin versus Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano better suits you and your family.