A Detailed Comparison of the Japanese Spitz and the Kuvasz.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Japanese Spitz Versus Kuvasz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Spitz and the Kuvasz 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 Spitz and for the Kuvasz. 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 Spitz and the Kuvasz.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Japanese Spitz or the Kuvasz.

Japanese Spitz versus Kuvasz

Japanese Spitz versus Kuvasz: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Kuvasz belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Japanese Spitz versus Kuvasz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Kuvasz 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 Spitz and the Kuvasz

Factor Japanese Spitz Kuvasz
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 10 to 12 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 70 to 115 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1600 $1630
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1438 – $1812
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Japanese Spitz 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 Kuvasz. 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 Spitz is 90 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kuvasz is 66 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Spitz is a better pet than the Kuvasz. 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 Spitz and the Kuvasz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Kuvasz

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

  • Japanese Spitzs adapt well to apartment living. However, Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Japanese Spitzs are good for new dog owners. However, Kuvaszs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Kuvasz

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

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kuvasz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kuvasz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kuvasz are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kuvasz have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kuvasz 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 Spitz and the Kuvasz can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kuvasz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kuvasz are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kuvasz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kuvasz are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kuvasz are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Kuvasz

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

    Japanese Spitzs weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Spitzs are 10 to 16 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Kuvaszs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Kuvaszs are 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Kuvasz

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

    The lifespan of Kuvaszs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Kuvaszs is 11.0 years.

    Japanese Spitzs live longer than Kuvaszs.

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Kuvasz

    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 a Japanese Spitz can be as low as $800 and as high as $2200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 5 Japanese Spitz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Kuvasz puppy is $1630. The price of the Kuvasz typically ranges from $1438 – $1812. However, the price of the Kuvasz can be as low as $1250 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2 Kuvasz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Kuvasz is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Japanese Spitz Kuvasz
    Average Price $1600 $1630
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1438 to $1812

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Kuvaszs

    A breakdown of the prices of Kuvaszs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Japanese Spitz puppy or the Kuvasz 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 Spitz versus Kuvasz

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Kuvaszs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Kuvaszs?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Kuvaszs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Kuvasz

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kuvaszs drool moderately.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Kuvaszs are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Kuvaszs 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 Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Kuvaszs?

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

    Kuvaszs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kuvaszs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Kuvasz

    Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Kuvaszs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Kuvaszs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Kuvaszs?

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

    Kuvaszs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Kuvaszs?

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

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Kuvasz?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Kuvaszs are not easy to train.

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

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Kuvaszs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    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 Kuvasz vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kuvasz

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

  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Kuvasz). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Scottish Deerhound     Japanese Spitz versus Peek A Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Sheepadoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Spinone Italiano     Japanese Spitz versus Barbet     Japanese Spitz versus Barbet     Japanese Spitz versus Patterdale Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus West Highland White Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Shiloh Shepherd     Japanese Spitz versus Weimaraner     Japanese Spitz versus Afghan Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Cavachon     Japanese Spitz versus Dogo Argentino     Japanese Spitz versus Bull Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Samoyed     Japanese Spitz versus Pomapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Karelian Bear Dog     Japanese Spitz versus French Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus American Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Valley Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus French Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Aussiedoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Neapolitan Mastiff     

    Kuvasz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kuvasz versus King Shepherd     Kuvasz versus Miniature Pinscher     Kuvasz versus Spanish Mastiff     Kuvasz versus Toy Poodle     Kuvasz versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Kuvasz versus Chinook     Kuvasz versus Coton de Tulear     Kuvasz versus Scottish Terrier     Kuvasz versus Silky Terrier     Kuvasz versus Shiloh Shepherd     Kuvasz versus Boxer     Kuvasz versus German Pinscher     Kuvasz versus Sheepadoodle     Kuvasz versus Bordoodle     Kuvasz versus Gordon Setter     Kuvasz versus American Bulldog     Kuvasz versus Irish Setter     Kuvasz versus Silky Terrier     Kuvasz versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Kuvasz versus Bich Poo     Kuvasz versus Irish Wolfhound     Kuvasz versus Australian Cattle Dog     Kuvasz versus Irish Water Spaniel     Kuvasz versus Airedale Terrier     Kuvasz versus Shihpoo     

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