Differences and Similarities between the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Labrador Retriever: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever.

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 Labrador Retriever.

Japanese Spitz versus Labrador Retriever

Japanese Spitz versus Labrador Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog while the Labrador Retriever is a large-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 Labrador Retriever 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 Spitz versus Labrador Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever

Factor Japanese Spitz Labrador Retriever
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 10 to 12 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 55 to 80 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1600 $1290
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $850 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-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 Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever is 74 out of 125.

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

    Japanese Spitz versus Labrador Retriever

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever

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

  • Japanese Spitzs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Labrador Retrievers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Japanese Spitzs are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Labrador Retrievers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Japanese Spitzs are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Labrador Retrievers are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Japanese Spitzs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Labrador Retrievers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Japanese Spitzs adapt well to apartment living. However, Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever

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

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Labrador Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Labrador Retriever

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

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

    On the other hand, Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Labrador Retriever

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs live longer than Labrador Retrievers.

    Japanese Spitz versus Labrador Retriever

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Labrador Retriever

    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 Labrador Retriever puppy is $1290. The price of the Labrador Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1500. However, the price of the Labrador Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1413 Labrador Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Japanese Spitz is more expensive than the Labrador Retriever.

    Japanese Spitz Labrador Retriever
    Average Price $1600 $1290
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $850 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Japanese Spitz and Labrador Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many Japanese Spitz puppies or how many Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retrievers

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers

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

    Japanese Spitz versus Labrador Retriever

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Labrador Retriever

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Labrador Retrievers?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Labrador Retriever

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Labrador Retriever?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labrador Retriever?

    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.

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers?

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

    Labrador Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Labrador Retriever

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

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Labrador Retrievers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Labrador Retrievers?

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

    Labrador Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Labrador Retrievers?

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

    Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Labrador Retriever?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Labrador Retriever?

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Labrador Retrievers are OK 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 Labrador Retriever vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Dutch Shepherd.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever

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

  • Golden Retriever (75 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Golden Retriever.
  • Aussiedoodle (73 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (77 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (79 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Shiloh Shepherd.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Schnauzer     Japanese Spitz versus Plott     Japanese Spitz versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Morkie     Japanese Spitz versus Chow Chow     Japanese Spitz versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Tibetan Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu     Japanese Spitz versus Dogo Argentino     Japanese Spitz versus Standard Poodle     Japanese Spitz versus Patterdale Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Japanese Spitz versus Lancashire Heeler     Japanese Spitz versus French Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Maltese     Japanese Spitz versus Redbone Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Cavapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Goldendoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Gordon Setter     Japanese Spitz versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Japanese Spitz versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Lakeland Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Stabyhoun     

    Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labrador Retriever versus Bernedoodle     Labrador Retriever versus German Pinscher     Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd     Labrador Retriever versus Harrier     Labrador Retriever versus Bolognese     Labrador Retriever versus Redbone Coonhound     Labrador Retriever versus Chinese Crested     Labrador Retriever versus Mastiff     Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd     Labrador Retriever versus Canaan Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Dalmatian     Labrador Retriever versus Maltese     Labrador Retriever versus Shiba Inu     Labrador Retriever versus Chinese Crested     Labrador Retriever versus American Foxhound     Labrador Retriever versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Labrador Retriever versus King Shepherd     Labrador Retriever versus Shiba Inu     Labrador Retriever versus Shichon     Labrador Retriever versus Puggle     Labrador Retriever versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Labrador Retriever versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Labrador Retriever versus Manchester Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Pomapoo     Labrador Retriever versus Neapolitan Mastiff     

    Conclusion: Japanese Spitz versus Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever better suits you and your family.