A Detailed Comparison of the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Lagotto Romagnolo: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo. 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 Lagotto Romagnolo.

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 Lagotto Romagnolo.

Japanese Spitz versus Lagotto Romagnolo: Overview

Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo are similar in size. The Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo are both small-sized dogs.

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 Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo

Factor Japanese Spitz Lagotto Romagnolo
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 14 to 19 inches
Life Span 10 to 16 years 14 to 17 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 24 to 35 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
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 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 15.5 years
Average Price $1600 $5210
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $4994 – $5819
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye examination each year, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Lagotto Storage Disease
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Lagotto Romagnolo. 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 Lagotto Romagnolo is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Spitz is a better pet than the Lagotto Romagnolo. 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 Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo

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

  • Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom. However, Lagotto Romagnolos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo

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

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo are very easy to train.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lagotto Romagnolo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Lagotto Romagnolo

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

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

    On the other hand, Lagotto Romagnolos weigh 24 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Lagotto Romagnolos are 14 to 19 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Lagotto Romagnolo

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

    The lifespan of Lagotto Romagnolos is between 14 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Lagotto Romagnolos is 15.5 years.

    Lagotto Romagnolos live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Lagotto Romagnolo

    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 Lagotto Romagnolo puppy is $5210. The price of the Lagotto Romagnolo typically ranges from $4994 – $5819. However, the price of the Lagotto Romagnolo can be as low as $3850 and as high as $6100. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 12 Lagotto Romagnolo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lagotto Romagnolo is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Japanese Spitz Lagotto Romagnolo
    Average Price $1600 $5210
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $4994 to $5819

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Japanese Spitz and Lagotto Romagnolo. For different price points, the charts show how many Japanese Spitz puppies or how many Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolos

    A breakdown of the prices of Lagotto Romagnolos

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

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Lagotto Romagnolos can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Lagotto Romagnolos?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Lagotto Romagnolos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Lagotto Romagnolo

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lagotto Romagnolos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Lagotto Romagnolo?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Lagotto Romagnolos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lagotto Romagnolo?

    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.

    Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Lagotto Romagnolos?

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

    Lagotto Romagnolos bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lagotto Romagnolos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lagotto Romagnolos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Lagotto Romagnolo

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

    Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolo?

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Lagotto Romagnolos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Lagotto Romagnolos?

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

    Lagotto Romagnolos are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Lagotto Romagnolos?

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

    Lagotto Romagnolos get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Lagotto Romagnolo?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Lagotto Romagnolos are very easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Lagotto Romagnolo?

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Lagotto Romagnolos do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Lagotto Romagnolo). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (77 percent match with Lagotto Romagnolo). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus English Springer Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Bordoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Irish Setter     Japanese Spitz versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Welsh Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Shihpoo     Japanese Spitz versus French Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Affenpinscher     Japanese Spitz versus Keeshond     Japanese Spitz versus Dalmatian     Japanese Spitz versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Irish Setter     Japanese Spitz versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Japanese Spitz versus Pharaoh Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Border Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Shihpoo     Japanese Spitz versus Pharaoh Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Saluki     Japanese Spitz versus Scottish Deerhound     Japanese Spitz versus Manchester Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Brussels Griffon     Japanese Spitz versus Irish Wolfhound     Japanese Spitz versus Harrier     

    Lagotto Romagnolo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lagotto Romagnolo versus Toy Fox Terrier     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Swedish Vallhund     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Catahoula Bulldog     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Lhasapoo     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Whippet     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Belgian Tervuren     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Boerboel     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Ibizan Hound     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Newfoundland     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Bich Poo     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Cavapoo     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Bichon Frise     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Bearded Collie     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Schnoodle     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Cockapoo     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Hovawart     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Bichon Frise     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Weimaraner     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Korean Jindo Dog     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shiloh Shepherd     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Bolognese     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Kai Ken     

    Conclusion: Japanese Spitz versus Lagotto Romagnolo. 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 Lagotto Romagnolo better suits you and your family.