Japanese Spitz versus Lancashire Heeler. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Lancashire Heeler: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Spitz and the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler. 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 Lancashire Heeler.

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 Lancashire Heeler.

Japanese Spitz versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview

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

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler

Factor Japanese Spitz Lancashire Heeler
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 9 to 14 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 13 to 15 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1600 $200
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $200 – $200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens 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 Lancashire Heeler. 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 Lancashire Heeler is 78 out of 125.

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

    The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Lancashire Heeler

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Lancashire Heelers weigh 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lancashire Heelers are 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Lancashire Heeler

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

    The lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is between 9 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is 11.5 years.

    Japanese Spitzs live longer than Lancashire Heelers.

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Lancashire Heeler

    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 Lancashire Heeler puppy is $200. The price of the Lancashire Heeler typically ranges from $200 – $200. However, the price of the Lancashire Heeler can be as low as $200 and as high as $200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Lancashire Heeler puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Japanese Spitz is more expensive than the Lancashire Heeler.

    Japanese Spitz Lancashire Heeler
    Average Price $1600 $200
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $200 to $200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Japanese Spitz and Lancashire Heeler. For different price points, the charts show how many Japanese Spitz puppies or how many Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heelers

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers

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

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Lancashire Heelers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Lancashire Heelers?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Lancashire Heeler

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lancashire Heeler?

    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.

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers?

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

    Lancashire Heelers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Lancashire Heeler

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

    Lancashire Heelers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler?

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Lancashire Heelers?

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

    Lancashire Heelers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Lancashire Heelers?

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

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Dalmatian (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (79 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Hovawart (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). 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 Lancashire Heeler compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Spitz and of the Lancashire Heeler to other breeds:

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Mal Shi     Japanese Spitz versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Tibetan Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Dutch Shepherd     Japanese Spitz versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Beaglier     Japanese Spitz versus Carolina Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Dogo Argentino     Japanese Spitz versus Weimaraner     Japanese Spitz versus Border Collie     Japanese Spitz versus King Shepherd     Japanese Spitz versus Dogo Argentino     Japanese Spitz versus Whoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Maremma Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Schipperke     Japanese Spitz versus Chorkie     Japanese Spitz versus Chi-Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Cattle Dog     Japanese Spitz versus English Toy Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Pyredoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Doberman Pinscher     Japanese Spitz versus American Hairless Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Welsh Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Finnish Lapphund     

    Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lancashire Heeler versus Lhasapoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Lancashire Heeler versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Lancashire Heeler versus Chorkie     Lancashire Heeler versus Labrador Retriever     Lancashire Heeler versus Goldador     Lancashire Heeler versus Bull Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Havanese     Lancashire Heeler versus Border Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Lancashire Heeler versus Fila Brasileiro     Lancashire Heeler versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Lancashire Heeler versus American Eskimo Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Skye Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Manchester Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Leonberger     Lancashire Heeler versus Carolina Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Mal Shi     Lancashire Heeler versus Korean Jindo Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Pomeranian     Lancashire Heeler versus Stabyhoun     Lancashire Heeler versus Tibetan Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Miniature Schnauzer     Lancashire Heeler versus Manchester Terrier     

    Conclusion: Japanese Spitz versus Lancashire Heeler. 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 Lancashire Heeler better suits you and your family.