Is the Japanese Spitz Better than the Leonberger as a Pet? Answer…

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Japanese Spitz Versus Leonberger: Introduction

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

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

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 Leonberger.

Japanese Spitz versus Leonberger

Japanese Spitz versus Leonberger: Overview

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

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Leonberger 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 Leonberger

Factor Japanese Spitz Leonberger
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 10 to 12 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 120 to 170 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
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 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1600 $870
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $300 – $1150
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • CGC
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
  • 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 Leonberger. 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 Leonberger is 63 out of 125.

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

    Japanese Spitz versus Leonberger

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Leonberger

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

  • Japanese Spitzs adapt well to apartment living. However, Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Japanese Spitzs are good for new dog owners. However, Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Leonberger

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

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Leonberger do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Leonberger are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Leonberger 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 Leonberger can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Leonberger are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Leonberger get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Leonberger are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Leonberger are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Leonberger are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Leonberger are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Leonberger get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Leonberger

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

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

    On the other hand, Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Leonberger

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs live longer than Leonbergers.

    Japanese Spitz versus Leonberger

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Leonberger

    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 Leonberger puppy is $870. The price of the Leonberger typically ranges from $300 – $1150. However, the price of the Leonberger can be as low as $300 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Leonberger puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Japanese Spitz is more expensive than the Leonberger.

    Japanese Spitz Leonberger
    Average Price $1600 $870
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $300 to $1150

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Leonberger

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Leonbergers?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Leonberger

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers?

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

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Leonberger

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

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

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Leonbergers?

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

    Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Leonberger?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

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

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Bernese Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Mastiff (73 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Black Russian Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Cockalier     Japanese Spitz versus Black Mouth Cur     Japanese Spitz versus Mal Shi     Japanese Spitz versus Frenchton     Japanese Spitz versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Japanese Spitz versus Patterdale Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Cairn Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Mountain Cur     Japanese Spitz versus Pekingese     Japanese Spitz versus Giant Schnauzer     Japanese Spitz versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Valley Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Clumber Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Weimaraner     Japanese Spitz versus Cairn Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Brussels Griffon     Japanese Spitz versus Saluki     Japanese Spitz versus Berger Picard     Japanese Spitz versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus American Water Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Curly-Coated Retriever     

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus Jack Russell Terrier     Leonberger versus American Eskimo Dog     Leonberger versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Leonberger versus Redbone Coonhound     Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel     Leonberger versus English Toy Spaniel     Leonberger versus Tibetan Spaniel     Leonberger versus Cesky Terrier     Leonberger versus Cocker Spaniel     Leonberger versus Kooikerhondje     Leonberger versus Biewer Terrier     Leonberger versus Goldador     Leonberger versus Shetland Sheepdog     Leonberger versus Australian Shepherd     Leonberger versus Welsh Terrier     Leonberger versus Pyredoodle     Leonberger versus Akita     Leonberger versus Kuvasz     Leonberger versus Bull Terrier     Leonberger versus Pointer     Leonberger versus Xoloitzcuintli     Leonberger versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Leonberger versus Miniature Pinscher     Leonberger versus German Shepherd Dog     Leonberger versus Bich Poo     

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