Which is Better between the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso? A Very Detailed Review.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Lhasa Apso: Introduction

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

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

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 Lhasa Apso.

Japanese Spitz versus Lhasa Apso

Japanese Spitz versus Lhasa Apso: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso are Companion Dogs. This means both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso 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.

Japanese Spitz versus Lhasa Apso: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso

Factor Japanese Spitz Lhasa Apso
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 12 to 15 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
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 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1600 $1780
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1500 – $1996
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

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 Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso is 79 out of 125.

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

Japanese Spitz versus Lhasa Apso

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso

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

  • Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom. However, Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso

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

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso are very easy to train.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Lhasa Apso get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Lhasa Apso

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

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

    On the other hand, Lhasa Apsos weigh 12 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lhasa Apsos are 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Lhasa Apso

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

    The lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is 13.5 years.

    Lhasa Apsos live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Japanese Spitz versus Lhasa Apso

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Lhasa Apso

    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 Lhasa Apso puppy is $1780. The price of the Lhasa Apso typically ranges from $1500 – $1996. However, the price of the Lhasa Apso can be as low as $200 and as high as $3499. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 104 Lhasa Apso puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lhasa Apso is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Japanese Spitz Lhasa Apso
    Average Price $1600 $1780
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1500 to $1996

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Lhasa Apsos

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Lhasa Apso

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Lhasa Apsos?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Lhasa Apso

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Lhasa Apso?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lhasa Apso?

    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.

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos?

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

    Lhasa Apsos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Lhasa Apso

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

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Lhasa Apsos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Lhasa Apsos?

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

    Lhasa Apsos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Lhasa Apsos?

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

    Lhasa Apsos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Lhasa Apso?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Lhasa Apso?

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apso vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Dutch Shepherd.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lhasa Apso

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

  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (77 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Peek A Poo.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Carolina Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Canaan Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Cairn Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Akita     Japanese Spitz versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Japanese Spitz versus Pharaoh Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Pug     Japanese Spitz versus Borzoi     Japanese Spitz versus Cesky Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Boxer     Japanese Spitz versus American Hairless Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Boston Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Saluki     Japanese Spitz versus Greyhound     Japanese Spitz versus Collie     Japanese Spitz versus Puggle     Japanese Spitz versus Lancashire Heeler     Japanese Spitz versus Mountain Cur     Japanese Spitz versus Pharaoh Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Chi-Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Toy Fox Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Field Spaniel     

    Lhasa Apso Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lhasa Apso versus Weimaraner     Lhasa Apso versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Lhasa Apso versus Affenhuahua     Lhasa Apso versus Mountain Cur     Lhasa Apso versus Korean Jindo Dog     Lhasa Apso versus Plott     Lhasa Apso versus English Springer Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Bordoodle     Lhasa Apso versus Kishu Ken     Lhasa Apso versus Tibetan Mastiff     Lhasa Apso versus Border Collie     Lhasa Apso versus Maltipoo     Lhasa Apso versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Standard Schnauzer     Lhasa Apso versus Goldador     Lhasa Apso versus Labrador Retriever     Lhasa Apso versus Morkie     Lhasa Apso versus Boxerdoodle     Lhasa Apso versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Lhasa Apso versus Chi-Poo     Lhasa Apso versus French Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Toy Fox Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Golden Retriever     Lhasa Apso versus Dogo Argentino     Lhasa Apso versus Pyrenean Mastiff     

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