Differences and Similarities between the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Maltese: Introduction

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

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

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 Maltese.

Japanese Spitz versus Maltese

Japanese Spitz versus Maltese: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese are Companion Dogs. This means both the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese 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 Maltese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Maltese 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 Maltese

Factor Japanese Spitz Maltese
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds Up to 7 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
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 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1600 $2580
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1800 – $3000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid 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 Maltese. 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 Maltese is 82 out of 125.

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

    Japanese Spitz versus Maltese

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese

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

  • Japanese Spitzs can tolerate cold weather. However, Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Maltese

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

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

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Maltese

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

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

    On the other hand, Malteses weigh Up to 7 pounds when fully grown. Malteses are 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Maltese

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

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

    Malteses live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Japanese Spitz versus Maltese

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Maltese

    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 Maltese puppy is $2580. The price of the Maltese typically ranges from $1800 – $3000. However, the price of the Maltese can be as low as $500 and as high as $7995. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 413 Maltese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Maltese is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Japanese Spitz Maltese
    Average Price $1600 $2580
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1800 to $3000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Malteses

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Maltese

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Malteses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Malteses?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Maltese

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Malteses 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 Malteses?

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

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Maltese

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

    Malteses 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 Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Malteses 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 Maltese?

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Malteses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Malteses?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Malteses?

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

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

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Maltese?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Malteses are very easy to train.

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

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese

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

  • Pomapoo (80 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (81 percent match with Maltese). 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 Maltese compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Spitz and of the Maltese to other breeds:

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Akbash     Japanese Spitz versus Azawakh     Japanese Spitz versus King Shepherd     Japanese Spitz versus Toy Fox Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Schipperke     Japanese Spitz versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Cocker Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Boxerdoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Siberian Husky     Japanese Spitz versus Ibizan Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Labrador Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Field Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus American Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Papillon     Japanese Spitz versus Chinook     Japanese Spitz versus Sheepadoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Japanese Spitz versus Morkie     Japanese Spitz versus Chihuahua     Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Briard     Japanese Spitz versus Keeshond     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Cattle Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Bouvier des Flandres     Japanese Spitz versus Silky Terrier     

    Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltese versus Black Mouth Cur     Maltese versus Dogo Argentino     Maltese versus Brittany     Maltese versus Australian Shepherd     Maltese versus Norwich Terrier     Maltese versus Manchester Terrier     Maltese versus Schipperke     Maltese versus Japanese Chin     Maltese versus Pomeranian     Maltese versus Cairn Terrier     Maltese versus Golden Retriever     Maltese versus Spinone Italiano     Maltese versus Cesky Terrier     Maltese versus Shetland Sheepdog     Maltese versus Irish Terrier     Maltese versus Pointer     Maltese versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Maltese versus Chinook     Maltese versus Kai Ken     Maltese versus Cockapoo     Maltese versus Pomchi     Maltese versus Boxerdoodle     Maltese versus Saluki     Maltese versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Maltese versus Spanish Mastiff     

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