Differences and Similarities between the Japanese Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

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 Maremma Sheepdog.

Japanese Spitz versus Maremma Sheepdog

Japanese Spitz versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

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

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Japanese Spitz Maremma Sheepdog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Life Span 10 to 16 years 11 to 13 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
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 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
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 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1600 $1160
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $495 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • 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 Maremma Sheepdog. 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 Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

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

  • Japanese Spitzs are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Maremma Sheepdogs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Japanese Spitzs adapt well to apartment living. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Japanese Spitzs are good for new dog owners. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Maremma Sheepdogs weigh 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Maremma Sheepdogs are 23.5 to 28.5 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.

    Japanese Spitzs live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    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 Maremma Sheepdog puppy is $1160. The price of the Maremma Sheepdog typically ranges from $495 – $1500. However, the price of the Maremma Sheepdog can be as low as $300 and as high as $4135. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 41 Maremma Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Japanese Spitz is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Japanese Spitz Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $1600 $1160
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $495 to $1500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs

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

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    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.

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Central Asian Shepherd Dog (75 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). 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 Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Spitz and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Maltipoo     Japanese Spitz versus English Cocker Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Clumber Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Schipperke     Japanese Spitz versus Saint Berdoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Bloodhound     Japanese Spitz versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Belgian Tervuren     Japanese Spitz versus Shih Tzu     Japanese Spitz versus Bullmastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Catahoula Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Peek A Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Boykin Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Hovawart     Japanese Spitz versus English Cocker Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus American Eskimo Dog     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Saint Berdoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lancashire Heeler     Maremma Sheepdog versus Border Collie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiranian     Maremma Sheepdog versus Rottweiler     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo     Maremma Sheepdog versus French Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Maremma Sheepdog versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Borzoi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Finnish Spitz     Maremma Sheepdog versus Maltipoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Boerboel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lancashire Heeler     Maremma Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomsky     Maremma Sheepdog versus Papillon     Maremma Sheepdog versus Boxerdoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bouvier des Flandres     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Maremma Sheepdog versus American Hairless Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Yorkshire Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chow Chow     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lhasapoo     

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