Breed Comparison: Japanese Spitz Versus Mastiff

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Japanese Spitz Versus Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

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 Mastiff.

Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff

Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff: Overview

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

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Mastiff 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 Mastiff

Factor Japanese Spitz Mastiff
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 6 to 10 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 130 to 220 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 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 8.0 years
Average Price $1600 $1740
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1100 – $2200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Minimum age 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PennGen
  • 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 Mastiff. 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 Mastiff is 72 out of 125.

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

    Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Mastiff

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

  • Japanese Spitzs do not have the tendency to drool. However, Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Japanese Spitzs are good for new dog owners. However, Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Mastiff

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

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mastiff do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mastiff have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mastiff 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 Mastiff do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mastiff are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mastiff are very easy to train.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff

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

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

    On the other hand, Mastiffs weigh 130 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Mastiffs are 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff

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

    The lifespan of Mastiffs is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Mastiffs is 8.0 years.

    Japanese Spitzs live longer than Mastiffs.

    Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Mastiff

    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 Mastiff puppy is $1740. The price of the Mastiff typically ranges from $1100 – $2200. However, the price of the Mastiff can be as low as $200 and as high as $4600. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 248 Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Mastiff is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Japanese Spitz Mastiff
    Average Price $1600 $1740
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1100 to $2200

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Mastiffs

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Mastiffs?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Mastiff

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiffs?

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

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Mastiff

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

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Mastiffs?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Mastiffs?

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

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

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Mastiff?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

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

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Black Russian Terrier (73 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dog (72 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
  • Dogue de Bordeaux (72 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Dogue de Bordeaux.
  • Leonberger (73 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Leonberger.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Korean Jindo Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Pomapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Clumber Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Redbone Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Afador     Japanese Spitz versus Goldador     Japanese Spitz versus Goldendoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Bich Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Peek A Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Kuvasz     Japanese Spitz versus Chihuahua     Japanese Spitz versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Finnish Spitz     Japanese Spitz versus Goldador     Japanese Spitz versus Yorkipoo     Japanese Spitz versus Puggle     Japanese Spitz versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Karelian Bear Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Japanese Spitz versus Bich Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Cesky Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Tibetan Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Valley Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Shihpoo     

    Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mastiff versus Cockapoo     Mastiff versus Karelian Bear Dog     Mastiff versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Mastiff versus Boykin Spaniel     Mastiff versus Stabyhoun     Mastiff versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Mastiff versus Papillon     Mastiff versus Ibizan Hound     Mastiff versus German Longhaired Pointer     Mastiff versus Aussiedoodle     Mastiff versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Mastiff versus Affenhuahua     Mastiff versus Lhasa Apso     Mastiff versus Australian Shepherd     Mastiff versus Goldador     Mastiff versus West Highland White Terrier     Mastiff versus Affenpinscher     Mastiff versus Sheepadoodle     Mastiff versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Mastiff versus Italian Greyhound     Mastiff versus Jack Russell Terrier     Mastiff versus Rottweiler     Mastiff versus Cavachon     Mastiff versus Lowchen     Mastiff versus Boykin Spaniel     

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