Differences and Similarities between the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Mudi: Introduction

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

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

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 Mudi.

Japanese Spitz versus Mudi: Overview

Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi are similar in size. The Japanese Spitz and the Mudi are both small-sized dogs.

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 Mudi belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Japanese Spitz versus Mudi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Mudi 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 Mudi

Factor Japanese Spitz Mudi
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 14 to 20 inches
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 18 to 29 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
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 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1600 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
  • WSU VCPL
    		•

    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 Mudi. 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 Mudi is 76 out of 125.

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

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

  • Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi

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

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi are very easy to train.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Mudi are very playful.

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Mudis weigh 18 to 29 pounds when fully grown. Mudis are 14 to 20 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Mudi

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

    The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Mudi

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Mudis?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Mudis shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Mudi

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Mudis 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 Mudis?

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

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Mudi

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

    Mudis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Mudis 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 Mudi?

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Mudis?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Mudis?

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

    Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Mudi?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Mudis are very easy to train.

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

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi

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

  • Alaskan Klee Kai (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Australian Kelpie (78 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs German Pinscher.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Bloodhound     Japanese Spitz versus Maltese     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Pinscher     Japanese Spitz versus Ibizan Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Japanese Spitz versus Scottish Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Schnauzer     Japanese Spitz versus American Hairless Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Kooikerhondje     Japanese Spitz versus Belgian Tervuren     Japanese Spitz versus Beagle     Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Irish Setter     Japanese Spitz versus Lowchen     Japanese Spitz versus Gordon Setter     Japanese Spitz versus Boston Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Biewer Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Ibizan Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Tibetan Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Cockapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Cockapoo     

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Canaan Dog     Mudi versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Mudi versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Mudi versus Clumber Spaniel     Mudi versus Yorkshire Terrier     Mudi versus Beagle     Mudi versus American Eskimo Dog     Mudi versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Mudi versus Bichon Frise     Mudi versus Finnish Lapphund     Mudi versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Mudi versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Mudi versus Chi-Poo     Mudi versus Gordon Setter     Mudi versus Pharaoh Hound     Mudi versus Chinook     Mudi versus Dutch Shepherd     Mudi versus Pug     Mudi versus Standard Schnauzer     Mudi versus Chihuahua     Mudi versus German Pinscher     Mudi versus American Foxhound     Mudi versus Chi-Poo     Mudi versus Swedish Vallhund     Mudi versus Canaan Dog     

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