Which is Better between the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier? A Very Detailed Review.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Norwich Terrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Norwich Terrier.

Japanese Spitz versus Norwich Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog while the Norwich Terrier is a tiny-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 Norwich Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Japanese Spitz versus Norwich Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Norwich Terrier 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 Norwich Terrier

Factor Japanese Spitz Norwich Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 16 inches Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 10 to 14 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds Up to 12 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
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 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1600 $2140
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1500 – $2650
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    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 Norwich Terrier. 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 Norwich Terrier is 83 out of 125.

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

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

  • Japanese Spitzs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Norwich Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Japanese Spitzs are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Norwich Terriers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.

    • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier

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

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwich Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Norwich Terrier

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

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

    On the other hand, Norwich Terriers weigh Up to 12 pounds when fully grown. Norwich Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Norwich Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Norwich Terriers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Norwich Terriers is 12.0 years.

    Japanese Spitzs live longer than Norwich Terriers.

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Norwich Terrier

    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 Norwich Terrier puppy is $2140. The price of the Norwich Terrier typically ranges from $1500 – $2650. However, the price of the Norwich Terrier can be as low as $1200 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 14 Norwich Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Norwich Terrier is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Japanese Spitz Norwich Terrier
    Average Price $1600 $2140
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1500 to $2650

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Norwich Terriers

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

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Norwich Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Norwich Terriers?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Norwich Terrier

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norwich Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Norwich Terrier?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwich Terrier?

    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.

    Norwich Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Norwich Terriers?

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

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

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwich Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwich Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Norwich Terrier

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

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

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwich Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Norwich Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Norwich Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Norwich Terriers?

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

    Norwich Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Norwich Terriers?

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

    Norwich Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Norwich Terrier?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Norwich Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwich Terrier?

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Norwich Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Norwich Terriers are OK 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 Norwich Terrier vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Norwich Terrier vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Norwich Terrier vs Dutch Shepherd.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwich Terrier

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

  • Cavachon (78 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Cavachon.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (81 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Lowchen (78 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Lowchen.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Cavapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Tibetan Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Spanish Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Cockapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Japanese Spitz versus Irish Wolfhound     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Schnauzer     Japanese Spitz versus French Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Saint Berdoodle     Japanese Spitz versus American Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Collie     Japanese Spitz versus Bull Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Schnauzer     Japanese Spitz versus American Hairless Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Carolina Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Lancashire Heeler     Japanese Spitz versus Samoyed     Japanese Spitz versus Great Dane     Japanese Spitz versus Toy Poodle     Japanese Spitz versus Finnish Lapphund     Japanese Spitz versus Akita Chow     Japanese Spitz versus Spanish Mastiff     

    Norwich Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwich Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Norwich Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Norwich Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Norwich Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog     Norwich Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Norwich Terrier versus Akita     Norwich Terrier versus Basset Hound     Norwich Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Norwich Terrier versus Affenpinscher     Norwich Terrier versus Pekingese     Norwich Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Norwich Terrier versus Bloodhound     Norwich Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Norwich Terrier versus Pomapoo     Norwich Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Norwich Terrier versus Kai Ken     Norwich Terrier versus Bolognese     Norwich Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Norwich Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Norwich Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Norwich Terrier versus Leonberger     Norwich Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     Norwich Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Norwich Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Norwich Terrier versus Pug     

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