Differences and Similarities between the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Pointer: Introduction

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

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

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 Pointer.

Japanese Spitz versus Pointer

Japanese Spitz versus Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog while the Pointer is a medium-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 Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Japanese Spitz versus Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Pointer 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 Pointer

FactorJapanese SpitzPointer
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Height10 to 16 inches1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the
Life Span10 to 16 years12 to 15 years
Weight11 to 20 pounds45 to 75 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone2/51/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/51/5
Low Prey Drive4/51/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/51/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/51/5
Easygoing3/53/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/54/5
Does NOT Shed3/53/5
General Health3/53/5
NOT Rambunctious3/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/51/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/51/5
Good For Novice Owners4/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/52/5
Affectionate With Family4/55/5
Dog Friendly4/55/5
Easy To Groom4/55/5
Easy To Train4/55/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/53/5
Potential For Playfulness4/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Average Lifespan13.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1600$1080
Price Range$1500 – $2000$800 – $1300
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health TestsNo Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Pointer. 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 Pointer is 75 out of 125.

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

    Japanese Spitz versus Pointer

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer

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

  • Japanese Spitzs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Pointers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Japanese Spitzs are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Pointers are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Japanese Spitzs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Pointers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Japanese Spitzs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Pointers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Japanese Spitzs adapt well to apartment living. However, Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Japanese Spitzs are good for new dog owners. However, Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer

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

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Pointer

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

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

    On the other hand, Pointers weigh 45 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Pointers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Pointer

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

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

    Pointers live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Japanese Spitz versus Pointer

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Pointer

    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 Pointer puppy is $1080. The price of the Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of the Pointer can be as low as $300 and as high as $1700. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 16 Pointer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Japanese Spitz is more expensive than the Pointer.

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    Japanese Spitz Pointer
    Average Price $1600 $1080
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $800 to $1300

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pointers

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Pointer

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Pointers?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Pointers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Pointer

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Pointers 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 Pointers?

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

    Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Pointer

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

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

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Pointers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Pointers?

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

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

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Pointer?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Pointers are very easy to train.

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

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (81 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • English Springer Spaniel (75 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Field Spaniel (77 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Karelian Bear Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Collie     Japanese Spitz versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Goldador     Japanese Spitz versus Boxer     Japanese Spitz versus Dogo Argentino     Japanese Spitz versus Black Russian Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Briard     Japanese Spitz versus West Highland White Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Pekingese     Japanese Spitz versus Biewer Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Pharaoh Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Black Mouth Cur     Japanese Spitz versus Boxer     Japanese Spitz versus Xoloitzcuintli     Japanese Spitz versus Coton de Tulear     Japanese Spitz versus Yorkipoo     Japanese Spitz versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Japanese Spitz versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus American Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Harrier     Japanese Spitz versus Samoyed     Japanese Spitz versus Cavapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Akita Chow     Japanese Spitz versus Lhasapoo     

    Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pointer versus Golden Retriever     Pointer versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Pointer versus Norfolk Terrier     Pointer versus Cocker Spaniel     Pointer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Pointer versus Maltese     Pointer versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Pointer versus Affenpinscher     Pointer versus Border Collie     Pointer versus Boykin Spaniel     Pointer versus Bernedoodle     Pointer versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Pointer versus Westiepoo     Pointer versus French Spaniel     Pointer versus Akita     Pointer versus Skye Terrier     Pointer versus Affenhuahua     Pointer versus Carolina Dog     Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier     Pointer versus Boxer     Pointer versus Irish Water Spaniel     Pointer versus Bloodhound     Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund     Pointer versus Puggle     Pointer versus Norwegian Lundehund     

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