Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Japanese Spitz Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Spitz or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Spitz
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Japanese Spitz Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Japanese Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog? 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog.
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 Portuguese Water Dog.
Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the Japanese Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog
| Factor | Japanese Spitz | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 10 to 16 inches | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
| Life Span | 10 to 16 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1600 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2000 | $2500 – $3300 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
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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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Spitz is a better pet than the Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog
Below is a list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Japanese Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Japanese Spitzs weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Spitzs are 10 to 16 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog
The lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.
Japanese Spitzs live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.
Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
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 Portuguese Water Dog puppy is $2860. The price of the Portuguese Water Dog typically ranges from $2500 – $3300. However, the price of the Portuguese Water Dog can be as low as $900 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 140 Portuguese Water Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Portuguese Water Dog is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.
| Japanese Spitz | Portuguese Water Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1600 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2000 | $2500 to $3300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Japanese Spitz and Portuguese Water Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Japanese Spitz puppies or how many Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Japanese Spitz puppy or the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog
Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Portuguese Water Dog
Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
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.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Japanese Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dog?
Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Japanese Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Spitz or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Japanese Spitz and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Spitz and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:
Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds
Japanese Spitz versus Finnish Lapphund Japanese Spitz versus Ibizan Hound Japanese Spitz versus Skye Terrier Japanese Spitz versus Standard Poodle Japanese Spitz versus Cesky Terrier Japanese Spitz versus Bearded Collie Japanese Spitz versus Schnoodle Japanese Spitz versus English Springer Spaniel Japanese Spitz versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Japanese Spitz versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Japanese Spitz versus Lowchen Japanese Spitz versus Alaskan Malamute Japanese Spitz versus Saint Bernard Japanese Spitz versus Fila Brasileiro Japanese Spitz versus Belgian Tervuren Japanese Spitz versus Irish Setter Japanese Spitz versus Berger Picard Japanese Spitz versus Toy Fox Terrier Japanese Spitz versus Norwegian Buhund Japanese Spitz versus Flat-Coated Retriever Japanese Spitz versus Bulldog Japanese Spitz versus Pyrenean Shepherd Japanese Spitz versus Kuvasz Japanese Spitz versus Keeshond Japanese Spitz versus Maltese
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Bolognese Portuguese Water Dog versus Boerboel Portuguese Water Dog versus Black and Tan Coonhound Portuguese Water Dog versus Papillon Portuguese Water Dog versus American Hairless Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Bracco Italiano Portuguese Water Dog versus Alaskan Malamute Portuguese Water Dog versus Siberian Husky Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Setter Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Setter Portuguese Water Dog versus Leonberger Portuguese Water Dog versus Pekingese Portuguese Water Dog versus Biewer Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais Portuguese Water Dog versus American Eskimo Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Chorkie Portuguese Water Dog versus Giant Schnauzer Portuguese Water Dog versus Belgian Sheepdog Portuguese Water Dog versus Belgian Sheepdog Portuguese Water Dog versus Stabyhoun Portuguese Water Dog versus Bichon Frise Portuguese Water Dog versus Chinook Portuguese Water Dog versus Berger Picard Portuguese Water Dog versus Sussex Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog versus Mountain Cur
Conclusion: Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.