Differences and Similarities between the Japanese Spitz and the Pug.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Pug: Introduction

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

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

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 Pug.

Japanese Spitz versus Pug

Japanese Spitz versus Pug: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Japanese Spitz and the Pug are Companion Dogs. This means both the Japanese Spitz and the Pug 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.

Japanese Spitz versus Pug: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Pug 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 Pug

Factor Japanese Spitz Pug
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 14 to 18 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
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 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1600 $1620
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1200 – $1875
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Pug Dog Club of America recommends ANNUAL screening.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Pug Dog Encephalitis
  • Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • 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 Pug. 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 Pug is 80 out of 125.

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

    Japanese Spitz versus Pug

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Pug

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

  • Japanese Spitzs are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Pugs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Pug

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

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pug do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pug do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pug are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pug have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pug 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 Pug adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pug are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pug are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pug get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pug are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pug are very easy to train.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pug are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Pug get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Pug

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

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

    On the other hand, Pugs weigh 14 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Pugs are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Pug

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

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

    Pugs live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Japanese Spitz versus Pug

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Pug

    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 Pug puppy is $1620. The price of the Pug typically ranges from $1200 – $1875. However, the price of the Pug can be as low as $300 and as high as $6525. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 654 Pug puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Pug is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Japanese Spitz Pug
    Average Price $1600 $1620
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1200 to $1875

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pugs

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Pug

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Pugs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Pugs?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Pugs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Pug

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pugs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Pugs are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

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

    Do Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Pugs?

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

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Pug

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

    Pugs 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 Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Pugs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Pugs?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Pugs?

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

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

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Pug?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Pugs are fairly easy to train.

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

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Pugs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Boxer (74 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Boxer.
  • English Toy Spaniel (73 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs English Toy Spaniel.
  • French Bulldog (83 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs French Bulldog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Cockapoo     Japanese Spitz versus English Cocker Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Boerboel     Japanese Spitz versus Cockalier     Japanese Spitz versus Shihpoo     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Shepherd     Japanese Spitz versus Pug     Japanese Spitz versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Basenji     Japanese Spitz versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Yorkipoo     Japanese Spitz versus Cockalier     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Poodle     Japanese Spitz versus Bedlington Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Chow Chow     Japanese Spitz versus Bearded Collie     Japanese Spitz versus Skye Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Irish Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Bolognese     Japanese Spitz versus Chi-Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Japanese Spitz versus Sealyham Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Affenpinscher     Japanese Spitz versus Maremma Sheepdog     

    Pug Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pug versus Dogo Argentino     Pug versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Pug versus French Bulldog     Pug versus Spinone Italiano     Pug versus Pomsky     Pug versus Dutch Shepherd     Pug versus Akita Chow     Pug versus Plott     Pug versus Shih Tzu     Pug versus Maltese     Pug versus Border Collie     Pug versus Puggle     Pug versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Pug versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Pug versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Pug versus Samoyed     Pug versus Tibetan Spaniel     Pug versus Boerboel     Pug versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Pug versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Pug versus Tibetan Mastiff     Pug versus English Setter     Pug versus English Setter     Pug versus Newfoundland     

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