Breed Comparison: Japanese Spitz Versus Saint Bernard

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Japanese Spitz Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction

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

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

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 Saint Bernard.

Japanese Spitz versus Saint Bernard

Japanese Spitz versus Saint Bernard: Overview

A very important difference between the Japanese Spitz and the Saint Bernard is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog while the Saint Bernard is a giant-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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard

Factor Japanese Spitz Saint Bernard
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s
Life Span 10 to 16 years 8 to 10 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 120 to 180 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
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 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 9.0 years
Average Price $1600 $1320
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $875 – $1525
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – Min Age 24 Months
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 22 Months
  • Hip Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • 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 Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard is 81 out of 125.

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

    Japanese Spitz versus Saint Bernard

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Saint Bernard

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

  • Japanese Spitzs do not have the tendency to drool. However, Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Japanese Spitzs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Saint Bernards are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Saint Bernards are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Saint Bernard

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

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Saint Bernard do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Saint Bernard are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Saint Bernard have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Saint Bernard adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Saint Bernard can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Saint Bernard are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Saint Bernard get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Saint Bernard are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Saint Bernard are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Saint Bernard get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Saint Bernard

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

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

    On the other hand, Saint Bernards weigh 120 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Saint Bernards are 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Saint Bernard

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

    The lifespan of Saint Bernards is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Saint Bernards is 9.0 years.

    Japanese Spitzs live longer than Saint Bernards.

    Japanese Spitz versus Saint Bernard

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Saint Bernard

    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 Saint Bernard puppy is $1320. The price of the Saint Bernard typically ranges from $875 – $1525. However, the price of the Saint Bernard can be as low as $200 and as high as $3550. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 163 Saint Bernard puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Japanese Spitz is more expensive than the Saint Bernard.

    Japanese Spitz Saint Bernard
    Average Price $1600 $1320
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $875 to $1525

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Saint Bernards

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Saint Bernard

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Saint Bernards?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Saint Bernards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Saint Bernard

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Saint Bernard?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Saint Bernards require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?

    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.

    Saint Bernards 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.

    Do Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?

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

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

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Saint Bernard

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

    Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Saint Bernards cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Saint Bernards are not easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Saint Bernard?

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Newfoundland (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Newfoundland.
  • King Shepherd (71 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs King Shepherd.
  • Spinone Italiano (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Spinone Italiano.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Brittany     Japanese Spitz versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Leonberger     Japanese Spitz versus Aussiedoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Boxer     Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu     Japanese Spitz versus Airedale Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Havanese     Japanese Spitz versus Goldendoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Lhasa Apso     Japanese Spitz versus Cane Corso     Japanese Spitz versus Pomsky     Japanese Spitz versus Papipoo     Japanese Spitz versus Cavapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Chihuahua     Japanese Spitz versus Chihuahua     Japanese Spitz versus German Longhaired Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Japanese Spitz versus Pomeranian     Japanese Spitz versus Cockapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Siberian Husky     Japanese Spitz versus Giant Schnauzer     Japanese Spitz versus Bearded Collie     Japanese Spitz versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     

    Saint Bernard Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Saint Bernard versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Saint Bernard versus American Eskimo Dog     Saint Bernard versus American Eskimo Dog     Saint Bernard versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Saint Bernard versus Shiranian     Saint Bernard versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Saint Bernard versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Saint Bernard versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Saint Bernard versus Manchester Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Saint Bernard versus English Toy Spaniel     Saint Bernard versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Saint Bernard versus Cockapoo     Saint Bernard versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Saint Bernard versus Bulldog     Saint Bernard versus Basenji     Saint Bernard versus Gordon Setter     Saint Bernard versus Kishu Ken     Saint Bernard versus Karelian Bear Dog     Saint Bernard versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Saint Bernard versus Border Collie     Saint Bernard versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Saint Bernard versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Saint Bernard versus Bolognese     Saint Bernard versus Valley Bulldog     

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