Differences and Similarities between the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Japanese Spitz Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

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 Shetland Sheepdog.

Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog

Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

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

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 Shetland Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Japanese Spitz Shetland Sheepdog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds Starts at 20 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
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 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1600 $1590
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1000 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- Recommend evaluation every year until age 5, every 2 years thereafter until age 9.
  • 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125.

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

    Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Japanese Spitzs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers.

    • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

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

    On the other hand, Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    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 Shetland Sheepdog puppy is $1590. The price of the Shetland Sheepdog typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of the Shetland Sheepdog can be as low as $500 and as high as $3145. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 153 Shetland Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Japanese Spitz is more expensive than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    Japanese Spitz Shetland Sheepdog
    Average Price $1600 $1590
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1000 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Shetland Sheepdogs

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    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.

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

    Do Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog?

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Dutch Shepherd.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Collie (81 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Cairn Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Saint Berdoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Saint Berdoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Bearded Collie     Japanese Spitz versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Black Mouth Cur     Japanese Spitz versus Lancashire Heeler     Japanese Spitz versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Japanese Spitz versus German Longhaired Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Bluetick Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Dutch Shepherd     Japanese Spitz versus Saint Bernard     Japanese Spitz versus Peek A Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Sloughi     Japanese Spitz versus English Cocker Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Patterdale Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Brittany     Japanese Spitz versus Cane Corso     Japanese Spitz versus Canaan Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Bordoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Pinscher     

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus King Shepherd     Shetland Sheepdog versus Border Collie     Shetland Sheepdog versus Leonberger     Shetland Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus Mountain Cur     Shetland Sheepdog versus Komondor     Shetland Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Cocker Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus American Eskimo Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Kishu Ken     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pomeranian     Shetland Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shetland Sheepdog versus Greyhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Schnoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Greyhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bluetick Coonhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pekingese     Shetland Sheepdog versus Kishu Ken     Shetland Sheepdog versus Carolina Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Puli     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pomsky     Shetland Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Karelian Bear Dog     

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