Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Japanese Spitz Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
- Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu: Overview
- Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Shiba Inu
- The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Shiba Inu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu
- Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu
- Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Shiba Inu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu
- Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Shiba Inus?
- Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Shiba Inu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Shiba Inu?
- Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
- Do Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
- Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Shiba Inu
- Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Spitz or the Shiba Inu?
- Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
- How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Shiba Inus?
- Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Spitz
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Japanese Spitz Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Japanese Spitz and the Shiba Inu? 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Spitz and the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu.
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 Shiba Inu.
Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu: Overview
Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shiba Inu are similar in size. The Japanese Spitz and the Shiba Inu are both small-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the Japanese Spitz and the Shiba Inu are Companion Dogs. This means both the Japanese Spitz and the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu
| Factor | Japanese Spitz | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 10 to 16 inches | 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 16 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 17 to 23 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1600 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2000 | $1600 – $2500 |
| 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu is 82 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Spitz is a better pet than the Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu
Below is a list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Shiba Inu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Shiba Inu
The Japanese Spitz and the Shiba Inu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Shiba Inu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Spitz and the Shiba Inu.
Japanese Spitzs weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Spitzs are 10 to 16 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu
The lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.
Shiba Inus live longer than Japanese Spitzs.
Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Shiba Inu
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 Shiba Inu puppy is $2130. The price of the Shiba Inu typically ranges from $1600 – $2500. However, the price of the Shiba Inu can be as low as $600 and as high as $6995. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 283 Shiba Inu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shiba Inu is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.
| Japanese Spitz | Shiba Inu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1600 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2000 | $1600 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Japanese Spitz and Shiba Inu. For different price points, the charts show how many Japanese Spitz puppies or how many Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Japanese Spitz puppy or the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu
Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.
Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Shiba Inus?
Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.
Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Shiba Inu
Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Shiba Inu?
Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.
Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.
Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
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.
Shiba Inus have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Shiba Inu
Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Shiba Inus have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Japanese Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu?
Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
Japanese Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shiba Inus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Shiba Inus?
Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.
Shiba Inus are not easy to train.
Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?
Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.
Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Spitz or the Shiba Inu?
Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.
Shiba Inus 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Japanese Spitz and how the Shiba Inu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Spitz and of the Shiba Inu to other breeds:
Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds
Japanese Spitz versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Japanese Spitz versus Swedish Vallhund Japanese Spitz versus Chinese Crested Japanese Spitz versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Japanese Spitz versus Toy Fox Terrier Japanese Spitz versus Golden Retriever Japanese Spitz versus Berger Picard Japanese Spitz versus Standard Schnauzer Japanese Spitz versus Kishu Ken Japanese Spitz versus German Shorthaired Pointer Japanese Spitz versus Bearded Collie Japanese Spitz versus Pomeranian Japanese Spitz versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Japanese Spitz versus Bracco Italiano Japanese Spitz versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Japanese Spitz versus Cockapoo Japanese Spitz versus Lagotto Romagnolo Japanese Spitz versus Greyhound Japanese Spitz versus Patterdale Terrier Japanese Spitz versus American Staffordshire Terrier Japanese Spitz versus Icelandic Sheepdog Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Pointer Japanese Spitz versus Beagle Japanese Spitz versus Bernese Mountain Dog Japanese Spitz versus Sussex Spaniel
Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu versus Boxerdoodle Shiba Inu versus Coton de Tulear Shiba Inu versus Belgian Tervuren Shiba Inu versus Kooikerhondje Shiba Inu versus Basenji Shiba Inu versus German Pinscher Shiba Inu versus Whippet Shiba Inu versus American Eskimo Dog Shiba Inu versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier Shiba Inu versus Belgian Sheepdog Shiba Inu versus Kuvasz Shiba Inu versus Beagle Shiba Inu versus Skye Terrier Shiba Inu versus Gordon Setter Shiba Inu versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Shiba Inu versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Shiba Inu versus Afghan Hound Shiba Inu versus Clumber Spaniel Shiba Inu versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Shiba Inu versus Standard Schnauzer Shiba Inu versus Bluetick Coonhound Shiba Inu versus Mudi Shiba Inu versus Flat-Coated Retriever Shiba Inu versus Akita Chow
Conclusion: Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.