Japanese Spitz versus Shichon. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

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 Shichon.

Japanese Spitz versus Shichon

Japanese Spitz versus Shichon: Overview

Both the Japanese Spitz and the Shichon are similar in size. The Japanese Spitz and the Shichon 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 Shichon belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Japanese Spitz versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Shichon 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 Shichon

Factor Japanese Spitz Shichon
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 9 to 12 inches
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 18 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
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 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1600 $1610
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

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 Shichon. 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 Shichon is 95 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shichon is a better pet than the Japanese Spitz. So, you should get the Shichon!

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 Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Shichon

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Shichons weigh 9 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Shichons are 9 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Shichon

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

    The lifespan of Shichons is between 12 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Shichons is 15.0 years.

    Shichons live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Shichon

    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 Shichon puppy is $1610. The price of the Shichon typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of the Shichon can be as low as $700 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 155 Shichon puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Shichon is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Japanese Spitz Shichon
    Average Price $1600 $1610
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Shichons

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

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Shichons?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Shichons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Shichon

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Shichons 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 Shichons?

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

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Shichon

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

    Shichons 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 Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Shichons?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Shichons?

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

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

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

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

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Biewer Terrier (78 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Peek A Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Norwegian Buhund     Japanese Spitz versus Bich Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Dutch Shepherd     Japanese Spitz versus Irish Wolfhound     Japanese Spitz versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Border Collie     Japanese Spitz versus English Cocker Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Kelpie     Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Cesky Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Lhasapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Bichon Frise     Japanese Spitz versus Schipperke     Japanese Spitz versus Basenji     Japanese Spitz versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Japanese Spitz versus German Pinscher     Japanese Spitz versus Field Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu     Japanese Spitz versus Basset Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Scottish Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Mountain Cur     Japanese Spitz versus Puli     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Mal Shi     Shichon versus Puli     Shichon versus Dachshund     Shichon versus French Spaniel     Shichon versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Shichon versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Shichon versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Shichon versus Golden Retriever     Shichon versus Lhasa Apso     Shichon versus Dutch Shepherd     Shichon versus Sheepadoodle     Shichon versus Catahoula Bulldog     Shichon versus Schnoodle     Shichon versus Stabyhoun     Shichon versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Shichon versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Shichon versus Azawakh     Shichon versus Shiba Inu     Shichon versus Borzoi     Shichon versus Pyredoodle     Shichon versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Shichon versus Shiba Inu     Shichon versus Bichon Frise     Shichon versus Portuguese Pointer     Shichon versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     

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