Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Japanese Spitz Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Japanese Spitz versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Japanese Spitz versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Shih Tzu
- Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Shih Tzu
- Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Spitz or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Spitz
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Japanese Spitz versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Japanese Spitz Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Japanese Spitz and the Shih Tzu? 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Spitz and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu.
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 Shih Tzu.
Japanese Spitz versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Japanese Spitz and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Japanese Spitz and the Shih Tzu are Companion Dogs. This means both the Japanese Spitz and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
| Factor | Japanese Spitz | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 10 to 16 inches | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 16 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| 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 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1600 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2000 | $1200 – $2300 |
| 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Spitz is a better pet than the Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Shih Tzu
The Japanese Spitz and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Spitz and the Shih Tzu.
Japanese Spitzs weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Spitzs are 10 to 16 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzu puppy is $1820. The price of the Shih Tzu typically ranges from $1200 – $2300. However, the price of the Shih Tzu can be as low as $200 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shih Tzu is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.
| Japanese Spitz | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1600 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2000 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Japanese Spitz and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Japanese Spitz puppies or how many Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Japanese Spitz puppy or the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Shih Tzus?
Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Shih Tzu
Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Shih Tzu?
Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
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.
Shih Tzus have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Shih Tzu
Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Japanese Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Spitz or the Shih Tzu?
Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Japanese Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Shih Tzus?
Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Spitz or the Shih Tzu?
Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Japanese Spitz and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Spitz and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds
Japanese Spitz versus Newfoundland Japanese Spitz versus Lagotto Romagnolo Japanese Spitz versus German Longhaired Pointer Japanese Spitz versus Black Mouth Cur Japanese Spitz versus Irish Water Spaniel Japanese Spitz versus Dalmatian Japanese Spitz versus Vizsla Japanese Spitz versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Japanese Spitz versus Bouvier des Flandres Japanese Spitz versus Swedish Vallhund Japanese Spitz versus Bluetick Coonhound Japanese Spitz versus Neapolitan Mastiff Japanese Spitz versus German Shepherd Dog Japanese Spitz versus French Bulldog Japanese Spitz versus Standard Poodle Japanese Spitz versus Lhasa Apso Japanese Spitz versus Schipperke Japanese Spitz versus Affenhuahua Japanese Spitz versus Border Terrier Japanese Spitz versus Affenpinscher Japanese Spitz versus Shichon Japanese Spitz versus Stabyhoun Japanese Spitz versus Irish Setter Japanese Spitz versus Lagotto Romagnolo Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Miniature Schnauzer Shih Tzu versus Valley Bulldog Shih Tzu versus Norwegian Buhund Shih Tzu versus Shiloh Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Mudi Shih Tzu versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shih Tzu versus Leonberger Shih Tzu versus Pyrenean Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Bloodhound Shih Tzu versus Puggle Shih Tzu versus Irish Terrier Shih Tzu versus Great Pyrenees Shih Tzu versus Akita Shih Tzu versus Norwegian Lundehund Shih Tzu versus Portuguese Pointer Shih Tzu versus Bloodhound Shih Tzu versus Mountain Cur Shih Tzu versus Shichon Shih Tzu versus American Foxhound Shih Tzu versus Neapolitan Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Dutch Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Mal Shi Shih Tzu versus Sealyham Terrier Shih Tzu versus Patterdale Terrier Shih Tzu versus Mountain Cur
Conclusion: Japanese Spitz versus Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.