Differences and Similarities between the Japanese Spitz and the Shiranian.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Shiranian: Introduction

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

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

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 Shiranian.

Japanese Spitz versus Shiranian: Overview

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

Japanese Spitz versus Shiranian: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Shiranian 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 Shiranian

Factor Japanese Spitz Shiranian
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 7 to 12 inches
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 16 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 4 to 16 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
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 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
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 3/5
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 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1600 $1230
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $925 – $1200
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 Shiranian. 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 Shiranian is 84 out of 125.

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

The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Shiranian

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Shiranians weigh 4 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shiranians are 7 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Shiranian

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

    The lifespan of Shiranians is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiranians is 14.0 years.

    Shiranians live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Shiranian

    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 Shiranian puppy is $1230. The price of the Shiranian typically ranges from $925 – $1200. However, the price of the Shiranian can be as low as $400 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 35 Shiranian puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Japanese Spitz is more expensive than the Shiranian.

    Japanese Spitz Shiranian
    Average Price $1600 $1230
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $925 to $1200

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiranians

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

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Shiranians do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Shiranians?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Shiranian

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians?

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

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Shiranian

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

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Shiranians?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Shiranians?

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

    Shiranians get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Shiranian?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Shiranians are not easy to train.

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

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shiranians adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Pomapoo (75 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Pomapoo.
  • Shichon (74 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Shichon.
  • Shihpoo (76 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Shihpoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Japanese Spitz versus Barbet     Japanese Spitz versus Pharaoh Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Collie     Japanese Spitz versus Vizsla     Japanese Spitz versus Spanish Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Italian Greyhound     Japanese Spitz versus Bernedoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Japanese Spitz versus Sheepadoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Redbone Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Boxerdoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Italian Greyhound     Japanese Spitz versus Pekingese     Japanese Spitz versus American Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Schnauzer     Japanese Spitz versus Bracco Italiano     Japanese Spitz versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Pomeranian     Japanese Spitz versus Bullmastiff     Japanese Spitz versus West Highland White Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Affenhuahua     Japanese Spitz versus Spinone Italiano     Japanese Spitz versus Scottish Terrier     

    Shiranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiranian versus Skye Terrier     Shiranian versus Sheepadoodle     Shiranian versus Pharaoh Hound     Shiranian versus King Shepherd     Shiranian versus Briard     Shiranian versus Bedlington Terrier     Shiranian versus Cairn Terrier     Shiranian versus Sealyham Terrier     Shiranian versus Barbet     Shiranian versus Harrier     Shiranian versus Biewer Terrier     Shiranian versus Cavapoo     Shiranian versus Italian Greyhound     Shiranian versus Basset Hound     Shiranian versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Shiranian versus Australian Cattle Dog     Shiranian versus Keeshond     Shiranian versus Chow Chow     Shiranian versus Ibizan Hound     Shiranian versus American Hairless Terrier     Shiranian versus Bich Poo     Shiranian versus Pug     Shiranian versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Shiranian versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shiranian versus Jack Russell Terrier     

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