Is the Japanese Spitz Better than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier as a Pet? Answer…

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Japanese Spitz Versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Spitz and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Japanese Spitz versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Japanese Spitz versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Japanese Spitz and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog.

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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Japanese Spitz versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Factor Japanese Spitz Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 30 to 40 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 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
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 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 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1600 $1810
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1050 – $2200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 89 out of 125.

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

    Japanese Spitz versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are most different:

  • Japanese Spitzs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    The Japanese Spitz and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are most similar:

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

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Spitz and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

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

    On the other hand, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers weigh 30 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Japanese Spitz versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy is $1810. The price of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier typically ranges from $1050 – $2200. However, the price of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be as low as $500 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 170 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Japanese Spitz Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
    Average Price $1600 $1810
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1050 to $2200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Japanese Spitz and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Japanese Spitz puppies or how many Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    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.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Spitz or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier:

  • Cavachon (82 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Cavachon.
  • Lowchen (80 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Lowchen.
  • Cockalier (81 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Spitz and of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier to other breeds:

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Doberman Pinscher     Japanese Spitz versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Scottish Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Leonberger     Japanese Spitz versus Lowchen     Japanese Spitz versus Lancashire Heeler     Japanese Spitz versus Greyhound     Japanese Spitz versus Saluki     Japanese Spitz versus Catahoula Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Boxerdoodle     Japanese Spitz versus German Longhaired Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Doberman Pinscher     Japanese Spitz versus Spinone Italiano     Japanese Spitz versus Gordon Setter     Japanese Spitz versus Peek A Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Bloodhound     Japanese Spitz versus German Longhaired Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Japanese Chin     Japanese Spitz versus Cane Corso     Japanese Spitz versus Italian Greyhound     Japanese Spitz versus Maltese     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Pinscher     Japanese Spitz versus Norwegian Lundehund     Japanese Spitz versus Tibetan Spaniel     

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Plott     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Lowchen     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Leonberger     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Leonberger     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Cane Corso     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Pekingese     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Beaglier     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Field Spaniel     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Dachshund     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Whippet     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Boerboel     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Keeshond     

    Conclusion: Japanese Spitz versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier better suits you and your family.