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

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Japanese Spitz Versus Whippet: Introduction

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

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

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 Whippet.

Japanese Spitz versus Whippet

Japanese Spitz versus Whippet: Overview

A very important difference between the Japanese Spitz and the Whippet is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog while the Whippet 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 Whippet belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Japanese Spitz versus Whippet: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Whippet 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 Whippet

Factor Japanese Spitz Whippet
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 18 to 48 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1600 $2120
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1600 – $2600
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • 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 Whippet. 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 Whippet is 86 out of 125.

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

    Japanese Spitz versus Whippet

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Whippet

    Below is a list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Whippet are most different:

  • Japanese Spitzs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Whippets have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Japanese Spitzs can tolerate cold weather. However, Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Whippets are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Whippet

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Whippets weigh 18 to 48 pounds when fully grown. Whippets are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Whippet

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

    The lifespan of Whippets is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Whippets is 13.5 years.

    Whippets live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Japanese Spitz versus Whippet

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Whippet

    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 Whippet puppy is $2120. The price of the Whippet typically ranges from $1600 – $2600. However, the price of the Whippet can be as low as $400 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 121 Whippet puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Whippet is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Japanese Spitz Whippet
    Average Price $1600 $2120
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1600 to $2600

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Whippets

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Whippet

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Whippets do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Whippets?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Whippet

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Whippets are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Whippets 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 Whippets?

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

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Whippet

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

    Whippets have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Whippets can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Whippets get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Whippets?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Whippets?

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

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

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Whippet?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Whippets are very easy to train.

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

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Ibizan Hound (86 percent match with Whippet). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Italian Greyhound (78 percent match with Whippet). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Italian Greyhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Papipoo     Japanese Spitz versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Mountain Cur     Japanese Spitz versus Tibetan Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Schnauzer     Japanese Spitz versus Yorkshire Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Rottweiler     Japanese Spitz versus Collie     Japanese Spitz versus Dutch Shepherd     Japanese Spitz versus Havanese     Japanese Spitz versus Akita Chow     Japanese Spitz versus Portuguese Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Cavachon     Japanese Spitz versus Norwegian Buhund     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Cattle Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Boykin Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Japanese Spitz versus Aussiedoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Bernedoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Goldendoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Mudi     Japanese Spitz versus Norfolk Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Coton de Tulear     Japanese Spitz versus Field Spaniel     

    Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Whippet versus Schipperke     Whippet versus Welsh Terrier     Whippet versus Komondor     Whippet versus Lowchen     Whippet versus Chorkie     Whippet versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Whippet versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Whippet versus Japanese Chin     Whippet versus Redbone Coonhound     Whippet versus Bolognese     Whippet versus Rottweiler     Whippet versus Bernedoodle     Whippet versus Maltese     Whippet versus Siberian Husky     Whippet versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Whippet versus Havanese     Whippet versus Toy Fox Terrier     Whippet versus Maremma Sheepdog     Whippet versus Airedale Terrier     Whippet versus Australian Terrier     Whippet versus Havanese     Whippet versus Morkie     Whippet versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Whippet versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Whippet versus German Shepherd Dog     

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