Breed Comparison: Japanese Spitz Versus Yorkshire Terrier

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Japanese Spitz Versus Yorkshire Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Japanese Spitz versus Yorkshire Terrier

Japanese Spitz versus Yorkshire Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Japanese Spitz and the Yorkshire Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog while the Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Japanese Spitz and the Yorkshire Terrier are Companion Dogs. This means both the Japanese Spitz and the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terrier

Factor Japanese Spitz Yorkshire Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 4 to 6 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 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 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1600 $2420
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1600 – $2950
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terrier is 76 out of 125.

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

    Japanese Spitz versus Yorkshire Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Yorkshire Terrier

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

  • Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Yorkshire Terrier

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

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

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Spitz and the Yorkshire 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, Yorkshire Terriers weigh 4 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Yorkshire Terriers are 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Yorkshire Terriers live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Japanese Spitz versus Yorkshire Terrier

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terrier puppy is $2420. The price of the Yorkshire Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2950. However, the price of the Yorkshire Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 957 Yorkshire Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Yorkshire Terrier is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

    Japanese Spitz Yorkshire Terrier
    Average Price $1600 $2420
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1600 to $2950

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Yorkshire Terriers

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Yorkshire Terrier

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Yorkshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Yorkshire Terriers?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Yorkshire Terrier

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Yorkshire Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Yorkshire Terrier?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Yorkshire 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.

    Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terriers?

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

    Yorkshire Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Yorkshire 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.

    Yorkshire Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Yorkshire Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Yorkshire Terriers?

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

    Yorkshire Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Yorkshire Terriers?

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

    Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Yorkshire Terrier?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Yorkshire Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Yorkshire Terrier?

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Yorkshire Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Affenpinscher (74 percent match with Yorkshire Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Affenpinscher.
  • Lhasa Apso (75 percent match with Yorkshire Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Lhasa Apso.
  • Lhasapoo (75 percent match with Yorkshire Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Lhasapoo.
  • Chorkie (83 percent match with Yorkshire Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Chorkie.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Maltipoo     Japanese Spitz versus Mountain Cur     Japanese Spitz versus Labrador Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Welsh Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Bluetick Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Pomsky     Japanese Spitz versus Skye Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Gordon Setter     Japanese Spitz versus Weimaraner     Japanese Spitz versus Welsh Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus English Springer Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus French Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Shichon     Japanese Spitz versus Great Pyrenees     Japanese Spitz versus Basenji     Japanese Spitz versus Plott     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus French Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Kelpie     Japanese Spitz versus Boxer     Japanese Spitz versus Carolina Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Finnish Lapphund     Japanese Spitz versus Bolognese     

    Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Yorkshire Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Bracco Italiano     Yorkshire Terrier versus Field Spaniel     Yorkshire Terrier versus Beaglier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Yorkshire Terrier versus Frenchton     Yorkshire Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Yorkshire Terrier versus Border Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Yorkshire Terrier versus Komondor     Yorkshire Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     Yorkshire Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Yorkshire Terrier versus Papipoo     Yorkshire Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Yorkshire Terrier versus Mal Shi     Yorkshire Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     Yorkshire Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Yorkshire Terrier versus Briard     Yorkshire Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Yorkshire Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Yorkshire Terrier versus Frenchton     Yorkshire Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     

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