Chinese Crested vs Japanese Spitz
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Chinese Crested
Toy Group
Japanese Spitz
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Chinese Crested Overview
Graceful and elegant, the Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: the hairless with silky hair on head, tail, and feet, and the Powderpuff with a full soft coat. Their fine-boned, slender body carries them with a light, flowing gait. Distinguished by their alert expression and vivacious personality, these dogs combine exotic looks with a warm, affectionate nature.
Japanese Spitz Overview
Japanese Spitz dogs showcase a striking pure white double coat with a distinctive ruff around the neck and shoulders. Their pointed ears, dark almond-shaped eyes, and curled tail create an alert, fox-like expression. Medium-sized and well-proportioned, these elegant companions combine grace with sturdiness, displaying remarkable agility and poise in movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chinese Cresteds are less energetic than Japanese Spitzs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chinese Cresteds require less grooming attention compared to Japanese Spitzs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chinese Cresteds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Japanese Spitzs.
- Trainability: Japanese Spitzs may be slightly easier to train due to their Japanese Spitz's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chinese Cresteds adapt better to apartment living, while Japanese Spitzs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chinese Crested and Japanese Spitz, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 13-18 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 8-12 lbs 4-5 kg | 10-25 lbs 5-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Lively | Loyal, Playful, Smart |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Chinese Crested Temperament
The Chinese Crested is known for being affectionate, alert, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Japanese Spitz Temperament
The Japanese Spitz is characterized by being loyal, playful, smart, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Chinese Crested and Japanese Spitz, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Chinese Crested Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chinese Cresteds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Chinese Cresteds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Japanese Spitz Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Japanese Spitzs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Japanese Spitzs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Chinese Crested Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
Japanese Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Dental Issues
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Chinese Crested
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Minimal shedding
- Good for apartment living
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- Requires skin care (hairless variety)
- Sensitive to extreme temperatures
- Can be yappy
- May be difficult to housebreak
Japanese Spitz
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Adaptable to various living situations
- Low maintenance health needs
- Good with children
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Moderate shedding
- May be reserved with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chinese Crested and Japanese Spitz, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.