German Spitz 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.
German Spitz
Foundation Stock Service
Japanese Spitz
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
German Spitz Overview
German Spitz dogs showcase a distinctive fox-like face with alert, pointed ears and a luxurious double coat that forms a striking ruff around the neck. Their compact yet sturdy build combines elegance with strength, featuring a well-proportioned body and characteristic plumed tail carried high over the back. These spirited companions display remarkable agility and grace in movement, embodying their lively and attentive 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: German Spitzs are less energetic than Japanese Spitzs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: German Spitzs require more grooming attention compared to Japanese Spitzs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, German Spitzs 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: Japanese Spitzs adapt better to apartment living, while German Spitzs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the German Spitz and Japanese Spitz, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | German Spitz | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | German Spitz | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 24-26 lbs 11-12 kg | 10-25 lbs 5-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | German Spitz | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Devoted, Lively, Attentive | Loyal, Playful, Smart |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | German Spitz | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
German Spitz Temperament
The German Spitz is known for being devoted, lively, attentive, 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 German Spitz 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
German Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
German Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
German Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
German Spitz
Rating: 1/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
German Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
German Spitz Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Spitzs 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, German Spitzs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
German Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Murmurs
Japanese Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Dental Issues
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
German Spitz
Pros
- Highly adaptable
- Excellent watchdog
- Affectionate with family
- Low maintenance cost
Cons
- Can be vocal
- Suspicious of strangers
- Regular grooming needed
- Strong prey drive
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 German Spitz and Japanese Spitz, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.