Greyhound 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.
Greyhound
Hound Group
Japanese Spitz
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Greyhound Overview
Graceful and athletic, Greyhounds possess a distinctive streamlined silhouette with deep chest, powerful legs, and long, elegant neck. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors. Despite their racing heritage, these noble sighthounds are gentle souls at home, displaying a calm and dignified demeanor that belies their incredible speed and agility.
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: Greyhounds are more energetic than Japanese Spitzs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Greyhounds require less grooming attention compared to Japanese Spitzs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Greyhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Japanese Spitzs.
- Trainability: Greyhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Greyhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Japanese Spitzs adapt better to apartment living, while Greyhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Greyhound and Japanese Spitz, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Greyhound | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Greyhound | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 27-30 inches 69-76 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg | 10-25 lbs 5-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Greyhound | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Independent, Noble | Loyal, Playful, Smart |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Greyhound | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Greyhound Temperament
The Greyhound is known for being gentle, independent, noble, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
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 Greyhound 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
Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Greyhound
Rating: 4/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Greyhound
Rating: 4/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Greyhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Greyhounds require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Greyhounds 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
Greyhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Bloat
- Osteosarcoma
- Heart issues
- Dental disease
- Eye problems
Japanese Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Dental Issues
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Greyhound
Pros
- Gentle and calm indoors
- Low grooming needs
- Good with other dogs
- Quiet and well-mannered
Cons
- High prey drive
- Needs secure fencing
- Cold sensitive
- Independent nature
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 Greyhound and Japanese Spitz, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.