Japanese Spitz vs Bearded Collie
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Japanese Spitz
Foundation Stock Service
Bearded Collie
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Bearded Collie Overview
Bearded Collies captivate with their shaggy, flowing coats and bright, inquisitive expressions. Their medium-sized, lean bodies carry them with agile grace, while their distinctive beard and long eyebrows frame expressive eyes. Known for their bouncy, charismatic personalities, these herding dogs combine intelligence with a playful spirit, making them both capable workers and affectionate companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Japanese Spitzs are less energetic than Bearded Collies, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Japanese Spitzs require less grooming attention compared to Bearded Collies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Japanese Spitzs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Bearded Collies.
- Trainability: Bearded Collies may be slightly easier to train due to their Bearded Collie's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Japanese Spitzs adapt better to apartment living, while Bearded Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Japanese Spitz and Bearded Collie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Japanese Spitz | Bearded Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Japanese Spitz | Bearded Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 20-22 inches 51-56 cm |
| Weight | 10-25 lbs 5-11 kg | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Japanese Spitz | Bearded Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Playful, Smart | Smart, Bouncy, Charismatic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Japanese Spitz | Bearded Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Japanese Spitz Temperament
The Japanese Spitz is known for being loyal, playful, smart, 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. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Bearded Collie Temperament
The Bearded Collie is characterized by being smart, bouncy, charismatic, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 Japanese Spitz and Bearded Collie, 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
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Bearded Collie
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 2/5
Bearded Collie
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Japanese Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Japanese Spitz Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Japanese 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, Japanese Spitzs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Bearded Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bearded Collies 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, Bearded Collies require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Japanese Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Dental Issues
- Allergies
Bearded Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
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
Bearded Collie
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Frequent barking
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Japanese Spitz and Bearded Collie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.