Newfoundland vs Japanese Chin
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Newfoundland
Working Group
Japanese Chin
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Newfoundland Overview
Majestic and powerful, Newfoundlands are gentle giants with thick black, brown, or white-and-black coats. Their massive heads, deep chest, and muscular build reflect their water rescue heritage. Standing up to 28 inches tall with males weighing up to 150 pounds, they possess webbed feet and a water-resistant double coat. Their calm, patient demeanor and soft expression embody their reputation as natural caregivers.
Japanese Chin Overview
Japanese Chin dogs feature distinctive large round eyes, flat faces, and feathered ears that create an endearing expression. Their elegant silhouette combines a small, square body with a profuse, silky coat that flows gracefully. Refined and aristocratic in bearing, these companions display a dignified demeanor while maintaining a playful spirit that charms their families.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Newfoundlands are less energetic than Japanese Chins, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Newfoundlands require less grooming attention compared to Japanese Chins.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Newfoundlands tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Japanese Chins.
- Trainability: Japanese Chins may be slightly easier to train due to their Japanese Chin's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Japanese Chins adapt better to apartment living, while Newfoundlands typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Newfoundland and Japanese Chin, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Newfoundland | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 9-10 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Newfoundland | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-28 inches 66-71 cm | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm |
| Weight | 100-150 lbs 45-68 kg | 7-11 lbs 3-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Newfoundland | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Sweet, Patient, Devoted | Charming, Noble, Loving |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Newfoundland | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Newfoundland Temperament
The Newfoundland is known for being sweet, patient, devoted, making them excellent family dogs. 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 Chin Temperament
The Japanese Chin is characterized by being charming, noble, loving, 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 Newfoundland and Japanese Chin, 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
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Newfoundland
Rating: 1/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Newfoundland Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Newfoundlands 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, Newfoundlands require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Japanese Chin Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Japanese Chins 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 Chins require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Newfoundland Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
Japanese Chin Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart murmurs
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Respiratory issues
- Dental problems
Pros & Cons
Newfoundland
Pros
- Excellent with children
- Gentle and patient
- Strong swimming abilities
- Loyal and protective
- Good therapy dogs
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Excessive drooling
- Expensive to maintain
- Need lots of space
- Short lifespan
Japanese Chin
Pros
- Excellent apartment dog
- Gentle disposition
- Low exercise needs
- Good with other pets
- Elegant appearance
Cons
- Delicate health
- Difficult to housebreak
- Temperature sensitive
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Newfoundland and Japanese Chin, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.