Puli 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.
Puli
Herding Group
Japanese Chin
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Puli Overview
Distinctive for its long, corded coat resembling dreadlocks, the Puli is a compact herding dog with remarkable agility and intelligence. The unique coat, naturally forming cords that provide protection from harsh weather, gives this breed its unmistakable appearance. Alert and nimble, Pulis possess a medium-sized, muscular frame with a proud bearing and characteristic bouncing gait.
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: Pulis are less energetic than Japanese Chins, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pulis require more grooming attention compared to Japanese Chins.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pulis tend to be more reserved 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 Pulis typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Puli and Japanese Chin, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Puli | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Puli | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-17 inches 41-43 cm | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm |
| Weight | 25-35 lbs 11-16 kg | 7-11 lbs 3-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Puli | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Smart, Home-Loving | Charming, Noble, Loving |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Puli | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Puli Temperament
The Puli is known for being loyal, smart, home-loving, 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.
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 Puli 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
Puli
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Puli
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Puli
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Puli
Rating: 2/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Puli
Rating: 5/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Puli Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pulis 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, Pulis 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 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
Puli Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Deafness
- Bloat
- Allergies
Japanese Chin Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart murmurs
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Respiratory issues
- Dental problems
Pros & Cons
Puli
Pros
- Excellent herding instincts
- Loyal family companion
- Intelligent and trainable
- Weather-resistant coat
- Good watchdog
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Can be stubborn
- Requires experienced owner
- Moderate exercise needs
- Strong herding instinct may need management
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 Puli and Japanese Chin, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.