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Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chowdren or Nihon Supittsu or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Chow Chow and Japanese Spitz. Which is better: Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Chow Chow Japanese Spitz Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsChina flagChina Japan flagJapan Scotland flagScotland
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank7622924
Reviews696
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Chowdren
Chow
Nihon Supittsu Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is the smallest dog, Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
Medium Small Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Japanese Spitz? Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog weight comparison:
45-70 pounds (20-32 kg) 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
57.5 pounds (26 kg) 15.5 pounds (7.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog height comparison:
Male: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm), Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
20 inches (51 cm) 13.5 inches (34 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $500-$800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Chow Chow is quite easy to get.
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog intelligence:
Low: The Chow Chow is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog trainability comparison.
A slightly harder to train than average.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
Chow Chow dogs are average watchdogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Chow Chow dogs are average defenders.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog behavior/temperament comparison:
Aloof
Independent
Protective
Intelligent
Loyal
Quiet
Detached
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Chow Chow dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Slightly Below Average: Chow Chow dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Chow Chow dogs are kinda antisocial.
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Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Chow Chow dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Chow Chow dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog playfulness comparison:
Chow Chows are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Low: The Chow Chow barks none to minimal.
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A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Chow Chow indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Chow Chow dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
Chow Chow dogs handle alone time quite well.
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Chow Chow bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Moderate

The Chow Chow has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog mouthiness comparison:
Chow Chow dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?
The Chow Chow is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Japanese Spitz is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Ectropion
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Chow Chow should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Japanese Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog lifespan comparison. How long do Chow Chow, Japanese Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Chow Chow: 14 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Prefers cold weather
The Chow Chow can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Japanese Spitz can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog energy level comparison:
Chow Chow dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Chow Chow dogs exercise need is minimal.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
Chow Chow dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Chow Chow's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog coat comparison:
Rough Thick Dense
Colors
What are the original Chow Chow, Japanese Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog color?
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
Cinnamon
White Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or {name3 shedding:
Chow Chow dogs shed above average.
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Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Medium

The Chow Chow has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Chow Chow is an average drooler.
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The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Chow Chow dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Chow Chow dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
Chow Chow dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
Chow Chow dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
Chow Chow dogs are not dog-friendly.
Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?
No
Chow Chow dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
Japanese Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Chow Chow is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Japanese Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Chow Chows are not the best breed for elderly people.
Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Chow Chow or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Not really

Chow Chow breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Chow Chow and Japanese Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog have?
3-6 puppies 1-6 puppies 4-6 puppies

Chow Chow vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903 as a Non-Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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