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German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Nihon Supittsu?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz" Compare German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz. Which is better: German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Japanese Spitz
OriginsGermany flagGermany Japan flagJapan
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank2229
Reviews199
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Nihon Supittsu
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Is the German Shepherd bigger than the Japanese Spitz breed? Is a German Shepherd smaller than a Japanese Spitz?
Large Small
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz weight comparison:
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Japanese Spitz?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) 13.5 inches (34 cm)

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz?
$800-$2000 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz smarter? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Trainability
German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz trainability comparison. What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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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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German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
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 German Shepherd indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a German Shepherd more dangerous than a Japanese Spitz?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz mouthiness comparison:
German Shepherd 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.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Japanese Spitz 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: German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Japanese Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy 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.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Does the German Shepherd breed eat more than the Japanese Spitz breed?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz coat comparison:
Fuzzy Thick
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz color? German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Japanese Spitz dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Can a German Shepherd and a Japanese Spitz be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Japanese Spitz dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Japanese Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Japanese Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good 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: German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

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?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent 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: German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?

Not really

German Shepherd 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.
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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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.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz have? German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz litter size comparison:
6-10 puppies 1-6 puppies

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds 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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
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

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