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German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Comparison - Dog breed selector: Deutscher Spitz or Nihon Supittsu or Continental Toy Spaniel? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon" Compare German Spitz and Japanese Spitz. Which is better: German Spitz or Japanese Spitz or Papillon?
 
 
 
Name German Spitz Japanese Spitz Papillon
OriginsGermany flagGermany Japan flagJapan Spain flagSpain France flagFrance Belgium flagBelgium
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank34422953
Reviews295
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon breeds.
Deutscher Spitz Nihon Supittsu Continental Toy Spaniel
Epagneul Nain
Epagneul Nain Continental
Phalène
Squirrel Dog
Butterfly Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which breed is the largest?
Small
Medium
Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg), Female: 18-27 pounds (8-12 kg) 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg) Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 28.5 pounds (13 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 15.5 pounds (7.5 kg) Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Spitz or Japanese Spitz or Papillon? German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon height comparison:
Male: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm), Female: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm) 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21 inches (53 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm) 13.5 inches (34 cm) Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm)

German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $500-$800 $400-$600
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Spitz or Japanese Spitz or Papillon?
Average: The German Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.

German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which breed ranks highest?
Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed.
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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: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which is easiest to train?
German Spitz dogs are easy to train.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
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Papillon dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which breed is most alert?
German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Papillon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which breed is most protective?
German Spitz dogs are average defenders.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory.
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German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon? Compare temperaments.
Independent
Devoted
Lively
Attentive
Trainable
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Happy
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: German Spitz dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Papillon dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon?
Average: German Spitz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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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: Papillon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon social needs comparison:
German Spitz dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
German Spitz dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
German Spitz 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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Papillon dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The German Spitz is a vocal breed.
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A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which breed is most playful?
The German Spitz is a playful breed.
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The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
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The Papillon is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 Spitz indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.
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 Papillon indoors.

German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: German Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Papillon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Spitz or Japanese Spitz or Papillon?
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.
Papillon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The German Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which uses mouth most during play?
German Spitz dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, 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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Papillon dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

German Spitz bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Papillon bite force: Weak.

German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which handles climate changes best?
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.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which has fewer health issues?
German Spitzs 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.
The Papillon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The German Spitz 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.
Average
The Papillon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon health problems comparison:
Luxating Patella
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Dental Problems
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes
Collapsed Trachea
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hypoglycemia

German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which breed is most active?
German Spitz dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
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.
Papillon dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Spitz or Japanese Spitz or Papillon? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Spitz dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
Papillon dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Spitz or Japanese Spitz or Papillon?
German Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Papillon dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The German Spitz 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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Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which needs most food?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. What colors are available?
Black
White
Orange
Tricolor
White Black
Tan
Red
White
Sable
Lemon
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
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Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which drools least?
The German Spitz 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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The Papillon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The German Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Straight
Thick Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which requires most frequent baths?
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.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Spitz or Japanese Spitz or Papillon? German Spitz or Japanese Spitz or {name3 shedding:
German Spitz dogs shed above average.
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Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
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Papillon dogs shed none to minimal.
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German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Good With Comparison

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

German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which is best suited for service work?

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 Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

German Spitz 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.
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Not really

Papillon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which is best for draft work?

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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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which has most military use?

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.

Not really

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

German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which has most puppies?
2-4 puppies 1-6 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Papillon Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Spitz, Japanese Spitz, and Papillon. Which has most recognition?
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
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

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