German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Deutscher Spitz or Japanese Shiba Inu or Nihon Supittsu? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz" Compare German Spitz and Shiba Inu. Which is better: German Spitz or Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	German Spitz	Shiba Inu	Japanese Spitz
Origins	Germany	Japan	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	344	45	229
Reviews	2	9	9
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz breeds.	Deutscher Spitz	Japanese Shiba Inu Japanese Small-Size Dog Shiba Shiba Ken Brushwood Dog	Nihon Supittsu
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is the largest?	Small Medium	Medium	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg), Female: 18-27 pounds (8-12 kg)	Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg)	11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 28.5 pounds (13 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg)	Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg)	15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, German Spitz or Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz? German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz height comparison:	Male: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm), Female: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm)	Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)	12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 21 inches (53 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm)	Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm)	13.5 inches (34 cm)

German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

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

German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed ranks highest?	Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which is easiest to train?	German Spitz dogs are easy to train. See more.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most alert?	German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most protective?	German Spitz dogs are average defenders. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz? Compare temperaments.	Independent Devoted Lively Attentive Trainable	Alert Confident Going Fearless Keen Faithful Charming	Playful Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Proud Companionable
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. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz?	Average: German Spitz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison:	German Spitz dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	German Spitz dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
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. See more.	Shiba Inu 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. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most vocal?	Average to High: The German Spitz is a vocal breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks. See more.	A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most playful?	The German Spitz is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Shiba Inu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most flexible?	Average: German Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: German Spitz or Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	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 Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The German Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which uses mouth most during play?	German Spitz dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 German Spitz bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed lives longest?	12-14 years The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. 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. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shiba Inu 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 Japanese Spitz can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which has fewer health issues?	German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.	The Shiba Inu 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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 Shiba Inu 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz health problems comparison:	Luxating Patella Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Dental Problems	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Glaucoma Spinning Chylothorax	Patellar Luxation Runny Eyes

German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which is most prone to obesity?	Low to Average: The German Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which needs most food?	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. What colors are available?	Black White Orange Tricolor	Black Tan Red Cream Sesame	White
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which requires most maintenance?	Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which drools least?	The German Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The German Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense Straight	Dense	Thick
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which requires most frequent baths?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more German Spitz or Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz? German Spitz or Shiba Inu or {name3 shedding:	German Spitz dogs shed above average. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs shed above average. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best with kids?	German Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	German Spitz dogs are generally with other pets.	Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly German Spitz or Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz? Which dog is more friendly?	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly German Spitz or Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz?	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly German Spitz or Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz?	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz?	Yes German Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	No Shiba Inu 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.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No German Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shiba Inu 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 Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.	Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.	Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. 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, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. 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, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really German Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	2-4 puppies	1-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. 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, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

German Spitz vs Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. How are they classified?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of German Spitz, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Spitz. 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 American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry 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	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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