• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Nihon Supittsu or American Spitz or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese" Compare Japanese Spitz and American Eskimo Dog. Which is better: Japanese Spitz or American Eskimo Dog or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Japanese Spitz American Eskimo Dog Maltese
OriginsJapan flagJapan United States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank22911833
Reviews923
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese breeds.
Nihon Supittsu American Spitz
Eskie
Eskimo Spitz
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?
Small Medium Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.
11-20 pounds (5-10 kg) Toy: 6-10 pounds (3-5 kg)Standard: 18-35 pounds (8-16 kg), Miniature: 10-17 pounds (5-8 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
15.5 pounds (7.5 kg) Toy: 8 pounds (4 kg)Standard: 26.5 pounds (12 kg), Miniature: 13.5 pounds (6.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Japanese Spitz or American Eskimo Dog or Maltese? Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese height comparison:
12-15 inches (30-38 cm) Toy: 9-12 inches (22-30 cm)Standard: 15-20 inches (49-50 cm), Miniature: 12-15 inches (30-40 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
13.5 inches (34 cm) Toy: 10.5 inches (26 cm)Standard: 17.5 inches (49.5 cm), Miniature: 13.5 inches (35 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.
$500-$800 $600-$800 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Japanese Spitz or American Eskimo Dog or Maltese?
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.
Frequent: The American Eskimo Dog is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?
Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
American Eskimo Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?
Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
American Eskimo Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?
Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
American Eskimo Dog dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Independent
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese?
High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: American Eskimo Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
American Eskimo Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
American Eskimo Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
American Eskimo Dog 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.
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: American Eskimo Dog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?
The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The American Eskimo Dog is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.
Very house-friendly dog the American Eskimo Dog breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The American Eskimo Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Eskimo Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of American Eskimo Dog: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which handles climate changes best?
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 cold weather
The American Eskimo Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?
The Japanese Spitz is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The American Eskimo Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Maltese 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?
Average
The Japanese Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The American Eskimo Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Diabetes
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?
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.
American Eskimo Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Maltese 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
Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Japanese Spitz or American Eskimo Dog or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
American Eskimo Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Japanese Spitz or American Eskimo Dog or Maltese?
Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
American Eskimo Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the American Eskimo Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which needs most food?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Eskimo Dog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Thick Fluffy Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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 Japanese Spitz or American Eskimo Dog or Maltese? Japanese Spitz or American Eskimo Dog or {name3 shedding:
Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
See more.
American Eskimo Dog dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Good With Comparison

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

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. 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.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. 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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. 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 Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. 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 Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Not really

American Eskimo Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. 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 Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. 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.

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?
1-6 puppies 4-6 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. 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.

Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1994 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Japanese Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, and Maltese. Which has most recognition?
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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United 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

Rate This Comparsion - Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog vs Maltese

Reviews