Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Comparison - Dog breed selector: Nihon Supittsu or Alsatian wolf dog or English Collie? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie" Compare Japanese Spitz and German Shepherd. Which is better: Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie?

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	Japanese Spitz	German Shepherd	Rough Collie
Origins	Japan	Germany	Scotland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	229	2	40
Reviews	9	19	6
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Nihon Supittsu	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian	English Collie Lassie Dog Long-Haired Collie Scottish Collie Collie
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie? Which is the smallest dog, Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie?	Small	Large	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie weight comparison:	11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)	Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Height Which is taller, Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie? Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie height comparison:	12-15 inches (30-38 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)	Male: 24–26 inch (60–66 cm), Female: 22–24 inch (55–61 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	13.5 inches (34 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie? Which is more expensive?	$500-$800	$800-$2000	$400-$600
Availability Which is easier to get, Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie?	Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Rough Collie is quite easy to get.

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie intelligence:	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Very smart: Rough Collie is an excellent dog breed. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie trainability comparison.	Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	Rough Collie dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie?	Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Rough Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Rough Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie? Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Proud Companionable	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful	Protective Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Obedient Loyal Gentle Social Elegant Hard working Herding
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.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: Rough Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie?	High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Rough Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie social needs comparison:	Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Rough Collie 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.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Rough Collie 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.	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Rough Collie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie playfulness comparison:	The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Rough Collie is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie?	A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Rough Collie rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie?	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 German Shepherd indoors.	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 Rough Collie indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Rough Collie bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Rough Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie mouthiness comparison:	Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Rough Collie dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie health comparison. Which is the healthier: Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie?	The Japanese Spitz is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.	The Rough Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie health problems comparison:	Patellar Luxation Runny Eyes	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	Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Drug Sensitivity Collie Eye Anomaly Gray Collie Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits 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.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Rough Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie lifespan comparison. How long do Japanese Spitz, German Shepherd and Rough Collie breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Rough Collie: 15 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie?	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.	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 Rough Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie weight gain potential comparison:	Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Rough Collie has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie coat comparison:	Thick	Fuzzy	Rough Soft Thick Straight Harsh Furry
Colors What are the original Japanese Spitz, German Shepherd and Rough Collie color?	White	Black Tan Red Silver	White Sable Merle Black & White & Tan Blue & Merle Blue & Merle & White Sable & White White & Merle
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie? Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie grooming comparison:	Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie? Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:	Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Rough Collie dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	8-12 weeks Very 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.
Hypoallergenic Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie?	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Rough Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Rough Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.	Rough Collie dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie? Which dog is more friendly?	Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Rough Collie dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie?	Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Rough Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie?	Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Rough Collie dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie?	Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Rough Collie dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie?	Yes Japanese Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Rough Collie 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 German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Rough Collie 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.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Rough Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Japanese Spitz or German Shepherd or Rough Collie? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	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: Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie?	Not really Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Rough Collie 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. 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.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat 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.

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Japanese Spitz and German Shepherd and Rough Collie have?	1-6 puppies	6-10 puppies	4-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd vs Rough Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	American Canine Registry 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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America	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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