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Japanese Spitz vs Maltese Comparison – Which dog is better Nihon Supittsu or Maltese lion dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Japanese Spitz vs Maltese" Compare Japanese Spitz and Maltese. Which is better: Japanese Spitz or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Japanese Spitz Maltese
OriginsJapan flagJapan Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank22933
Reviews93
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Japanese Spitz and Maltese. What other names are these breeds known by?
Nihon Supittsu Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Japanese Spitz and a Maltese. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Japanese Spitz and a Maltese. Which breed is heavier?
11-20 pounds (5-10 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
15.5 pounds (7.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Japanese Spitz or Maltese? Is a Japanese Spitz taller than a Maltese?
12-15 inches (30-38 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) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Japanese Spitz and a Maltese. Which breed costs more?
$500-$800 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Japanese Spitz or Maltese?
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
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.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare training requirements.
Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare alertness levels.
Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare territorial behaviors.
Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Japanese Spitz and a Maltese. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Japanese Spitz vs Maltese?
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.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Japanese Spitz vs Maltese?
High: Japanese Spitz 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 Maltese social needs comparison:
Japanese Spitz 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? What's the difference between Japanese Spitz vs Maltese?
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Japanese Spitz vs Maltese? 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.
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare play drive and energy.
The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare adaptability levels.
Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
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 Maltese?
Japanese Spitz 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 Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than 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
Which has a stronger bite: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare average lifespans.
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare climate tolerances.
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 warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Japanese Spitz and a Maltese. Which breed is healthier?
The Japanese Spitz 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: Japanese Spitz vs Maltese?
Average
The Japanese Spitz 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 Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Japanese Spitz vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare activity levels.
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.
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 Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Japanese Spitz or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Japanese Spitz or Maltese?
Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare daily food needs.
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Japanese Spitz and Maltese? Compare breed colors.
White White
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare maintenance needs.
Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare drooling amounts.
The Japanese Spitz 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
Which has less odor: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Japanese Spitz and a Maltese? Compare fur types.
Thick Feathered
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Japanese Spitz or Maltese? Do Japanese Spitz dogs shed more than Maltese dogs?
Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare kid-friendliness.
Japanese Spitz dogs are very 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.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Japanese Spitz or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Japanese Spitz or Maltese?
Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Japanese Spitz or Maltese? Can a Japanese Spitz and a Maltese be friends? Do Japanese Spitz dogs get along with Maltese dogs?
Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Japanese Spitz vs Maltese?
Yes
Japanese Spitz 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
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.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare service capabilities.

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.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare therapy capabilities.

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
Which is better at detection work: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Japanese Spitz 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
Which is better at pulling: a Japanese Spitz or a Maltese? Compare draft work capabilities.

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 history between Japanese Spitz and Maltese. Which has stronger military background?

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 Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Japanese Spitz and Maltese. Which has larger litters?
1-6 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Japanese Spitz and Maltese breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Japanese Spitz and Maltese. Which needs longer recovery?

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 Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Japanese Spitz and Maltese. Which groups do they belong to?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Japanese Spitz and Maltese. Which groups are they in?
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 Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Japanese Spitz and Maltese. Which is more widely recognized?
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

Rate This Comparsion - Japanese Spitz vs Maltese

Reviews

  • Ales

    Sep 12, 2019, 9:29:31 PM:

    Thanks!