• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Comparison - Dog breed selector: Nihon Supittsu or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Chien Loup? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond" Compare Japanese Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Keeshond?
 
 
 
Name Japanese Spitz Shetland Sheepdog Keeshond
OriginsJapan flagJapan Scotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany Netherlands flagNetherlands
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Sled Dogs
Popularity Rank2292487
Reviews965
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond breeds.
Nihon Supittsu Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Chien Loup
Deutscher Wolfsspitz
Kees
Smiling Dutchman
Wolfsspitz
Dutch Barge Dog
Barge Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which breed is the largest?
Small Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond? Compare adult weight ranges.
11-20 pounds (5-10 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) 35-45 pounds (15-20 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
15.5 pounds (7.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg) 40 pounds (17.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Keeshond? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond height comparison:
12-15 inches (30-38 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm) Male: 17-19 inches (44-48 cm), Female: 16-18 inches (40-46 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
13.5 inches (34 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm) Male: 18 inches (46 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm)

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Price and Availability Comparison

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

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Very smart: Keeshond is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which is easiest to train?
Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Keeshond dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which breed is most alert?
Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Keeshond dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which breed is most protective?
Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Keeshond dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Playful
Agile
Intelligent
Obedient
Quick
Bright
Sturdy
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: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Keeshond dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond?
High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Keeshond dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond social needs comparison:
Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Keeshond dogs are a social breed.
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.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Keeshond 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?
Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Keeshond 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 vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Keeshond is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which breed is most playful?
The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Keeshonds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
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 Keeshond indoors.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which breed is most flexible?
Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Keeshond dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Keeshond?
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Keeshond dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Keeshond bite force: Ordinary.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which breed lives longest?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Keeshond: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. 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 average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Keeshond can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. 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 Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Keeshond 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 Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Keeshond 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 Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond health problems comparison:
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis
Hip Dysplasia
Heart Problems
Skin Diseases
Kneecap dislocations

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Keeshond's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which needs most food?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. What colors are available?
White Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
Gray
Cream
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Advanced: The Keeshond requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which drools least?
The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Keeshond is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Keeshond has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Thick Dense Fluffy
Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Keeshond? Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or {name3 shedding:
Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Keeshond dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which is best with kids?
Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Keeshond 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.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Keeshond dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Keeshond? Which dog is more friendly?
Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Keeshond dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Keeshond?
Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Keeshond dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Keeshond?
Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Keeshond dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond?
Yes
Japanese Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Keeshond 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
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Keeshond 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.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Keeshonds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. 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, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. 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, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. 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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Keeshond breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. 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, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. 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 Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. Which has most puppies?
1-6 puppies 4-6 puppies 3-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. 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, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. 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 Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. How are they classified internationally?
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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Keeshond. 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
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
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
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
American Pet Registry, Inc.

Rate This Comparsion - Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond

Reviews