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

"Find similarities and differences between Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet" Compare Japanese Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?

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	Shetland Sheepdog	Whippet
Origins	Japan	Scotland	England
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	229	24	61
Reviews	9	6	2
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Nihon Supittsu	Dwarf Scotch Shepherd Sheltie Shetland Collie Toonie Dog Miniature Collie	Snap Dog English Whippet
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Which is the smallest dog, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?	Small	Medium	Medium
Weight Which is heavier, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet weight comparison:	11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)	14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)	25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)	20.5 pounds (9 kg)	25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)
Height Which is taller, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet height comparison:	12-15 inches (30-38 cm)	13-16 inches (33-41 cm)	Male: 18.5-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17.5-19 inches (44-48 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	13.5 inches (34 cm)	14.5 inches (37 cm)	Male: 19 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Which is more expensive?	$500-$800	$800-$1000	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?	Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Whippet is quite easy to get.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet intelligence:	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.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet trainability comparison.	Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Whippet dogs are 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 Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?	Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Whippet dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? 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.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Whippet dogs can't provide protection for their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Proud Companionable	Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle	Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Lively Gentle Outright Companionable Adaptable Quiet
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: Whippet 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 Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet?	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.	Average: Whippet dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet social needs comparison:	Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. See more.	Whippet dogs need for social interaction is average. 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.	The wanderlust potential of the Whippet is strong enough to escape from home. 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.	Whippet dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet playfulness comparison:	The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Whippets, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet?	A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low: The Whippet barks none to minimal. 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 Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?	Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.	Very house-friendly dog the Whippet breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet 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.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Whippet dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?	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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?	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 ⏺ Whippet 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.	Low 🔽 The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Whippet has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet mouthiness comparison:	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.	Whippet dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet health comparison. Which is the healthier: Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet?	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 Whippet 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 Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet 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	Heart Murmurs Hypothyroidism Von Willebrand's Disease Heart Problems Deafness Vaccination Sensitivity Drug Sensitivity Arthritis Kidney Issues Addison's Disease
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.	Average The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Whippet should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet lifespan comparison. How long do Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog and Whippet breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Whippet: 13 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 Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet?	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 warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet 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.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Whippet dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? 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.	Whippet dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?	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.	Whippet dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

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

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1 to 2 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 Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet weight gain potential comparison:	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.	Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet coat comparison:	Thick	Dense	Fine Short Close in texture
Colors What are the original Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog and Whippet color?	White	Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle	Black Red Blue Cream White Fawn
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet grooming comparison:	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.	Effortless: The Whippet requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or {name3 shedding:	Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. See more.	Whippet dogs are low 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 Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?	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.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet 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 Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet?	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Whippet has a low 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 Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Whippet is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly 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.	Whippet dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Which dog is more friendly?	Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Whippet dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
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 Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?	Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Whippet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?	Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Whippet dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?	Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Whippet dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet?	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 Whippet 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 Whippet 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.	Whippets are usually recommended for elderly people.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet 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.	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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? 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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a 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.	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 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.	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.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet?	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 Whippet 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.	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 Whippet 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 Shetland Sheepdog and Whippet have?	1-6 puppies	4-6 puppies	4-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet 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 1911 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Hound 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 Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds 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 Canadian Canine Registry	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale 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

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