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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?
 
 
 
Name Japanese Spitz Shetland Sheepdog Whippet
OriginsJapan flagJapan Scotland flagScotland England flagEngland
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank2292461
Reviews962
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet breeds.
Nihon Supittsu Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Snap Dog
English Whippet
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which breed is the largest?
Small Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet? Compare adult weight ranges.
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 Range
Compare puppy costs for Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Find price differences between these breeds.
$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

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which is easiest to train?
Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Whippet dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which breed is most alert?
Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Whippet dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which breed is most protective?
Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Whippet dogs can't provide protection for their territory.
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Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet? Compare temperaments.
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.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Whippet dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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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.
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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Whippet dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet social needs comparison:
Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Whippet dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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The wanderlust potential of the Whippet is strong enough to escape from home.
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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.
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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.
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Whippet dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Low: The Whippet barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which breed is most playful?
The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Whippets, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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.
Very house-friendly dog the Whippet breed.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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.
Whippet 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 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 Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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 Whippet has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which uses mouth most during play?
Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Whippet dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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

Whippet bite force: Ordinary.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Whippet: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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.
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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.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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 Whippet 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 Whippet 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 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

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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.
Whippet dogs are high-energy dogs.
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.

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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. 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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 Whippet. What colors are available?
White Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Fawn
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Effortless: The Whippet requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which drools least?
The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Whippet is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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.

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Thick Dense Fine
Short
Close in texture
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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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.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Whippet dogs are low shedders.
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Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which is best with kids?
Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Whippet 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.
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.
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 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 Capability
Compare service dog potential between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which is best suited for service work?

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.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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 Whippet. 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, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Whippet breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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 Whippet Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. Which has most puppies?
1-6 puppies 4-6 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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 Whippet. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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 1888 as a Hound breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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 Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog, and Whippet. 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.
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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