Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo Comparison - Dog breed selector: Kobe Terrier or Nihon Supittsu or Pooshi? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo" Compare Japanese Terrier and Japanese Spitz. Which is better: Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo?

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 Terrier	Japanese Spitz	Shih-Poo
Origins	Japan	Japan	China Tibet
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	359	229	562
Reviews	0	9	2
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Kobe Terrier Mikado Terrier Nihon Teria Nihon Terrier Oyuki Snowy Terrier Nippon Terrier	Nihon Supittsu	Pooshi Shoodle
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Cross Breed

Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo? Which is the smallest dog, Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Japanese Spitz? Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo weight comparison:	5-9 pounds	11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)	8-15 pounds (4-7 kg) 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	7 pounds	15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)	11.5 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo? Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo height comparison:	8-13 inches	12-15 inches (30-38 cm)	8-15 inches (20-38 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	10.5 inches	13.5 inches (34 cm)	11.5 inches (29 cm)

Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo? Which is more expensive?	$1000-$1300	$500-$800	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo?	Average: The Japanese Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.	Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.	Frequent: The Shih-Poo is easier than average to get.

Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo intelligence:	Very smart: Japanese Terrier is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo trainability comparison.	Japanese Terrier dogs are easy to train. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo?	Japanese Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Japanese Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo? Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Affectionate Lively Cheerful Vigilant Swift	Playful Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Proud Companionable	Intelligent Loyal Sweet Companionable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Japanese Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo?	High: Japanese Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shih-Poo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo social needs comparison:	Japanese Terrier dogs are a social breed. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Japanese Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Shih-Poo 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 Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo playfulness comparison:	The Japanese Terrier is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Shih-Poo is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo?	Average to High: The Japanese Terrier is a vocal breed. See more.	A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Shih-Poo rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo?	It is not recommended to keep the Japanese Terrier breed in the home.	Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Japanese Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Shih-Poo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo?	Japanese Terrier 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 dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Shih-Poo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Japanese Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih-Poo bite force: Weak.
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 Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo mouthiness comparison:	Japanese Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo health comparison. Which is the healthier: Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo?	Japanese Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.	The Japanese Spitz is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Shih-Poo 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 Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo health problems comparison:	No data available	Patellar Luxation Runny Eyes	Heatstroke Dental Problems
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Japanese Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Japanese Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shih-Poo should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo lifespan comparison. How long do Japanese Terrier, Japanese Spitz and Shih-Poo breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Japanese Terrier: 13 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Shih-Poo: 15 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo?	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	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 Shih-Poo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.

Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo? Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo energy level comparison:	Japanese Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.	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.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Japanese Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises.	Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo?	Japanese Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.	Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Shih-Poo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1 to 1.5 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 Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo weight gain potential comparison:	Low: The Japanese Terrier has good luck with genetics. See more.	Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih-Poo's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo coat comparison:	Fine Dense Smooth Glossy Slick	Thick	Curly Straight Curly & Straight
Colors What are the original Japanese Terrier, Japanese Spitz and Shih-Poo color?	Black White Tricolor	White	Black White Brown Brindle Various combinations
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo? Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo grooming comparison:	Effortless: The Japanese Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo? Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or {name3 shedding:	Japanese Terrier dogs shed moderately. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo?	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Japanese Terrier is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.	The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih-Poo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Japanese Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.	Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Shih-Poo dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo? Which dog is more friendly?	Japanese Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shih-Poo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo?	Japanese Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo?	Japanese Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Japanese Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo?	Japanese Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo?	Yes Japanese Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Japanese Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shih-Poo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Japanese Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Japanese Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shih-Poo is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Japanese Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.	Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Shih-Poos are commonly okay with elderly people.

Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo 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 Terrier or Japanese Spitz or Shih-Poo? Which is better for autism?	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.	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 Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo?	Not really Japanese Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shih-Poo 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 Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo 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 Terrier and Japanese Spitz and Shih-Poo have?	4-7 puppies	1-6 puppies	3-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Japanese Terrier vs Japanese Spitz vs Shih-Poo Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	No data available	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	Not recognized by any clubs.

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