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Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Abruzzese Sheepdog or Ainu-ken or Nihon Supittsu? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz" Compare Maremma Sheepdog and Hokkaido Dog. Which is better: Maremma Sheepdog or Hokkaido Dog or Japanese Spitz?
 
 
 
Name Maremma Sheepdog Hokkaido Dog Japanese Spitz
OriginsItaly flagItaly Japan flagJapan Japan flagJapan
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank398414229
Reviews509
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz breeds.
Abruzzese Sheepdog
Abruzzo Sheepdog
Maremma
Maremmano
Maremmano-Abruzzese
Pastore Abruzzese
Pastore Maremmano
Cane da Pastore
Ainu-ken
Do-ken
Seta
Ainu dog
Nihon Supittsu
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg) 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 85 pounds (38.5 kg), Female: 70 pounds (31.5 kg) 55 pounds (25 kg) 15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maremma Sheepdog or Hokkaido Dog or Japanese Spitz? Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz height comparison:
24-29 inches (60-73 cm) 18-22 inches (46-56 cm) 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
26.5 inches (66.5 cm) 20 inches (49 cm) 13.5 inches (34 cm)

Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $300-$500 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maremma Sheepdog or Hokkaido Dog or Japanese Spitz?
Average: The Maremma Sheepdog is a commonly available dog breed.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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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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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 Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which is easiest to train?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most alert?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most protective?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz? Compare temperaments.
Dignified
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Determined
Alert
Courageous
Docile
Faithful
Brave
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz?
High: Maremma Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Hokkaido Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison:
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs are a social breed.
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Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
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Hokkaido Dog 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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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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Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Maremma Sheepdog rarely barks.
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Average: The Hokkaido Dog barks occasionally.
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A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Maremma Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Hokkaido Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 Maremma Sheepdog indoors.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hokkaido Dog breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Maremma Sheepdog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Hokkaido Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maremma Sheepdog or Hokkaido Dog or Japanese Spitz?
Maremma 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.
Hokkaido Dog 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.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Maremma Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Hokkaido Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Maremma Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Hokkaido Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed lives longest?
11-13 years
The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog: 12 years
11-13 years
The average lifespan of Hokkaido Dog: 12 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers cold weather
The Hokkaido Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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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.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which has fewer health issues?
The Maremma Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Hokkaido Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Japanese Spitz 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 Maremma Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Hokkaido Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Japanese Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Vaccination Sensitivity
Drug Sensitivity
Obesity
Heart Murmurs
Allergies
Cryptorchidism
Collie Eye Anomaly
Blocked Tear Ducts
Hypodontia
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes

Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most active?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Hokkaido Dog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
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.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maremma Sheepdog or Hokkaido Dog or Japanese Spitz? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Hokkaido Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maremma Sheepdog or Hokkaido Dog or Japanese Spitz?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Hokkaido Dog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Maremma Sheepdog breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Hokkaido Dog has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. What colors are available?
White
Yellow
Black
White
Brindle
Black & Tan
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Maremma Sheepdog requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Hokkaido Dog requires a lot of grooming.
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Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which drools least?
The Maremma Sheepdog is an average drooler.
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The Hokkaido Dog is an average drooler.
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The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Maremma Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Hokkaido Dog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough
Thick
Double
Thick Thick
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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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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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 Maremma Sheepdog or Hokkaido Dog or Japanese Spitz? Maremma Sheepdog or Hokkaido Dog or {name3 shedding:
Maremma Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs shed moderately.
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Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
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Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best with kids?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Hokkaido Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Hokkaido Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maremma Sheepdog or Hokkaido Dog or Japanese Spitz? Which dog is more friendly?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Hokkaido Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maremma Sheepdog or Hokkaido Dog or Japanese Spitz?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Hokkaido Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maremma Sheepdog or Hokkaido Dog or Japanese Spitz?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Hokkaido Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz?
Yes
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Hokkaido Dog 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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Maremma Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Hokkaido Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Japanese Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Maremma Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Hokkaido Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Hokkaido Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

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

Yes

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 Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. 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.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which has most puppies?
5-9 puppies 3-7 puppies 1-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. 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.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Hokkaido Dog vs Japanese Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maremma Sheepdog, Hokkaido Dog, and Japanese Spitz. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
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

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