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Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Old English Mastiff or King Shepherd Dog or Nihon Supittsu? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz" Compare Mastiff and King Shepherd. Which is better: Mastiff or King Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
 
 
 
Name Mastiff King Shepherd Japanese Spitz
OriginsEngland flagEngland United States flagUnited States Japan flagJapan
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank28193229
Reviews329
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz breeds.
Old English Mastiff
English Mastiff
King Shepherd Dog Nihon Supittsu
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Cross Breed Purebred

Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is the largest?
Giant Giant Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg) 90-150 pounds (41-69 kg) 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg) 120 pounds (55 kg) 15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Mastiff or King Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz height comparison:
Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm) 25-29 inches (64-74 cm) 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm) 27 inches (69 cm) 13.5 inches (34 cm)

Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$1500 $1500-$2500 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Mastiff or King Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The King Shepherd is easier than average to get.
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.

Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. 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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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 Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which is easiest to train?
Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
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King Shepherd dogs are hard to train.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most alert?
Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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King Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most protective?
Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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King Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz? Compare temperaments.
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Cheerful
Loving
Protective
Courageous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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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.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
High: Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: King Shepherd 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
Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison:
Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
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King Shepherd 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?
Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
King Shepherd dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Japanese Spitz 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?
Their prey drive is low.
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King Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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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.
See more.

Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The King Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most playful?
Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: King Shepherds, 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 Mastiff, King Shepherd, 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 Mastiff indoors.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the King Shepherd breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.

Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most flexible?
Mastiff dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: King Shepherd 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: Mastiff or King Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
King Shepherd 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.

Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Mastiff has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The King Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

King Shepherd bite force: The Strongest.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of King Shepherd: 11 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Mastiff 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 King Shepherd 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 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 Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which has fewer health issues?
Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.
King Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
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?
Rare
The Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The King Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) 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: Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Seizures
Cystinuria
Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes

Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the King Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which needs most food?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.

Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. What colors are available?
Fawn
Brindle
Apricot
Black
Tan
Cream
White
Sable
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Easy to groom: The King Shepherd doesn't require 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 Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which drools least?
The Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
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The King Shepherd is an average drooler.
See more.
The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The King Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Fluffy
Thick
Weather-resistant
Thick
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Mastiff or King Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Mastiff or King Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
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King Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
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Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Good With Comparison

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

Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Mastiff, King Shepherd, 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.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Mastiff, King Shepherd, 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 Mastiff, King Shepherd, 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 Mastiff, King Shepherd, 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 Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

King Shepherd 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.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Mastiff, King Shepherd, 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.
See more.

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 Mastiff, King Shepherd, 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.

Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 6-10 puppies 1-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Mastiff, King Shepherd, 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 Mastiff, King Shepherd, 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.

Mastiff vs King Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. 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 Mastiff, King Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which has most recognition?
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
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
American Rare Breed Association
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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