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

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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	Poodle	Japanese Spitz	Shetland Sheepdog
Origins	Germany France	Japan	Scotland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	7	229	24
Reviews	14	9	6
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Barbone Caniche Chien Canne Grosse Pudel French Poodle	Nihon Supittsu	Dwarf Scotch Shepherd Sheltie Shetland Collie Toonie Dog Miniature Collie
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is the smallest dog, Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?	Medium	Small	Medium
Weight Which is heavier, Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Japanese Spitz? Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog weight comparison:	Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)	11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)	14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)	15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)	20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height Which is taller, Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog height comparison:	15 inches (38 cm) or more	12-15 inches (30-38 cm)	13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	15 inches (38 cm) or more	13.5 inches (34 cm)	14.5 inches (37 cm)

Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is more expensive?	$1000-$1500	$500-$800	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?	Very frequent: The Poodle is quite easy to get.	Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog intelligence:	Outstanding: Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog trainability comparison.	Poodle dogs are easy to train. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog 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: Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?	Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Poodle dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual	Playful Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Proud Companionable	Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?	High: Poodle 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: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:	Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Poodle dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog 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?	Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. 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.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Poodle bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog mouthiness comparison:	Poodle 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.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?	The Poodle 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.	The Shetland Sheepdog 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: Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Sebaceous Adenitis Ear Infections Addison's Disease Cushing's Syndrome Runny Eyes Canine Atrial Septal Defect (asd) Neonatal Encephalopathy (news) Optic Nerve Hypoplasia Premature Graying	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
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Poodle 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.	Average The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog lifespan comparison. How long do Poodle, Japanese Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Poodle: 13 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. 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 Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.

Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog energy level comparison:	Poodle 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.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?	Poodle 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.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

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

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	2 to 3 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? Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog weight gain potential comparison:	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poodle'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.	Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog coat comparison:	Curly	Thick	Dense
Colors What are the original Poodle, Japanese Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog color?	Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot	White	Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog grooming comparison:	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Poodle or Japanese Spitz or {name3 shedding:	Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?	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.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Hypoallergenic Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Medium ⏺ The Poodle has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?	Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most 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 Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?	Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?	Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?	Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Yes Poodle 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 Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Poodle is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Japanese Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Yes This breed makes good 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: Poodle or Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect 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: Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Yes Poodle breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
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.

Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog 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 Poodle and Japanese Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog have?	2-4 puppies	1-6 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Poodle vs Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Non-Sporting & Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Poodle section.	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.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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 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

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