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

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Maltese. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz?

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	Shetland Sheepdog	Maltese	Japanese Spitz
Origins	Scotland	Italy	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	24	33	229
Reviews	6	3	9
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Dwarf Scotch Shepherd Sheltie Shetland Collie Toonie Dog Miniature Collie	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Nihon Supittsu
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz? Which is the smallest dog, Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz?	Medium	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Maltese? Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz weight comparison:	14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	20.5 pounds (9 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz? Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz height comparison:	13-16 inches (33-41 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	14.5 inches (37 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	13.5 inches (34 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz? Which is more expensive?	$800-$1000	$600-$800	$500-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz?	Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz intelligence:	Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz trainability comparison.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Japanese Spitz 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: Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz? Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Proud Companionable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz?	High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltese 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.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison:	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	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?	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.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz?	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.	Maltese 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 vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Japanese Spitz 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 Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz mouthiness comparison:	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese dogs have an 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 vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz?	The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Maltese 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz health problems comparison:	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	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Patellar Luxation Runny Eyes
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Maltese 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz lifespan comparison. How long do Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese and Japanese Spitz breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz?	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.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

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

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

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz?	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz coat comparison:	Dense	Feathered	Thick
Colors What are the original Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese and Japanese Spitz color?	Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle	White	White
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz? Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz grooming comparison:	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz? Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Japanese Spitz 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: Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz?	Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Good With Comparison

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

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz 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: Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz? 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.	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: Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz?	Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese 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.
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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz 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 Shetland Sheepdog and Maltese and Japanese Spitz have?	4-6 puppies	3-5 puppies	1-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds 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 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	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

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz

Reviews