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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?
 
 
 
Name Shetland Sheepdog Maltese Japanese Spitz
OriginsScotland flagScotland Italy flagItaly Japan flagJapan
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank2433229
Reviews639
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz breeds.
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Nihon Supittsu
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz? Compare adult weight ranges.
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 Range
Compare puppy costs for Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Find price differences between these breeds.
$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

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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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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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which is easiest to train?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Maltese 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most alert?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most protective?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz? Compare temperaments.
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.
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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: Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz?
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Maltese 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
Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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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?
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.
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Maltese 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.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Malteses, 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most flexible?
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
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 Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which has lowest bite risk?

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.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which uses mouth most during play?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Maltese 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which has the strongest bite?

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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed lives longest?
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
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which handles climate changes best?
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.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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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.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which has fewer health issues?
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.
Vet Care Frequency
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.
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

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most active?
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.
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.

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Maltese 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which needs most food?
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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
White White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which drools least?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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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 Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which has least natural smell?

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.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Feathered Thick
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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 Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or Japanese Spitz? Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese or {name3 shedding:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best with kids?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese 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?
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.
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 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 Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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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.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Maltese 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best for draft work?

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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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 Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. Which has most puppies?
4-6 puppies 3-5 puppies 1-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese vs Japanese Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. How are they classified?
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 Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, and Japanese Spitz. How are they classified internationally?
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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shetland Sheepdog, Maltese, 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
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

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