Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Comparison – Which dog is better Chrysanthemum Dog or Nihon Supittsu?

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz" Compare Shih Tzu and Japanese Spitz. Which is better: Shih Tzu 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	Shih Tzu	Japanese Spitz
Origins	China	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	229
Reviews	16	9
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Nihon Supittsu
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which dog is bigger, Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz? Is the Shih Tzu bigger than the Japanese Spitz breed? Is a Shih Tzu smaller than a Japanese Spitz?	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz weight comparison:	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz? Is a Shih Tzu taller than a Japanese Spitz?	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	13.5 inches (34 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Shih Tzu and Japanese Spitz?	$800-$1200	$500-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz smarter? Which is best? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz intelligence:	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. 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 Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz trainability comparison. What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz?	Shih Tzu 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: Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz?	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Playful Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Proud Companionable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz?	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. 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: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz?	High: Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu 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? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz? Which can be better for hunting?	Shih Tzu 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

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz playfulness comparison:	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz?	A lot: Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz?	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Shih Tzu 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: Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz?	Shih Tzu 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.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu 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 Is a Shih Tzu more dangerous than a Japanese Spitz?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz mouthiness comparison:	Shih Tzu 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.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz?	The Shih Tzu 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: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Umbilical Hernias Ear Infections Distichiasis Portosystemic Liver Shunt Bladder Stones Ectopic Cilia Reverse Sneezing Dry Eye Proptosis Juvenile Renal Dysplasia Keratitis Retained Baby Teeth Snuffles	Patellar Luxation Runny Eyes
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz?	Average The Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu and Japanese Spitz breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Shih Tzu and Japanese Spitz?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 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: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz?	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.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz energy level comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	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 Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz?	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	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

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz? Does the Shih Tzu breed eat more than the Japanese Spitz breed?	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	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? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz weight gain potential comparison:	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu'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.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz coat comparison:	Dense	Thick
Colors What are the original Shih Tzu and Japanese Spitz color? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz color comparison:	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	White
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz 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.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz? Do Shih Tzu dogs shed more than Japanese Spitz dogs?	Shih Tzu 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: Shih Tzu 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.
Hypoallergenic Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low 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? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz?	The Shih Tzu 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.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	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 Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz?	Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz? Can a Shih Tzu and a Japanese Spitz be friends? Do Shih Tzu dogs get along with Japanese Spitz dogs?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz?	Yes Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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?	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shih Tzu 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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz? Which is better for autism?	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.
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.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz?	Not really Shih Tzu 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.
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.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Shih Tzu and Japanese Spitz have? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz litter size comparison:	2-5 puppies	1-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan 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 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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