Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Nihon Supittsu or Bjelkier? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed" Compare Shih Tzu and Japanese Spitz. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz or Samoyed?

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	Samoyed
Origins	China	Japan	Russia
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Sled Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	229	57
Reviews	19	9	16
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed breeds.	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Nihon Supittsu	Bjelkier Nenetskaya Laika Sammy Samoiedskaya Sobaka Smiley Samoyedskaya
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed? Compare adult weight ranges.	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)	Male: 45-65 pounds (20.5-30 kg), Female: 35-50 pounds (16-20.5 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)	Male: 55 pounds (25 kg), Female: 42.5 pounds (19 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz or Samoyed? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	12-15 inches (30-38 cm)	Male: 21-23.5 inches (53-60 cm), Female: 19-21 inches (48-53 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	13.5 inches (34 cm)	Male: 21-23.5 inches (56.5 cm), Female: 20 inches (50.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Price and Availability Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which breed ranks highest?	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.	Smart: The Samoyed dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which is easiest to train?	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Samoyed dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which breed is most alert?	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Samoyed dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which breed is most protective?	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Samoyed dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Playful Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Proud Companionable	Playful Stubborn Alert Intelligent Friendly Lively Sociable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	Samoyed dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed?	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.	High: Samoyed 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 vs Samoyed 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.	Samoyed dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Samoyed is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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.	Samoyed dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Samoyed barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which breed is most playful?	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Samoyeds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Samoyed indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which breed is most flexible?	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.	Samoyed dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz or Samoyed?	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.	Samoyed 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.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Samoyed has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which uses mouth most during play?	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.	Samoyed dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Samoyed bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which breed lives longest?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Samoyed: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which handles climate changes best?	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 cold weather The Samoyed can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which has fewer health issues?	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.	The Samoyed is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	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.	Average The Samoyed should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed 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	Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Diabetes Pulmonic Stenosis

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which breed is most active?	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.	Samoyed dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz or Samoyed? 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.	Samoyed dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz or Samoyed?	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.	Samoyed dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which is most prone to obesity?	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.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Samoyed's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	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

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. What colors are available?	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	White	Cream White Biscuit
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which requires most maintenance?	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.	Advanced: The Samoyed requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which drools least?	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.	The Samoyed is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Samoyed has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense	Thick	Dense
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz or Samoyed? Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz or {name3 shedding:	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately. See more.	Samoyed dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which is best with kids?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Samoyed dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility 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.	Samoyed dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz or Samoyed? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Samoyed dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz or Samoyed?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Samoyed dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Spitz or Samoyed?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Samoyed dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed?	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.	Yes Samoyed 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.	No Samoyed 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.	Samoyeds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which is best suited for service work?	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 Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which excels in therapy work?	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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. 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 Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. 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 Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which is best suited for water work?	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.	Not really Samoyed breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which is best for draft work?	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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. 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.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Which has most puppies?	2-5 puppies	1-6 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. How are they classified internationally?	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.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Shih Tzu, Japanese Spitz, and Samoyed. 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 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

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