Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Mini Foxi or Nihon Supittsu? Find the right dog for you
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Compare Shih Tzu and Miniature Fox Terrier. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz?
Name | Shih Tzu | Miniature Fox Terrier | Japanese Spitz |
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Origins | China | Australia | Japan |
Group | Companion Dogs | Hunting Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 20 | 232 | 229 |
Reviews | 16 | 7 | 9 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
Mini Foxi Mini Foxie Mini Fox Terrier | Nihon Supittsu |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? Which is the smallest dog, Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? | Small | Small | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Miniature Fox Terrier? Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz weight comparison: | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) | Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg) | 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) | Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg) | 15.5 pounds (7.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz height comparison: | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) | Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) | 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | 9.5 inches (24 cm) | Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) | 13.5 inches (34 cm) |
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? Which is more expensive? | $800-$1200 | $400-$600 | $500-$800 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. | Average: The Miniature Fox Terrier is a commonly available dog breed. | Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed. |
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz intelligence: | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. |
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Trainability
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz trainability comparison. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are easy to train. | Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. | Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier 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. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory. | Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz behavior/temperament comparison: |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
Playful Alert Intelligent Friendly Fearless |
Playful Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Proud Companionable |
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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. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz? | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison: | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | The wanderlust potential of the Miniature Fox Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. | Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
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. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. | Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. |
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz playfulness comparison: | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | The Miniature Fox Terrier is a highly playful breed. | The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz? | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | Average to High: The Miniature Fox Terrier is a vocal breed. | A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu 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 Miniature Fox Terrier indoors. | Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed. |
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier 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. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier 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. | Miniature Fox Terrier 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 Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Miniature Fox Terrier bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak. |
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Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Miniature Fox Terrier 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 Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz mouthiness comparison: | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier 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 Miniature Fox Terrier 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. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier 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 | No data available |
Patellar Luxation Runny Eyes |
Veterinarian Visits
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 Miniature Fox Terrier 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. |
Life Expectancy
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu, Miniature Fox Terrier and Japanese Spitz breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
10-14 years The average lifespan of Miniature Fox Terrier: 12 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier 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. | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | 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. |
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz?
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz energy level comparison: | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are high-energy 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. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? | Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep. | Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. |
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. | 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. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier 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. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Fox Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz coat comparison: | Dense | Dense | Thick |
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Colors
What are the original Shih Tzu, Miniature Fox Terrier and Japanese Spitz color? |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold | Tricolor Black & Tan Black & White | White |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz grooming comparison: | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Effortless: The Miniature Fox Terrier requires minimal grooming. | Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or {name3 shedding: | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs shed moderately. | Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
Hypoallergenic
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | Yes See more. | No See more. | No See more. |
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz? | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Miniature Fox Terrier 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 Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Miniature Fox Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier 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. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are generally with other pets. | Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? Which dog is more friendly? | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz? |
Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Miniature Fox Terrier 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 Miniature Fox Terrier 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. | Miniature Fox Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people. | Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier 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. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Shih Tzu or Miniature Fox Terrier or Japanese Spitz? Which is better for autism? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
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: Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz? | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Miniature Fox Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
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. |
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Japanese Spitz Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can Shih Tzu and Miniature Fox Terrier and Japanese Spitz have? | 2-5 puppies | 2-3 puppies | 1-6 puppies |
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Fox Terrier 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. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
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FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. | Not recognized by FCI. | 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 | No data available |
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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