• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Nihon Supittsu?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz" Compare German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz. Which is better: German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Japanese Spitz
OriginsGermany flagGermany Japan flagJapan
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank2229
Reviews219
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz. What other names are these breeds known by?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Nihon Supittsu
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a German Shepherd and a Japanese Spitz. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Japanese Spitz. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Japanese Spitz?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) 13.5 inches (34 cm)

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a Japanese Spitz. Which breed costs more?
$800-$2000 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare training requirements.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare alertness levels.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare territorial behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Japanese Spitz. How do their temperaments differ?
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
High: German Shepherd 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.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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 German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd 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.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare living space needs.
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 German Shepherd indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare adaptability levels.
German Shepherd 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: German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare biting tendencies.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare mouthing behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a German Shepherd and a Japanese Spitz. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
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: German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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: German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare activity levels.
German Shepherd 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.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
German Shepherd 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.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
White
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare drooling amounts.
The German Shepherd 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.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and a Japanese Spitz? Compare fur types.
Fuzzy Thick
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Japanese Spitz dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Can a German Shepherd and a Japanese Spitz be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Japanese Spitz dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
Yes
German Shepherd 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
German Shepherd 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?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

German Shepherd 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.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a German Shepherd or a Japanese Spitz? Compare draft work capabilities.

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 history between German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 1-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and Japanese Spitz. Which is more widely recognized?
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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
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

Rate This Comparsion - German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz

Reviews

  • japanese spitz

    Jul 14, 2024, 1:27:53 PM:

    it is most great dog in world