Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz

Compare Australian Shepherds to Japanese Spitz. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between these two breeds.

Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
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General Details
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-16 Years
Height
18-23 Inches
12-15 Inches
Weight
40-65 Pounds
10-20 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Origin Country
United States
Japan
Origin Year
1840 AD
1950 AD
Temperament
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
None
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Below Average
Personality
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Apartment
No
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
No
Temperature Tolerance
30-80 °F
20-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Energy Level
High to Very High
High
Exercise Required
High
Medium
Top Running Speed
25 MPH
18 MPH
Strength
High
Low
Grooming Needs
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Medium
Shedding
Medium
Medium to High
Dander
Medium
Low
Drool
Low
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Aggression
Below Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Average
Chasing
Below Average
Average
Follow Commands
Average
Average
Fighting
None
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Below Average
Herding
Above Average
Average
Hunting
Below Average
Average
Protection
Below Average
Average
Remove Vermin
None
Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Average
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-16 Years
Health Concerns
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Common Health Issues
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Distichiasis
Deafness
Collie eye anomaly
Persistent pupillary membrane
Drug sensitivity
Collie nose
Retinal detachment
Runny eyes
Patellar luxation
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Coat Type
Fur
Fur or Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Wavy
Silky
Straight
Wavy
Coat Length
Medium to Long
Long
Coat Coloring
Australian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Breed Colors
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