German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz

Compare the German Shepherd to the Japanese Spitz. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between German Shepherds and Japanese Spitz.

German Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
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General Details
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
10-14 Years
10-16 Years
Height
22-26 Inches
12-15 Inches
Weight
75-95 Pounds
10-20 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Origin Country
Germany
Japan
Origin Year
1899 AD
1950 AD
Temperament
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Overall Friendliness
Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Below Average
Personality
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Living Environment
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
No
Temperature Tolerance
40-85 °F
20-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
High
Medium
Top Running Speed
30 MPH
18 MPH
Strength
High
Low
Grooming Needs
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
Medium
Shedding
High
Medium to High
Dander
High
Low
Drool
Medium
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Breed Instincts
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Aggression
Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Average
Chasing
Below Average
Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Above Average
Below Average
Herding
Above Average
Average
Hunting
Above Average
Average
Protection
Above Average
Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Average
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Average Lifespan
10-14 Years
10-16 Years
Health Concerns
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Common Health Issues
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Runny eyes
Patellar luxation
Appearance Comparison
Coat
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Coat Type
Fur
Fur or Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Silky
Straight
Wavy
Coat Length
Short to Medium
Long
Coat Coloring
German Shepherd
Japanese Spitz
Breed Colors
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