Australian Terrier vs Japanese Spitz Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Aussie or Nihon Supittsu?
Compare the Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Aussie or a Nihon Supittsu? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you
Other names
Aussie
Nihon Supittsu
Weight
What is the average weight of Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz?
15.0 pounds
( 7 kg )
18.5 pounds
( 8 kg )
Height
What is the average height of Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz
10.5 inches
( 26.7 cm )
14.5 inches
( 36.8 cm )
Weight Gain Potential
Which breed eats more: Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz?
Australian Terrier has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.
Japanese Spitz has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.
Hypoallergenic
Are Australian Terriers or Japanese Spitzs hypoallergenic, or neither?
Yes
While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Australian Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.
No
Unfortunately, the Japanese Spitz is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.
Temperament
What are the personalities of Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz dogs?
Do Australian Terriers shed more than Japanese Spitzs, or which breed sheds more, Australian Terriers or Japanese Spitzs?
Australian Terriers shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.
Japanese Spitzs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.
Watchdog Ability
Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz?
The Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, these breeds will alert their owner.
Origin
What is the origin of Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz dog breeds?
Australia
Japan
Ancestry
What are the origins of Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz breeds?
Terriers, Tasmanian Dog
Spitz-Type Dogs
Date of Birth
When were Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz breeds first developed?
1800s
1948
Breed Group
What is the Breed Group of Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz?
Terrier (AKC:1960 & UKC)
Northern (UKC)
Eye Color Possibilites
What are the eye colors of Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz dogs?
Brown
Nose Color Possibilites
What are the natural nose colors of Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz?
Black
Coat Color Possibilites
What are the natural colors of the coat for Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz breeds?
Red Blue Cream
White
Coat Length
What is the typical coat length for Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz breeds?
Australian Terriers have medium-length coats.
Japanese Spitzs have longer coats compared to most dogs.
Coat Density
What is the density of the coat of Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz?
Coat Texture
What is the hair texture of Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz?
Wiry
Straight
Litter Size
What is the usual litter size for Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz?
12-15 puppies per pregnancy
An Australian Terrier can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
10-16 puppies per pregnancy
A Japanese Spitz can have a litter of 10-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Adaptability
Australian Terriers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.
Japanese Spitzs are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.
Health Issues
Between Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz, which breed is more prone to health problems?
Australian Terriers typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.
While the Japanese Spitz breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.
Major Concerns
What are the major health concerns for Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz breeds?
Diabetes Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Minor Concerns
What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz?
None
Ear Infections Contact Allergy
Occasional Tests
What occasional tests are recommended for Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz breeds?
Blood Test X-Rays
Ear Examination Skin Evaluation Knee X-Rays
Energy
How do the energy levels of Australian Terriers and Japanese Spitzs compare?
Australian Terriers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.
Japanese Spitzs are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.
Social Needs
Australian Terrier vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison
Australian Terrier has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.
Japanese Spitz has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.
Exercise Needed
Australian Terrier vs Japanese Spitz exercise need comparison.
Australian Terriers require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.
Japanese Spitzs need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.
Sleeping Need
Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz?
Australian Terriers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.
Japanese Spitzs have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more/less, Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz?
The Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz breeds are known for their low drooling tendencies, making them a suitable choice for people who don't want to deal with drool marks on their clothing.
Tendency to Bark
Do Australian Terriers or Japanese Spitzs bark more/less frequently?
Australian Terriers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.
Japanese Spitz dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.
Territorial
Is the Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz a better guard dog?
These breeds are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.
Mouthiness
Mouthiness Comparison: Australian Terrier vs Japanese Spitz?
Roaming urge
Australian Terrier vs Labrador: Running away tendency?
Prey Drive
Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?
Past times
What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz entertained?
Chasing, Walks, Lounging
Shopping (, Car rides
Activity Level
Which breed has higher energy, Australian Terriers or Japanese Spitzs?
High
Australian Terriers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.
Medium
Japanese Spitzs are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.
Tolerance of being left alone
Walks per Week
How many miles should Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz walk each week?
12 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Australian Terrier, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
7 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Japanese Spitz, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
Activity per Day
Do Australian Terriers or Japanese Spitzs require more exercise?
90 minutes
In general most Australian Terriers usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
45 minutes
In general most Japanese Spitzs usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
Grooming
Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Australian Terriers or Japanese Spitzs?
The Australian Terrier requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.
Japanese Spitzs require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.
Brushing Frequency
What is the recommended brushing frequency for Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz dogs?
Weekly
Australian Terrier should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot
Daily
Ideally, Japanese Spitz should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.
Brushing Tools
What brushing tools are used for Australian Terriers and Japanese Spitzs?
Slicker Brush Comb Scissors Nail Clipper
Pin Brush Comb Scissors Nail Clipper
Cups
How much food should be given to Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz in cups?
1 cups
Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz share the same recommended daily food intake of 1 cups, although the appropriate quantity may vary depending on the quality and nutritional content of their food.
Daily Cost
Which breed has a higher daily cost, Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz?
$1.40 - $1.40 / day
The average cost of an Australian Terrier is somewhere $1.40 - $1.40 per day.
$1.30 - $1.40 / day
The average cost of a Japanese Spitz is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 per day.
Monthly Cost
Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz?
$35 - $42 / month
When it comes to monthly expenses, both Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz have a similar average cost, ranging from $35 - $42. This results in an average yearly cost of around $420 - $504.
Intelligence
Comparing Intelligence: Australian Terriers vs Japanese Spitzs
Australian Terrier is a very intelligent and trainable breed.
Japanese Spitzs are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.
Sensitivity Level
How do Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz compare in sensitivity?
Australian Terriers are adaptable and resilient, making them ideal for those seeking a less sensitive pet.
Japanese Spitzs have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.
Affection Dependance
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Terrier vs Japanese Spitz?
Apartment Friendly
Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz?
Australian Terriers are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.
Japanese Spitzs make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.
Child Friendly
Do Australian Terriers or Japanese Spitzs have a friendlier temperament towards children?
Australian Terriers are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.
Japanese Spitzs make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.
Senior-friendly
Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz?
Cat Friendly
Do Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz breeds have a better compatibility with cats?
Australian Terriers are not cat friendly.
Japanese Spitzs are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.
Dog Friendly
Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz?
Australian Terriers are not dog-friendly.
Japanese Spitzs are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.
Pet friendly
How do Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz dogs interact with other pets?
Stranger Friendly
Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Australian Terrier or Japanese Spitz?
Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish, so early socialization is key to ensure they are comfortable around new people.
Playfulness
Which breed is more playful between Australian Terrier and Japanese Spitz?
Australian Terriers are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.
Japanese Spitzs are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.
Trainability
How do the trainability levels of Australian Terriers and Japanese Spitzs compare?
Australian Terriers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.
Japanese Spitzs are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.
