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Japanese Spitz vs Jack-Rat Terrier Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Nihon Supittsu or Jack-Rat Terrier?

Compare the Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Nihon Supittsu or a Jack-Rat Terrier? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Other names

Nihon Supittsu

Weight

What is the average weight of Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier?
18.5 pounds ( 8 kg )
57.5 pounds ( 26 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier
14.5 inches ( 36.8 cm )
23.0 inches ( 58.4 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Japanese Spitzs or Jack-Rat Terriers hypoallergenic, or neither?

No

Unfortunately, neither Japanese Spitz nor Jack-Rat Terrier are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier dogs?
Affectionate
Proud
Intelligent
Companionable
Playful
Loyal

Loving
Stubborn
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Cheerful

Shedding Level

Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Jack-Rat Terriers, or which breed sheds more, Japanese Spitzs or Jack-Rat Terriers?

Japanese Spitzs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Jack-Rat Terriers shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Japanese Spitz or Jack-Rat Terrier?

The Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, these breeds will alert their owner.

Origin

What is the origin of Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier dog breeds?
Japan

​United States

Ancestry

What are the origins of Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier breeds?
Spitz-Type Dogs

Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier

Date of Birth

When were Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier breeds first developed?
1948

​Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier dogs?
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier?
Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier breeds?
White

White
Blue
Brown
Red

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier breeds?

Japanese Spitzs have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Jack-Rat Terriers have short coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier?
Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier?

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.

4-8 puppies per pregnancy

A Jack-Rat Terrier can have a litter of 4-8 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

Japanese Spitzs are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Jack-Rat Terriers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier breeds are generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier breeds?
Patellar Luxation

Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Cardiomyopathy
Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier?
Ear Infections
Contact Allergy

Hemivertebrae
Familial Nephropathy
Tracheal Collapse
Diabetes
Von Willebrand's Disease
Hypothyroidism
Cleft Palate
Cutaneous Asthenia
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)
Mitral Valve Dysplasia
Eye Conditions

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier breeds?
Ear Examination
Skin Evaluation
Knee X-Rays

Dna Test For Vwd
Thyroid Tests
Physical Examination
Eye Examinations
Blood Work
Full Physical Examination regarding joint movement around the hip and kneecap
Heart Rate Tests

Energy

How do the energy levels of Japanese Spitzs and Jack-Rat Terriers compare?

Japanese Spitzs are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Jack-Rat Terriers' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Social Needs

Japanese Spitz vs Jack-Rat Terrier social needs comparison

Japanese Spitz has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Jack-Rat Terrier has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Japanese Spitz vs Jack-Rat Terrier exercise need comparison.

Japanese Spitzs need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Jack-Rat Terriers require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Japanese Spitz or Jack-Rat Terrier?

Japanese Spitzs have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Jack-Rat Terriers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Tendency to Bark

Do Japanese Spitzs or Jack-Rat Terriers bark more/less frequently?

Japanese Spitz dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Jack-Rat Terriers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Japanese Spitz vs Jack-Rat Terrier?

Roaming urge

Japanese Spitz vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Japanese Spitz or Jack-Rat Terrier - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier entertained?
Shopping (, Car rides

Run, Hike, Tug-of-war, Nap, Fetch, Off-leash, Walking, BREED ISSUES, HER/MINE ISSUES, Sleeping, Eating, Running, Walk, Chase a ball, Playing toys, Playing catch, Cuddeling, Playing fetch, Giving pig ear, Watching tv, Retrival games, Playdate, Frisbee, Wrestling, Chase, Tracking, Park visits, Car rides, Napping, Jogging

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Japanese Spitzs or Jack-Rat Terriers?

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.

High

Jack-Rat 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.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Japanese Spitz or Jack-Rat Terrier walk each week?

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.

12 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Jack-Rat Terrier, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Japanese Spitzs or Jack-Rat Terriers require more exercise?

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.

120 minutes

In general most Jack-Rat Terriers usually need at least 120 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, Japanese Spitzs or Jack-Rat Terriers?

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.

The Jack-Rat Terrier has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier dogs?

Daily

Ideally, Japanese Spitz should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Weekly

Jack-Rat 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

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Japanese Spitzs and Jack-Rat Terriers?
Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Japanese Spitz or Jack-Rat Terrier in cups?

1 cups

For an average 18-19 pound (8 - 9 kg) Japanese Spitz feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

3 cups

For an average 20-26 pound (9 - 12 kg) Jack-Rat Terrier feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Japanese Spitz or Jack-Rat Terrier?

$1.30 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Japanese Spitz is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 per day.

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Jack-Rat Terrier is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Japanese Spitz or Jack-Rat Terrier?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Japanese Spitz is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$49 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Jack-Rat Terrier is between $49 - $63. This makes an average of $588 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Japanese Spitzs vs Jack-Rat Terriers

Japanese Spitzs are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Jack-Rat Terrier is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Sensitivity Level

How do Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier compare in sensitivity?

Japanese Spitzs have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Japanese Spitz vs Jack-Rat Terrier?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Japanese Spitz or Jack-Rat Terrier?

Japanese Spitzs make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Jack-Rat Terriers are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Child Friendly

Do Japanese Spitzs or Jack-Rat Terriers have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Japanese Spitzs make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Jack-Rat Terriers are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Japanese Spitz or Jack-Rat Terrier?

Cat Friendly

Do Japanese Spitz or Jack-Rat Terrier breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Japanese Spitzs are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Jack-Rat Terriers are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Japanese Spitz or Jack-Rat Terrier?

Japanese Spitzs and Jack-Rat Terriers are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some.

Pet friendly

How do Japanese Spitz or Jack-Rat Terrier dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Japanese Spitz or Jack-Rat Terrier?

Japanese Spitzs are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Jack-Rat Terriers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier?

Japanese Spitzs are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Jack-Rat Terriers are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Japanese Spitzs and Jack-Rat Terriers compare?

Japanese Spitz and Jack-Rat Terrier dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Common match-ups