Why the Yorkshire Terrier is Better than the Japanese Spitz as a Pet

Last Updated: Apr 09, 2022

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Yorkshire Terrier Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Yorkshire Terrier and for the Japanese Spitz. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Yorkshire Terrier or the Japanese Spitz.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

Yorkshire Terrier versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

A very important difference between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are Companion Dogs. This means both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Yorkshire Terrier to the Japanese Spitz based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz

FactorYorkshire TerrierJapanese Spitz
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Life Span12 to 15 years10 to 16 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Kid-Friendly2/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/52/5
Does NOT Shed4/53/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/54/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Low Prey Drive4/54/5
Dog Friendly3/54/5
Easy To Train3/54/5
Intelligence3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/52/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/54/5
Good For Novice Owners4/54/5
Affectionate With Family4/54/5
General Health4/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/53/5
Weight4 to 6 pounds11 to 20 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/54/5
Easygoing1/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/53/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Height8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder10 to 16 inches
Average Lifespan13.5 years13.0 years
Average Price$2420$1740
Price Range$1600 – $2950$1500 – $2150
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Yorkshire Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Japanese Spitz. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Yorkshire Terrier is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Japanese Spitz, we still believe that the Yorkshire Terrier is a better pet than the Japanese Spitz.

    This is because Yorkshire Terriers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Yorkshire Terrier will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Yorkshire Terrier :-). We are for the Yorkshire Terrier. So get a Yorkshire Terrier!

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz

    Below is a list of where the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are most different:

  • Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz

    The Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are most similar:

  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz.

    The Yorkshire Terrier weighs 4 to 6 pounds when fully grown. The Yorkshire Terrier is 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Japanese Spitz weighs 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. The Japanese Spitz is 10 to 16 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Yorkshire Terrier versus Size of Japanese Spitz

    Lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of the Japanese Spitz is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Japanese Spitz is 13.0 years.

    The Yorkshire Terrier live longer than the Japanese Spitz.

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

    Price of Yorkshire Terrier versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Yorkshire Terrier puppy is $2420. The price of the Yorkshire Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2950. However, the price of a Yorkshire Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 957 Yorkshire Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Japanese Spitz puppy is $1740. The price of the Japanese Spitz typically ranges from $1500 – $2150. However, the price of the Japanese Spitz can be as low as $800 and as high as $2400. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 6 Japanese Spitz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Yorkshire Terrier is more expensive than the Japanese Spitz.

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    Yorkshire Terrier Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $2420 $1740
    Price Range $1600 to $2950 $1500 to $2150

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Yorkshire Terrier and Japanese Spitz. For different price points, the charts show how many Yorkshire Terrier puppies or how many Japanese Spitz puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Yorkshire Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Yorkshire Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Spitzs

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Spitzs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Yorkshire Terrier puppy or the Japanese Spitz puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

    Tolerates Being Alone: Yorkshire Terrier versus Japanese Spitz

    Yorkshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Yorkshire Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?

    Yorkshire Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?

    Yorkshire Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Yorkshire Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Japanese Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Yorkshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Yorkshire Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Japanese Spitz

    Yorkshire Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Japanese Spitzs?

    Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Yorkshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    Yorkshire Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Japanese Spitzs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Yorkshire Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Japanese Spitz

    Yorkshire Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Japanese Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Yorkshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Yorkshire Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Japanese Spitz?

    Yorkshire Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Yorkshire Terrier compares to other breeds aside from the Japanese Spitz. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier to other breeds:

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Shiranian     Yorkshire Terrier versus Siberian Husky     Yorkshire Terrier versus Harrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Rottweiler     Yorkshire Terrier versus Mudi     Yorkshire Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Irish Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Pomsky     Yorkshire Terrier versus Great Dane     Yorkshire Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Yorkshire Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     Yorkshire Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Yorkshire Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     

    Conclusion: Yorkshire Terrier versus Japanese Spitz. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Japanese Spitz better suits you and your family.