Himalayan Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison

Himalayan Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz - Breed ComparisonHimalayan Sheepdog is originated from India but Japanese Spitz is originated from Japan. Himalayan Sheepdog may grow 37 cm / 15 inches higher than Japanese Spitz. Himalayan Sheepdog may weigh 35 kg / 78 pounds more than Japanese Spitz. Both Himalayan Sheepdog and Japanese Spitz has almost same life span. Himalayan Sheepdog may have more litter size than Japanese Spitz. Himalayan Sheepdog requires High maintenance. But Japanese Spitz requires Low maintenance

History

himalayan sheepdog - historyThe Himalayan Sheepdog comes from Nepal originally and was bred as a guardian for livestock. The exact location where the breed comes from is not documented well but it is thought that they come from North India and Nepal and they are rare outside of that area. They are a mountain dog – close in ancestry to the Himalayan Mastiff, and the Kinnaur Sheepdog of Tibet (Himalaya). All these Himalayan mountain dogs were all called “Gaddi dogs”. The term was used for all the large dogs no matter what their breeds actually were.

The Himalayan Sheepdog is called by various names depending on where they were from. They are called Gaddi Leopardhund in Himachai Pradesh, In Nepal they are known as Bhote Kukkur or Bhotiya. Then there are Chamba Gaddi dogs. They are an ancient breed that existed before documentation on breeds was kept.

They acted as both guardians and herders. They guarded the mountain men’s encampments as well as the livestock. They were also used at times to hunt large animals. Today they are found only within Nepal and India. These Himalayan Sheepdogs are on the verge of extinction in India. There are no breeding programs and their isolation has caused the dilution of the gene pool. It is not recognized by any clubs including the UKC and the AKC.

japanese spitz - historySpitz dogs include quite a few dog breeds and these dogs all have similar characteristics – pointed, erect ears, slanted type eyes with thick fur.

The Japanese Spitz was developed by Japanese breeders at the time of the 1920s, and bringing in quite a number of dog breeds to do so. The breeders started with the white German Spitz dogs but later other white Spitz breeds were imported and crossed into this developing breed.

The final standard for the breed after World War 11 was accepted by the Japan Kennel Club. The dog became recognized by other kennel clubs of the world.

Description

himalayan sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe breed is a large dog, very athletic and strong. The Himalayan Sheepdog is muscular with a deep chest, strong neck and strong shoulders. It has a medium tail that is thick and busy, curled high over its back. It is a daunting dog that can be very intimidating. They have well padded and large paws. With a broad head and wide forehead, they have a strong, wide muzzle. Their ears are high on the head and hang from the sides. They have almond shaped medium eyes that are deep set with a black nose.

They are a very active and swift dogs. By their nature they are constantly in motion, patrolling their territory and guarding their flock and people. Their devotion to their people and their courage is the stuff of legends. Their coat is double with a large ruff around their necks that resembles a mane. The inner coat is dense and short while the outer coat is longer but dense as well.

japanese spitz puppy - descriptionThe Japanese Spitz is a small to medium sized dog, being somewhat larger than the Pomeranian. The dog stands at 25 – 38cm, both male and female and weighs anything between 5 to 10kg.

The double coat of the dog is thick and white and the puppies look like large snowball.s He has a pointed muzzle with erect ears and a tail that curls up over the back.

Temperament:

The pure-bred Japanese Spitz, just like other Spitz dogs are smart, inquisitive dogs who show loyalty to their owners, getting on well with children in the home and making a good family pet.

They can be quite stubborn, so training and socialization becomes important if you want him to be obedient. Training is easy as he is an intelligent, bright little dog.

They’re able to adapt to life in the city or in the country, but if you live in the city, you will need to meet his exercise needs.

He can tolerate cold weather quite well but as a companion dog, he prefers being indoors with his human family.

Even though they are small dogs, they are protective and make good watchdogs. They were bred to be companion dogs and they take this role seriously, being loyal, entertaining, fun, friendly and loving with their human family.

It is why they are becoming such a popular breed as they have an amicable nature, getting on well with other pets as well as children.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

himalayan sheepdog dog - characteristicsYes with enough proper socialization

Special talents

Protection and loyalty

Adaptability

They are not especially adaptable and need a large yard. They are not good in an apartment.

Learning ability

Intelligent but stubborn and independent making them able to learn if they want to.

japanese spitz dog - characteristicsYour Japanese Spitz is going to make you a superb companion and you want to ensure that you are well prepared for him when he arrives. He is feisty, charming, social, bright, alert, active, loyal and loving and you want to be sure that he has everything laid on as a 4-legged family member.

He isn't a high maintenance dog, he isn't demanding and if you love and care for him, you'll find that he fills a vacancy in your life that you'll never want to be without again.

Health Problems

himalayan sheepdog puppies - health problemsThis is a pretty healthy breed with very few health issues. They have the usual large dog issues.

  • Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis
  • Elbow Dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis
  • Arthritis – can cause extreme pain and lameness
  • Patellar luxation – kneecap issues that are painful and can cause lameness
  • Obesity – they have a tendency to overeat and are not that active
  • Glaucoma – can cause blindness

japanese spitz puppies - health problemsLife expectancy for the Japanese Spitz is about 10–16 years. They are a healthy breed with few genetic problems. Nothing is set in stone though, and your healthy dog can fall prey to some of the many common dog illnesses there are.

They're so sweet, you're tempted to feed him treats all the time, but obesity is a common Japanese Spitz health issue and obesity can lead to many problems with the heart, kidney, diabetes and even joint pain.

Also, eye problems such as ingrown eyelashes and a lower eyelid that rolls inward are problems that are known to trouble these Spitz type dogs. It leads to terrible irritation and damage to the eye. It's definitely time to see the vet to avoid infections and injury.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

himalayan sheepdog dogs - caringFeed the puppy 2-3 times a day with a total of two cups of a quality dog food for large breed dogs.

Feeding the adult

Feed the adult dog twice a day with 3 to 4 cups of a high quality dry dog food for large breed dogs.

Points for Good Health

They are very strong and athletic.

Games and Exercises

The Himalayan Sheepdog needs exercise but not to be overworked. They should be taken on long walks at least once a day. They might play fetch or run in a yard, but they don’t like too much exercise.

Exercise:

japanese spitz dogs - caringThe Japanese Spitz is an active dog and he will require at least one walk a day to keep him happy. He is full of beans and wants to go with you on all your outings.

Diet:

The diet of your Japanese Spitz is basic to his good health. If you feed him low quality foods deplete of vitamins and minerals, you'll end up with a sick dog who is always at the vet. Puppies need 4 small meals a day while an adult dog can have 1 or 2 meals a day.

He can benefit from the top quality commercially manufactured foods and sometimes you can add in some cooked chicken, rice and vegetables into his dry kibble. Add in a little bit of raw meat too from time to time and ensure that he can always reach his bowl of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

The beautiful white fur of your Japanese Spitz will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it free from loose hair and to keep the fur bright and vibrant.

Check his nails and avoid them getting too long as they can hook on things and cause injury. Check his ears inside and out, keeping them clean and free of debris. Very importantly, keep his teeth clean as dental disease can play havoc with a dog's health.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Companion dog
Origin:
India
Japan
Height Male:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
25 - 34 cm
9 - 14 inches
Height Female:
58 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
25 - 34 cm
9 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
40 - 45 kg
88 - 100 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
38 - 43 kg
83 - 95 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 14 Years
10 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
1 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Bhotia • Bhotiya • Bhote Kukkur • Gaddi • Gaddi Leopardhund • Himachal Pradesh • Himalayan Guard Dog • Himalayan Mastiff Guard Dog • Himalayan Chamba Gaddi • HSD
Nihon Supittsu
Colors Available:
Black, fawn, light brown, beige
White
Coat:
rough dense long
Longish and fluffy
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  3. Labrador Husky vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  4. Mackenzie River Husky vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  5. Pyredoodle vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Lurcher vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  7. Maremma Sheepdog vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  8. Sarplaninac vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  9. Mountain View Cur vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  10. Native American Indian Dog vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  11. Komondor vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  12. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  13. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  14. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  15. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  16. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  17. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  18. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  19. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  20. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  21. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  22. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  23. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  24. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  25. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  26. Mal-Shi vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  27. Japanese Spitz vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  28. Japanese Spitz vs Alaskan Klee Kai - Breed Comparison
  29. Japanese Spitz vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  30. Japanese Spitz vs Fruggle - Breed Comparison
  31. Malti-Pom vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  32. PekePoo vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  33. Schipperke vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  34. Schweenie vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  35. Lhasapoo vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  36. Meliteo Kinidio vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  37. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  38. Prazsky Krysarik vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  39. Pugalier vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  40. Kyi-Leo vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  41. Tsvetnaya Bolonka vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  42. Muggin vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  43. Pomeranian vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  44. Maltese vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  45. Pug vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  46. Maltipoo vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  47. Miniature Schnauzer vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  48. Papillon vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  49. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds