Toy Schnauzer vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison

Toy Schnauzer is originated from Germany but Japanese Spitz is originated from Japan. Both Toy Schnauzer and Japanese Spitz are having almost same height. Both Toy Schnauzer and Japanese Spitz are having almost same weight. Both Toy Schnauzer and Japanese Spitz has almost same life span. Both Toy Schnauzer and Japanese Spitz has almost same litter size. Toy Schnauzer requires Moderate maintenance. But Japanese Spitz requires Low maintenance

History

The Miniature Schnauzer was actually a distinct breed as early as 1899. It is believed that the dog came from breeding the smallest Standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers, Black Poodles, and the gray Spitz.

Miniature Schnauzers were registered as a separate breed in 1926. The Toy Schnauzer is registered as a Miniature Schnauzer but is actually a little bit smaller.

The Miniature Schnauzer was developed as a farm dog with the purpose of killing rats.

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

The Toy Schnauzer is a small dog standing at between 33–35cm tall and weighing about 4 to 9 kg.

He has medium length hair which is hard and wiry and which requires minimal grooming. These low-shedding dogs make the ideal family pets for those people who have allergies.

Colors of the coat are essentially black and silver, chocolate or a salt and pepper look. You'll find they have a beard and bushy eyebrows, giving him an almost human-like expression.

These dogs were brought about to be all-around farm dogs and ratters and they are tough, muscular, and fearless without being aggressive.

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

The Toy Schnauzer is spunky, strong-willed and confident. They all have different personalities and while some people report they are aloof, stubborn and uppity, others say they are playful, friendly and amicable.

A lot depends on the owners as dogs often develop the temperaments of the owners.

With this range in temperament, you can’t say with certainty how your Toy Schnauzer will turn out. Most of them just want to be involved with their human families and they make great family pets.

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

Your Toy Schnauzer has a life expectancy of 12 – 15 years if you care for them properly. They can, however, suffer from some health problems that so many other dogs might also have to contend with.

Some of these are -

Cataracts:

You’ll notice your pet's eyes taking on a filmy look. Most times these cataracts emerge in older dogs and they can be surgically removed.

Entropion and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) are other eye diseases that may affect your dog. Most dogs are able to adapt well to their limited vision and can even adapt to lost vision.

Bladder Infection:

A bladder infection can be terribly uncomfortable for your pet and occurs when bacteria gets into the bladder. Females are more likely to get a bladder infection, but male dogs can pick up the infection too. Having a bladder infection increases the pet’s urge to urinate even when there is no urine to come out.

The little bit of urine that does come out may be cloudy or even have some blood in it. It is imperative to get your pet urgent veterinary attention. When you see your pet trying to urinate all the time with nothing happening, then this is the sign to get your dog to the vet for a course of antibiotics.

Congenital Megaesophagus: 

This is when food and liquid are retained in the dog's esophagus so that you find him regurgitating his food. This can lead to pneumonia.

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

Most people have their Toy Schnauzers professionally groomed on a regular basis. He is a double-coated dog with a wiry coat. Some people, looking to maintain the wiry texture do hand-stripping, certainly if the dog is used for show purposes.

Diet:

No dog deserves to have dry kibble served up to him day after day. However, there are some excellent commercial dog foods on the market and you can choose the best one.

These foods provide a lot of convenience for the dog owner. Dogs also need to have their share of home-made food. It doesn’t have to be all complicated as dogs like simplicity.

Wholesome foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice and some nutritious vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots can do him the world of good. Schnauzers are also prone to pancreatis so you want to avoid giving him food that is high in fat.

Exercise:

Toy Schnauzers love an active lifestyle. They don't like sitting around inactive for too long.

Your Toy Schnauzer can adapt to life in the country or the city but he will certainly need to be well exercised. Walking your dog each day will be essential as will ball games and just generally giving your pet some of your attention,

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:
Toy dog
Companion dog
Origin:
Germany
Japan
Height Male:
33 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
25 - 34 cm
9 - 14 inches
Height Female:
33 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
25 - 34 cm
9 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
1 - 6
Size:
Toy dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Miniature Schnauzer
Nihon Supittsu
Colors Available:
Black and silver, chocolate or a salt and pepper look
White
Coat:
Medium length, hard and wiry
Longish and fluffy
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Toy Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Toy Schnauzer vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  3. Toy Schnauzer vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  4. Toy Schnauzer vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  5. Toy Schnauzer vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  6. Toy Schnauzer vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  7. Toy Schnauzer vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Toy Schnauzer vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  9. Toy Schnauzer vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  10. Toy Schnauzer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Toy Schnauzer vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  12. Toy Schnauzer vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Toy Schnauzer vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  14. Toy Schnauzer vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  15. Toy Schnauzer vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  16. Toy Schnauzer vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  17. Toy Schnauzer vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Toy Schnauzer vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  19. Toy Schnauzer vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  20. Toy Schnauzer vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  21. Toy Schnauzer vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Toy Schnauzer vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  23. Toy Schnauzer vs Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Schnauzer vs Snorkie - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Schnauzer vs Toy Bulldog - 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