St. John's Water Dog vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison

St. John's Water Dog vs Japanese Spitz - Breed ComparisonJapanese Spitz is originated from Japan but St. John's Water Dog is originated from Canada. Japanese Spitz may grow 19 cm / 7 inches shorter than St. John's Water Dog. Japanese Spitz may weigh 31 kg / 68 pounds lesser than St. John's Water Dog. Japanese Spitz may live 4 years more than St. John's Water Dog. Both Japanese Spitz and St. John's Water Dog has same litter size. Both Japanese Spitz and St. John's Water Dog requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Working dog
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Japan
Canada
Height Male:
25 - 34 cm
9 - 14 inches
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
25 - 34 cm
9 - 14 inches
47 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
16 - 35 kg
35 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Nihon Supittsu
St. Johns Dog, Lesser Newfoundland, St. John’s Newfoundland
Colors Available:
White
black
Coat:
Longish and fluffy
short, thick coats
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Intelligent, Loving, Responsive
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

japanese spitzSpitz 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.

st john s water dogThe breed known as the St. John’s water dog is an extinct landrace breed. They were domestic dogs found in Newfoundland and at times were called the lesser Newfoundland. There is not much information available about the other breeds that went into its development. Hypothetically it is believed they are a mix of the Irish, Old English and Portuguese dogs bred to work.

It is also thought that other breeds in their family tree, descending from them, include the Golden Retriever, the Flat-Coated Retriever, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the Labrador and the Curly-Coated Retriever. The Newfoundland is also related to the St. Johns Water Dog through the line of Rafeirio do Alenteios that Portuguese fisherman brought to the island.

The breed was exported to England in the 19th century and early 20th. There the breeds of retrievers were developed. In Canada during this time frame restrictions were placed on dog ownership in order to encourage people to raise sheep. At the same time England imposed a long quarantine on all animals coming into the country in order to get rid of rabies. These two factors contributed greatly to the extinction of the breed. It seems the last two dogs were seen in a remote area in the 1980’s. All attempts to save the breed failed.

Description

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.

st john s water dog puppy - descriptionSt. John’s Water Dog is strong, medium sized and stocky. They looked more like English Labs than American Labs. They had a thick, short coat, loved swimming, had a lot of endurance and rudder tail. It was also described as a thin, black dog with short hair. They had white patches on their chest and feet. His nose was thin and tapered, his legs powerful, his chest muscular. The breed is quick, swims, runs quickly and is a fighter as well.

Never accepted by any major kennel club except as a foundation breed. They became extinct.

Characteristics

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.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness - yes they are good with children.

2.Special talents swimming is their best talent

st john s water dog dog - characteristics3.Adaptability large need fence, they are not large dogs but they need outdoor space

4.Learning ability – very smart and eager to learn

Health Problems

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.

st john s water dog puppies - health problemsThere is no documented history of any genetic or hereditary illnesses in the breed. However, it seems rational to believe they suffered from ailments similar to Labradors and newfoundland though they are smaller dogs.

No history like Labs and Newfoundlands .

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.
  • PRA – progressive retinal atrophy – can cause blindness.
  • Cancer – in their later years.
  • Infectious diseases – not as serious as prior to vaccinations.
  • Myopathy hereditary – affects the muscles.
  • Ear infections.

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Caring The Pet

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.

st john s water dog dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy – Don’t overfeed – they have a propensity toward obesity. Feed high quality, high protein 3 x a day.

2.Feeding the adult – Don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality, high protein 1-2 x a day.

3.Points for Good Health - stamina

4. Games and Exercises – They need space to run and they love to explore. They would also love to be near water where they could swim. Good at dock diving, field trials, flyball and frisbee.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. St. John's Water Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. St. John's Water Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. St. John's Water Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. St. John's Water Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. St. John's Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. St. John's Water Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. St. John's Water Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. St. John's Water Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. St. John's Water Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. St. John's Water Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. St. John's Water Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. St. John's Water Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. St. John's Water Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. St. John's Water Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. St. John's Water Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. St. John's Water Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. St. John's Water Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. St. John's Water Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. St. John's Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. St. John's Water Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  23. St. John's Water Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. St. John's Water Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. St. John's Water Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Japanese Spitz vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Japanese Spitz vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Japanese Spitz vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Japanese Spitz vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Japanese Spitz vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Japanese Spitz vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Japanese Spitz vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Japanese Spitz vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Japanese Spitz vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Japanese Spitz vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Japanese Spitz vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Japanese Spitz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Japanese Spitz vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Japanese Spitz vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Japanese Spitz vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Japanese Spitz vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Japanese Spitz vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Japanese Spitz vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Japanese Spitz vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Japanese Spitz vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Japanese Spitz vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Japanese Spitz vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Japanese Spitz vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Japanese Spitz vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Japanese Spitz vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison