Curious
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Watchful

Affectionate
Proud
Intelligent
Companionable
Playful
Loyal

Doberman Shepherds are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

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

Choose a Doberman Shepherd if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Japanese Spitzs are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher

Spitz-Type Dogs

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Continental Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
National Kennel Club
American Canine Association, Inc.

Unknown

1948

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Brown
Black

White

Doberman Shepherds have medium-length coats.

Japanese Spitzs have longer coats compared to most dogs.

A Doberman Shepherd can have a litter of 6-10 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.

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.

Doberman Shepherds are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

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

Doberman Shepherds typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Japanese Spitz breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Elbow Dysplasia
Cardiomyopathy
Hip Dysplasia
CVI (Wobbler’s Syndrome)

Patellar Luxation

Gastric Torsion
Osteosarcoma
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Pannus
Progressive Posterior Paresis
Perianal Fistulas
vonWillebrand’s Disease
Dermatitis

Ear Infections
Contact Allergy

Cardiac
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Eye Examinations
DNA Test
Hip

Ear Examination
Skin Evaluation
Knee X-Rays

Doberman Shepherd has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

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

Doberman Shepherds require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

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

Doberman Shepherds sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

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

Doberman Shepherds bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

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

Swimming, Fetch, Tag, Run, Bicycling, Walk, Play, Yoga, Hike, Training, Brushing, Beach, Dog Parks, Car rides, Chase, Walks, Hide & Seek, Walking, Bike ride, Hiking, Guard dog, Catch treats, Tug-of-war, Nap, Off-leash, Water, Road trip, Jog, Frisbee

Shopping (, Car rides

Doberman Shepherds 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.

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.

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

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.

In general most Doberman Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

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.

The Doberman Shepherd requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

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.

Doberman Shepherd 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

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

Slicker Brush
Comb
Hemostat
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

For an average 90-110 pound (41 - 50 kg) Doberman Shepherd feed 4 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

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.

The average cost of a Doberman Shepherd is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

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

The average per month expenses of a Doberman Shepherd is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 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.

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.

Doberman Shepherd is highly intelligent and very trainable.

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

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

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

The Doberman Shepherd is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

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

Doberman Shepherds are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

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

Doberman Shepherds are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

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

Doberman Shepherds are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Japanese Spitzs are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Doberman Shepherds have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

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

Doberman Shepherds are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Japanese Spitzs are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.