Japanese Spitz vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Japanese Spitz vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonIstrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia but Japanese Spitz is originated from Japan. Istrian Sheepdog may grow 29 cm / 12 inches higher than Japanese Spitz. Istrian Sheepdog may weigh 30 kg / 67 pounds more than Japanese Spitz. Istrian Sheepdog may live 4 years less than Japanese Spitz. Both Istrian Sheepdog and Japanese Spitz has same litter size. Istrian Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Japanese Spitz requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Companion dog
undefined
Slovenia
Japan
Height Male:
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
25 - 34 cm
9 - 14 inches
Height Female:
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
25 - 34 cm
9 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
1 - 6
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Karst Sheepdog
Nihon Supittsu
Colors Available:
Dark and Light shades of Grey
White
Coat:
Long, thick and harsh
Longish and fluffy
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
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

History

istrian sheepdogKnown also as the Karst Sheepdog, the beautiful, medium sized Istrian Sheepdog hails from Slovenia, Yugoslavia in the 1600s, being used to guard sheep. In fact, the Karst Shepherd was recognized as the Illyrian Shepherd in 1939.

The dog is fairly scarce in his own country, but interest in the dog started developing in the late 1970s. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed and it has also been exported to the United States, being recognized by the United Kennel Club.

It is also recognized by a number of smaller kennel clubs. The dogs numbers have declined at certain periods in its history but fortunately breeding programs boosted its numbers.

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.

Description

istrian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized, muscled, strong dog with an iron-grey coat that has shades of deeper grey. His beautiful coat is long, thick and fairly harsh to the touch, with the undercoat protecting the dog against cold weather.

Around the neck area the hair is longer, forming an eye-catching-like mane. The stomach area has longer hair too. He has a noble look about him with kind, brown eyes and a round skull. The muzzle of the dog is dark, the limbs long and muscular and the tail is long and covered in thick fur.

The dog is slightly longer than its height, and both males and females stand at 54 to 63cm in height and weigh between 26 and 40kg. The long tail reaches right down to the hocks. The ears of the dog are fairly short and are floppy.

Temperament:

This dog has always made an excellent guard dog, being alert and also being distrustful of strangers. He will need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient to you and more amicable around children in the home as well as visitors to the home.

If he is trained and well socialized, he is able to make a good pet. However, he is an energetic dog, used to working and he isn't recommended for life in the city if there is only a tiny garden. He needs space and will require a large garden.

He will also need to be exercised and not just left to his own devices in the backyard. Because he is essentially a working dog he doesn’t easily fit into the role of pet and companion. He is a working dog and will need to be kept busy.

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

istrian sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Istrian Sheepdog is a unique, strong-willed dog that is used to guarding, and working and he wants to be kept involved and busy.

He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent guard dog for any family home. Remember that it is never good to invest in a dog purely for guard dog purposes. A dog such as the Istrian Sheepdog is a social creature and he also wants- and needs to be part of a human family that provides him with plenty of interaction with them.

The Istrian Sheepdog is a loyal, loving dog who is capable of forming strong bonds with his human family. With proper training and socialization he makes a good friend of children and the elderly too.

Include him in all your family activities just like any human family member and he will make you a splendid, courageous pet.

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

istrian sheepdog puppies - health problemsAs with many other dog breeds, the Istrian Sheepdog is a healthy dog that, because of history of hard work, is robust and able to stand up well to common dog illnesses.

However there is one dog illness that strikes many dogs and at any age, and it is hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joints.

You'll notice that your once active dog is lethargic, doesn't want to play so much anymore and battles to get up after lying down. The disease is painful for your dog and it can lead to mobility issues. The disease is diagnosed with x-rays and your vet will recommend treatment options to make life more comfortable and less painful for your beloved pet.

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

Exercise:

istrian sheepdog dogs - caringThis is a dog that is used to guarding his flock and he will need to be in a home that has a fair sized garden. He can adapt to life in the city or to the countryside, but wherever he is, he will need sufficient exercise. Take him with you on your walks or hikes and give him some rope- and ball games.

General Care:

Wherever you live in the world, when the Winter winds howl and blow in icy rain or snow, a dog is at an increased risk of illness. You decided to have a dog in your home and it is your responsibility to care for him. Winter weather is downright unpleasant and dangerous for most pets.

Bring your pet in during such weather and provide him with a warm, dry sleeping space. During hot weather, make sure your pet has a cool, shady spot to lie down in, out of the boiling sun. Whatever weather you're experiencing, your pet should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Provide him with excellent food that is full of vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy. Learn to know what human foods can be toxic for him and cause him digestive problems.

Grooming:

Your double coated Istrian Sheepdog will need a thorough brushing at least twice a week because of his dense, double coat. He does shed and isn't a hypoallergenic dog. His thick coat can tangle easily if it isn't properly brushed and maintained.

Clip his nails when and if they grow long. Other grooming aspects for this attractive dog require checking his ears for infection and also checking his teeth as dental disease can lead to a host of serious illnesses in your dog.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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