Why you Should Get the Boxer Instead of the Japanese Spitz.

Last Updated: Jun 16, 2022

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Boxer Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Boxer and for the Japanese Spitz. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Boxer or the Japanese Spitz.

Boxer versus Japanese Spitz

Boxer versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

A very important difference between the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boxer is a medium-sized dog while the Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Boxer belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Japanese Spitz belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Boxer versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boxer to the Japanese Spitz based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz

FactorBoxerJapanese Spitz
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather1/53/5
Life Span10 to 12 years10 to 16 years
Tolerates Cold Weather2/54/5
Does NOT Drool4/55/5
General Health2/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Height21 to 25 inches at the shoulder10 to 16 inches
Good For Novice Owners3/54/5
Dog Friendly3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/52/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/54/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/54/5
Easygoing2/53/5
Kid-Friendly4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/52/5
Does NOT Shed2/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/54/5
Easy To Train4/54/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Easy To Groom5/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/53/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Weight60 to 70 pounds11 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan11.0 years13.0 years
Average Price$1530$1740
Price Range$1000 – $1800$1500 – $2150
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health TestsNo DataNo Data
*Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boxer in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Japanese Spitz. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

The Better-Pet score for the Boxer is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125.

Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Japanese Spitz, we still believe that the Boxer is a better pet than the Japanese Spitz.

This is because Boxers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Boxer will come out on top.

Also, we are biased in favor of the Boxer :-). We are for the Boxer. So get a Boxer!

Boxer versus Japanese Spitz

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz

Below is a list of where the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz are most different:

  • Boxers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Japanese Spitzs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz

    The Boxer and the Japanese Spitz are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz are most similar:

  • Both the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to train.
  • Both the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Boxer versus Japanese Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz.

    The Boxer weighs 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Boxer is 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Japanese Spitz weighs 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. The Japanese Spitz is 10 to 16 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Boxer versus Size of Japanese Spitz

    Lifespan of Boxer versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of the Boxer is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Boxer is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of the Japanese Spitz is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Japanese Spitz is 13.0 years.

    The Japanese Spitz live longer than the Boxer.

    Boxer versus Japanese Spitz

    Price of Boxer versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    The average price of the Boxer puppy is $1530. The price of the Boxer typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Boxer can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1292 Boxer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Japanese Spitz puppy is $1740. The price of the Japanese Spitz typically ranges from $1500 – $2150. However, the price of the Japanese Spitz can be as low as $800 and as high as $2400. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 6 Japanese Spitz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Japanese Spitz is more expensive than the Boxer.

    Boxer Japanese Spitz
    Average Price $1530 $1740
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $1500 to $2150

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Boxer and Japanese Spitz. For different price points, the charts show how many Boxer puppies or how many Japanese Spitz puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boxers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boxers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Spitzs

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Spitzs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Boxer puppy or the Japanese Spitz puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Boxer versus Japanese Spitz

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boxer versus Japanese Spitz

    Boxers do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boxers shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Boxers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boxer or the Japanese Spitz?

    Boxers are very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boxer or the Japanese Spitz?

    Boxers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Boxers good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Boxers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Japanese Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Boxer Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Boxers are very easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Boxer or the Japanese Spitz

    Boxers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Boxers and Japanese Spitzs?

    Boxers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Boxer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    Boxers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Japanese Spitzs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Boxers Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Boxers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Boxers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boxers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boxer vs. Japanese Spitz

    Boxers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Boxers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boxers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Japanese Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Boxer Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Boxers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boxer or the Japanese Spitz?

    Boxers are OK for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Boxer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Boxer compares to other breeds aside from the Japanese Spitz. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Boxer to other breeds:

    Boxer versus Dogo Argentino     Boxer versus Biewer Terrier     Boxer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Boxer versus Welsh Terrier     Boxer versus Havanese     Boxer versus Australian Kelpie     Boxer versus Shih Tzu     Boxer versus Tibetan Terrier     Boxer versus Bull Terrier     Boxer versus Labrador Retriever     Boxer versus Tibetan Spaniel     Boxer versus Standard Schnauzer     

    Conclusion: Boxer versus Japanese Spitz. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Boxer and the Japanese Spitz better suits you and your family.