Portuguese Podengo vs. Japanese Spitz: Breed Differences and Similarities

Portuguese Podengo

Portuguese Podengo

Japanese Spitz

Japanese Spitz

Hypoallergenic

Are Portuguese Podengos or Japanese Spitzs hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Portuguese Podengo nor Japanese Spitz are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Portuguese Podengo or Japanese Spitz?

4 / 5

Portuguese Podengos make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

3 / 5

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

Origin

What is the origin of Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz dog breeds?

Portugal

Japan

Ancestry

What are the origins of Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz breeds?

Hound

Spitz-Type Dogs

Date of Birth

When were Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz breeds first developed?

Ancient

1948

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz dogs?

Brown
Amber

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz?

Black
Brown

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz breeds?

Black
Gray
Fawn

White

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz breeds?

3 / 5

Portuguese Podengos have medium-length coats.

4 / 5

Japanese Spitzs have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz?

Wiry

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz?

A Portuguese Podengo can have a litter of 12-14 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.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz breeds?

Muscle Strains
Foot and Toenail Injuries

Patellar Luxation

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz?

Eye Injuries

Ear Infections
Contact Allergy

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz breeds?

Eye Examination
Yearly Physical Examination

Ear Examination
Skin Evaluation
Knee X-Rays

Energy

How do the energy levels of Portuguese Podengos and Japanese Spitzs compare?

4 / 5

Portuguese Podengos' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

3 / 5

Japanese Spitzs are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Exercise Needed

Portuguese Podengo vs Japanese Spitz exercise need comparison.

4 / 5

Portuguese Podengos require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

3 / 5

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

Tendency to Bark

Do Portuguese Podengos or Japanese Spitzs bark more/less frequently?

3 / 5

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

5 / 5

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

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz entertained?

Walking, Cuddling

Shopping (, Car rides

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Portuguese Podengos or Japanese Spitzs?

Both Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Walks per Week

How many miles should Portuguese Podengo or Japanese Spitz walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Portuguese Podengo, it's at least 10 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.

Activity per Day

Do Portuguese Podengos or Japanese Spitzs require more exercise?

Both Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz typically require a minimum of 45 minutes of exercise each day. The exercise can be spread throughout the day and may involve high-energy activities like walking, running, and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Portuguese Podengos or Japanese Spitzs?

1 / 5

The Portuguese Podengo is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

4 / 5

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.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz dogs?

Portuguese Podengo 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.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Portuguese Podengos and Japanese Spitzs?

Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Portuguese Podengo or Japanese Spitz in cups?

For an average 35-66 pound (16 - 30 kg) Portuguese Podengo feed 2.3 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.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Portuguese Podengo or Japanese Spitz?

The average cost of a Portuguese Podengo is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

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

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Portuguese Podengo or Japanese Spitz?

The average per month expenses of a Portuguese Podengo is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 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.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Portuguese Podengos vs Japanese Spitzs

4 / 5

Portuguese Podengo is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

3 / 5

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

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Portuguese Podengo vs Japanese Spitz?

3 / 5

5 / 5

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Portuguese Podengo or Japanese Spitz?

5 / 5

Portuguese Podengos are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

4 / 5

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

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Portuguese Podengo and Japanese Spitz?

3 / 5

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

5 / 5

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

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Portuguese Podengos and Japanese Spitzs compare?

4 / 5

Portuguese Podengos are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

3 / 5

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

Compare Portuguese Podengo with other breeds