Miniature Poodle or Japanese Spitz?

KeepLosingThings · 2023-02-12T11:22:13+00:00

This will be our first dog, we have 2 dc aged 9 and 6, we work from home. Does anyone have experience with either of these breeds (Miniature Poodle or Japanese Spitz) and can you advise on the pros and cons or which breed to choose? I've already done some googling so I know the basics about grooming needs etc but I'm looking for more insight into their temperaments especially for the Japanese Spitz as we have never actually met one! Thank you

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 12/02/2023 14:39

No idea about Spitz dogs but I walk a wonderful mini poodle.

He's good with dogs, cats and children - can walk for miles but is just as happy with a short walk and a sofa to curl up on.

He's happy to be left all day with a walk at lunchtime, but he is six now so I suspect his age comes into it as well as his breed.

He hates rain and isn't a fan of getting muddy - he's not the most playful dog in the world and prefers to observe rather than join in, but he's very well behaved and a lovely little chap!

Seeleyboo · 12/02/2023 14:48

Do you want a dog that sheds shit loads or not. Then you have your answer.

Original poster

KeepLosingThings · 12/02/2023 19:27

Thank you for replying. I don't mind too much about the shedding ... I've read a Japanese spitz just sheds loads for a couple of weeks twice a year and then the rest of the time it's not too bad. But I agree if that's really the only difference then there's an obvious answer!

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StillMedusa · 12/02/2023 23:55

Spitz are...characters.
Pretty much all the Spitz breeds I would say judging by the ones I know and the one I have
Mine's not japanese Spitz but a Eurasier (Wolfspitz chow origins) (so bigger and ridiculously fluffy)

Good points: utterly devoted to family, soppy, hilarious, adorable with my baby grandson. Incredibly easy to toilet train , has never chewed up or stolen anything.. perfect dog in the house... chills and can be left alone (I think poodles are more highly strung ..my son in laws family have one and he hates being left.

Bad points: Don't believe the 'only blow their coat twice a year' !! Yes they blow their coats, and it's epic... but in between they will still leave a ball of fluff round your table legs and they need brushing pretty much every day (luckily my dog loves it)
They can be feisty. Mine knows dogs she likes.. and dogs she doesn't, and is not remotely interested in strangers.. will back off with a 'do I KNOW you?' look if a stranger tried to pet her. That is fine with me (I don't want to be stroked by a stranger either!) but poodles tend to be more stranger friendly.

Mine was incredibly easy to train the basics, but does have her own mind and selective deafness... which I think IS a Spitz trait!

Mine has a high prey drive and is a git for chasing deer if she's in the woods, but I live rurally so that might not be an issue for you. They aren't SUPPOSED to have a high prey drive but no one told my dog that!

I love having an unusual dog.. she's very beautiful and I'm always being asked what she is.. I think you'd get the same with a Japanese Spitz.

The poodles I have met are super active. My dog loves a decent 2 hours a day but is happy with less if the weather is bad... and she doesn't get me up early. She'd rather not get out of bed at all til at least 9am :)

Offleyhoo · 13/02/2023 00:06

Mini poodle here. Fantastic boy. Very affectionate and playful, great fun to take out and about but not at all demanding and happy with the exercise I've given him then happy to cuddle and snooze the rest of the time (We do 1hr+ on lead & off lead trotting and ball chasing in the mornings then a shorter on lead walk late afternoon usually). Zero shedding but requires a pricey professional groom every 8 weeks inc ultrasonic teeth clean as they're notorious for bad teeth and he won't let me brush them. He's a wonderful dog and cooed over wherever we go too which is lovely and makes things easier when taking him into places. In our case he can't be left for hours because he wants company. Oh and not at all destructive. Highly recommend.

Original poster

KeepLosingThings · 13/02/2023 20:13

Thank you for the replies. Both your dogs sound lovely! Leaning towards poodle based on all the input :)

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poddlefan · 13/02/2023 23:25

I have a miniature poodle he’s 11 positives super easy to train, will walk miles in all weathers or just go round the block, devoted to their owners, non shedding, mine rarely barks, he’s never chewed anything, won’t eat you out of house and home, healthy and long lived most will live past 14 easily.
But they are not comedians my other dog different breed is a total comedian he just makes everyone laugh because he’s such an idiot, you can almost see him laughing along with you, poodles take life quite seriously, very low pain threshold I trod on mines paw I thought at the very least Id broken his leg in 6 places as walked around on three legs and screamed for 15 minutes before he realised that there was absolutely nothing wrong!
People say they need regular mind games etc I don’t do any of that and mine is perfectly happy.
Go through the miniature poodle society there you will find breed dedicated breeders whose main interest is to breed healthy happy dogs who are good examples of the breed both physically and mentally. I was advised by a breed expert from the society that some breeders believe black ones are the most chilled out and white ones are more anxious (I own a black one).

longcoffeebreak · 13/02/2023 23:39

I have two miniature poodles.
I got them both from the same kennel club assured breeder.
They are perfect 😍
Funny, easy to train, super loving, clever, friendly and very pretty to look at.

I clip them myself so no costs there apart from initial outlay of clippers and the occasional spare blade set.

longcoffeebreak · 13/02/2023 23:41

Them being bookends on the sofa

poddlefan · 13/02/2023 23:57

Oh and should have said my miniature poodle has a very low prey drive I could probably walk mine though a field of sheep off lead (I don’t) and he wouldn’t even look at them let alone chase them and there’s no way on the earth he’ll even look at cows. I live very rurally surrounded by livestock and I find this makes life less stressful.
I pay £40 for grooming every 10-11 weeks he’s shorn very shorn so easy to look after.

Original poster

KeepLosingThings · 15/02/2023 22:26

@longcoffeebreak any chance you could message me the breeder's details? Your two are so lovely! @poddlefan is that the same thing as the Miniature Poodle Club? Do I just call them and ask for help finding a breeder? (They don't seem to have a list of breeders on their website like the Kennel Club does)

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Wallabyone · 15/02/2023 22:34

We are hoping to get a miniature poodle in the next year or two-thank you for this! Gorgeous dogs!

To the PP with the Eurasier-they are just beautiful!

Whycanineverever · 15/02/2023 22:44

He unfortunately died recently but he was gorgeous. Did leave you covered in white fur though and used to bark at other dogs on the tv!

Corgiowner · 16/02/2023 08:15

KeepLosingThings · 15/02/2023 22:26

@longcoffeebreak any chance you could message me the breeder's details? Your two are so lovely! @poddlefan is that the same thing as the Miniature Poodle Club? Do I just call them and ask for help finding a breeder? (They don't seem to have a list of breeders on their website like the Kennel Club does)

Yes the miniature poodle club I emailed them and got sent a list of their members expecting puppies. Obviously this was 11 years ago when it was probably easier to buy a well bred dog.

Tattytaylor · 16/02/2023 08:29

Two lovely breeds you're looking at OP! I have friends with both breeds that are show dogs as well as being family pets.

It's Crufts coming up in March .. A great opportunity to meet lots of both poodles and Jap Spitz ☺️

Original poster

KeepLosingThings · 16/02/2023 10:22

@Tattytaylor I know, I really want to go to Crufts but unfortunately I'm away that weekend!

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Tattytaylor · 16/02/2023 14:59

@KeepLosingThings check the Kennel Clubs website here for shows as there might be a breed club show not too far from you.. You can filter specific breeds/dates. www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/find-a-show/ x

longcoffeebreak · 19/02/2023 21:55

KeepLosingThings · 15/02/2023 22:26

@longcoffeebreak any chance you could message me the breeder's details? Your two are so lovely! @poddlefan is that the same thing as the Miniature Poodle Club? Do I just call them and ask for help finding a breeder? (They don't seem to have a list of breeders on their website like the Kennel Club does)

@KeepLosingThings sure will message you with breeder name