Chihuahua vs Japanese Terrier
Complete side-by-side comparison of Chihuahua and Japanese Terrier. Compare temperament, size, lifespan, cost, and care requirements.
Chihuahua
Size
Toy (under 10 lbs)
Lifespan
14-16 years
Price
$500-$1,500
Japanese Terrier
Size
Small (10-25 lbs)
Lifespan
12-15 years
Price
$1,000-$2,500
Quick Verdict
Japanese Terrier wins this comparison!
Japanese Terrier edges out Chihuahua in our comparison, scoring better in 2 of 6 key categories. However, both are excellent breeds and the best choice depends on your specific lifestyle and needs.
Physical Characteristics
| Attribute | Chihuahua | Japanese Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size Category | Toy (under 10 lbs) | Small (10-25 lbs) |
| Height | 5-8" | 11-13" |
| Weight | 3-6 lbs | 5-9 lbs |
| Lifespan | 14-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat Type | Smooth | Smooth |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Temperament & Behavior
| Attribute | Chihuahua | Japanese Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Affection Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Children | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Other Dogs | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Strangers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Protectiveness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Trainability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Energy Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Barking Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Care Requirements
| Attribute | Chihuahua | Japanese Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Grooming Needs | Moderate - Weekly | Moderate - Weekly |
| Exercise (min/day) | 20 min | 30 min |
| Mental Stimulation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Drooling Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Living Conditions
| Attribute | Chihuahua | Japanese Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Friendly | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good for Beginners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tolerates Being Alone | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Cold Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hot Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | Chihuahua | Japanese Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $500-$1,500 | $1,000-$2,500 |
| Annual Cost | $800/year | $900/year |
Health Considerations
Chihuahua
Lifespan: 14-16 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Japanese Terrier
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Chihuahua or Japanese Terrier better for families?
Japanese Terrier is generally better for families, scoring 4/5 for child-friendliness compared to 2/5 for Chihuahua. However, both breeds can make great family pets with proper training and socialization.
Which costs more to own, a Chihuahua or Japanese Terrier?
A Japanese Terrier costs approximately $900/year while a Chihuahua costs about $800/year. Chihuahua is the more affordable option.
Which is easier to train, a Chihuahua or Japanese Terrier?
Japanese Terrier is generally easier to train, scoring 4/5 for trainability compared to 3/5 for Chihuahua.
Do Chihuahua or Japanese Terrier live longer?
On average, both breeds have similar lifespans of about 11.0 years.
Compare Different Breeds
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