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Great Japanese Dog vs Poodle

Discover the differences between Great Japanese Dog and Poodle to make the best choice for your situation.

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Great Japanese Dog
Japan

Great Japanese Dog

Working Group
Large

A powerful, loyal breed with a calm presence and protective instincts. Makes a devoted family companion and is known for its dignified, confident demeanor.

Poodle
Germany/France

Poodle

Non-Sporting Group
Medium

Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.

Quick comparison

Size:

Large

Male:

45–59 kg

Coat:

Double coat, dense

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

32–45 kg

Energy:

Moderately active

Size:

Medium

Male:

20–32 kg

Coat:

Curly, dense

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

18–27 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Great Japanese Dog

Friendliness
3/5

Reserved with strangers, loyal to family members

Intelligence
4/5

Learns commands quickly, responds to training

Energy Level
3/5

Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks

Playfulness
2/5

Not highly playful, prefers calm activities

Adaptability
3/5

Adjusts to routine changes with some patience

Poodle

Friendliness
5/5

Warm and sociable with family and guests

Intelligence
5/5

Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive playtime

Adaptability
5/5

Easily adjusts to new environments and routines

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Great Japanese Dog

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, thyroid issues

Poodle

Grooming:
High grooming needs (at least weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Great Japanese Dog

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for beginners

Needs experienced handling and firm training for best results

Apartment Living
1/5

Not ideal

Large size and exercise needs make apartments unsuitable

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Highly suitable

Enjoys vigorous activity and benefits from an active lifestyle

Kids
2/5

Use caution

May be too large and boisterous for small children

Multiple Pets
2/5

Needs supervision

May show dominance toward other pets without careful introduction

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

Dislikes being left alone and can develop separation anxiety or destructive habits

Poodle

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.

Apartment Living
4/5

Highly suitable

Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.

Kids
5/5

Very friendly

Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Gets along well

Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Great Japanese Dog

  • Loyal to family members
  • Strong protective instincts
  • Calm and dignified demeanor
  • Good tolerance for cold weather
  • Generally healthy with proper care

Poodle

  • Highly intelligent and easy to train
  • Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
  • Strong bond with family members
  • Adaptable to various living environments
  • Excellent performance in canine sports

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Great Japanese Dog

  • Can be aloof with strangers
  • Requires consistent, firm training
  • High prey drive towards small animals
  • Prone to dominance behaviors
  • Needs ample daily exercise

Poodle

  • Requires regular professional grooming
  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
  • Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
  • Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
  • Susceptible to certain genetic health issues

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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