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Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
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Japanese Spitz
| Other Names | Nihon Supittsu |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Weight | 11 - 20 lbs. (5 - 10 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 12 - 15 in. (30 - 38 cm) |
| Coat | The coat consists of an outer coat that stands off from the soft inner coat, with fur shorter on the muzzle and ears as well as the fronts of the forelegs and the hind legs. A ruff of longer fur is around the dog's neck. It has a pointed muzzle and small, triangular shape prick ears (ears that stand up.) The tail is long, heavily covered with long fur, and is carried curled over and lying on the dog's back. |
| Colour | Pure white |
| Litter Size | 1 - 3 puppies |
| Life Span | 11 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | Dog breeders in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s created the Japanese Spitz by crossbreeding a number of other Spitz breeds to develop the Japanese Spitz. Breeders began with white German Spitz dogs, originally brought over from northeastern China to Japan; they were first exhibited at a dog show in Tokyo in 1921. Between 1925 and 1936 various small white Spitz breeds were imported from around the world and crossed into the developing breed, with the goal of producing an improved breed. The final Standard for the breed was written after World War II, and accepted by the Japan Kennel Club. The breed gained popularity in Japan in the 1950s, and was exported to Sweden in the early 1950s. From there the breed went to England, and the Kennel Club recognized the Japanese Spitz in 1977 in the Utility Group. The Japanese Spitz has spread around the world including to India, Australia, and the United States and is recognized by most of the major kennel clubs in the English speaking world; by the Canadian Kennel Club in Group 6, Non-Sporting, by the New Zealand Kennel Club (Non-Sporting Group), by the Australian National Kennel Council in Group 7 (Non Sporting), and by the United Kennel Club (U.S.) in the Northern Breeds Group. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the Japanese Spitz due to its being close in appearance to a U.S. developed Spitz breed, the American Eskimo Dog. The breed is also recognized by minor registries and clubs. |
| Personality | The Japanese Spitz is a high-spirited, intelligent and playful dog, which is alert and obedient. This bold little dog is a good watchdog and will alert its owners when it feels it is necessary. The Japanese Spitz is not difficult to train as long as the owner is always consistent. This breed learns quickly and really enjoys agility and playing games of catch with balls or Frisbees. This happy dog is usually good with children and usually gets along well with other dogs and household pets. The Japanese Spitz is, in spirit, a big dog in a little dog's body. This tough little dog acts as a house protector and guardian. The Japanese Spitz can be an inveterate barker if you allow it to believe it is in charge. Be sure to tell your dog enough is enough and to quiet down if he starts barking obsessively. Cheerful, bold, proud and affectionate toward its masters. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems. When dogs are allowed to be pack leader to humans they can develop many types of behavior issues, including, but not limited to being suspicious of and barking at strangers, guarding, separation anxiety, destructiveness, snapping, and even biting. These are not Spitz traits, but rather behaviors resulting in a lack of leadership on the human’s part. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals. They need rules to follow, limits to what they are and are not allowed to do and a firm, consistent, confident pack leader, along with daily mental and physical exercise. |
Care Requirements
| Health | They are a healthy breed with very few genetic problems. The main health concern for Japanese Spitz is the development of Patellar luxation, a condition in which the kneecap dislocates out of its normal position. They can also be prone to runny eyes, which is most commonly due to having tear ducts that are too small, or an allergy to long grass or stress. It is rarely caused by any serious eye defect. |
| Grooming | The Japanese Spitz should be combed and brushed regularly. This is a very tidy animal that should be bathed only when necessary. When the dog is shedding, use a comb with a double row of metal teeth to remove loose hairs from the under-layer. |
| Exercise | This is a busy little dog that will adapt himself to your lifestyle so long as you take the dog for a long, daily walk. In addition, it will enjoy regular chances to run off its lead in a safe area. |
| Other Considerations | The Japanese Spitz is good for apartment life. This breed is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard as long as it gets plenty of outings and exercise. American actress and dancer Jenna Dewan-Tatum has a Japanese Spitz named Meeka. |
