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Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
5 paws - breed exhibits most amount of this characteristic
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Japanese Terrier
| Other Names | Nippon Terrier, Nihon Teria, Nihon Terrier |
| Nicknames | Kobe Terrier, Mikado Terrier, Oyuki (snowy) Terrier |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Weight | 5 - 9 lbs. (2.3 - 4.1 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 8 - 13 in. (20 - 33 cm) |
| Coat | Short, smooth, glossy and dense |
| Colour | Tricolour, white with black spots, white with black or tan markings. |
| Litter Size | 3 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 13 - 15 years |
| Origin & History | It is generally believed that the ancestors of the Japanese Terrier were brought by Dutch merchant ships to Nagasaki, the only Japanese port open to the West in the 17th century. It is unclear whether these dogs were Dutch Boerenfox (a Dutch terrier strain, like the Fox Terrier of England or the German Pinscher of Germany) or whether these were dogs brought along by English sailors. Unlike other descendants of Fox Terriers, the JT seems to have been developed exclusively as a pet. The dogs became very popular as lap dogs in ports such as Nagasaki, Kobe and Yokohama. According to the Japan Kennel Club (JKC), planned breeding of Japanese Terriers did not begin until around 1920, when fanciers began selective breeding from the progenitor, the Kobe Terrier. The Japanese Terrier was recognized by the JKC in 1930. The Japanese Terrier is recognized by the Japan Kennel Club and the FCI. It is little known outside of Japan, but does have its admirers in Europe. |
| Personality | The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standard describes this breed as having "a lively and cheerful character" and as "swift and lively in temperament". |
Care Requirements
| Health | There are no known breed-specific health concerns. |
| Grooming | Their short, dense, smooth coats make them easy to care for. |
| Exercise | The Japanese Terrier doesn't need a lot of exercise, but they must get out to stretch their legs daily. One way of exercising them is by playing with them, which they love. |
| Other Considerations | This breed will do okay in an apartment. They are moderately active indoors and will do okay without a yard. |
