The Japanese Spitz breed is a newer breed out of Japan; a small but bold companion animal with a sharp mind and a communicative nature. They are typically very agreeable animals although they may have a tendency to chase smaller scurrying critters. Although this breed is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other Kennel Clubs throughout the world, including the Japanese Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club, and the American Rare Breeds Association. This breed of small, all-white dogs is slowly gaining in popularity here in the United States as well, and the Japanese Spitz Club of the USA is striving to receive that recognition from the American Kennel Club.
Japanese Spitz Health
Average Size
Height: 14-15 inches Weight: 18-19 lbs
Height: 12-14 inches Weight: 15-17 lbs
Major Concerns
- Patellar Luxation
Minor Concerns
- Ear Infections
- Contact Allergy
Occasional Diagnoses
- Epilepsy
- Obesity
Occasional Tests
- Ear Examination
- Skin Evaluation
- Knee X-Rays
Japanese Spitz Breed History
The Japanese Spitz is a fairly new breed of companion dog, developed less than a hundred years ago in Japan, but their ancestry is still heavily debated. Although most experts have concluded that these little white spitz-type dogs are a descendant of the German Spitz crossed with other spitz-type dogs such as the American Eskimo dog and the Russian Spitz, a few aficionados maintain that these dogs are actually Siberian Samoyed dogs that have been bred down to a much smaller size. It wasn’t until after World War II that a breed standard was able to be drawn up for these little white dogs and they were recognized by the Japanese Kennel Club in 1948. Exports of this breed from Japan to England and to Sweden became highly sought after for not only their stunning appearance, but also for their loyalty, intelligence, and cheerful demeanor, gaining them a great deal more popularity outside of Japan as well. Since that time, this happy little dog breed has grown in popularity throughout the world and has been recognized by almost all of the kennel clubs of the world, with the notable exception of the American Kennel Club. The official website of the Japanese Spitz Club of the USA lists only four breeders in the country, making them still a relatively rare breed in the United States, but they have been recognized by the American Rare Breeds Association and the Japanese Spitz Club of the USA is striving for recognition by the AKC as well.
Japanese Spitz Breed Appearance
The Japanese Spitz is a small white-haired spitz-type dog which is very slightly longer than they are tall. This little canine is sturdy and has a fairly deep chest and muscular hindquarters for their size, but small, cat-like feet. Like other spitz-type breeds, this dog has a moderately broad head with a slightly rounded skull and moderately long, pointed muzzle with tight, black lips and a small, black nose. Their eyes are almond-shaped with black rims that usually come in dark brown although they can occasionally come in more amber-like hues as well, and their small, triangular, prick ears are set closely together, standing erect from the top of the head. They sport a profuse double-layer coat that consists of a short, dense undercoat that is shot through with a straight outer layer that extends out from the body. They have a long, well-feathered tail that they carry curled up over their back.
Eye Color Possibilities
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
White
Coat Length
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded
Japanese Spitz Breed Maintenance
While this dog may look like it takes a great deal of grooming effort, the Japanese Spitz has only moderate grooming requirements – both in difficulty and in time required. They are fairly clean-smelling animals and their fur is resistant to mud and dirt, so bathing is only required occasionally, just a few times a year unless they get into something sticky or smelly. Bathing them can be a somewhat lengthy affair as their coat often requires brushing both before and after a bath and their dense fur typically takes more time than average to completely dry. Brushing with a pin brush or comb should take place two or three times a week to keep the coat healthy and tangle free and tear stains should be wiped away with a wet washcloth or cottonball as soon as they appear.
Brushes for Japanese Spitz
Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
Daily Weekly Monthly
Japanese Spitz Temperament
The Japanese Spitz is a bold and high-spirited dog who loves to play. They are typically cheerful and affectionate companions who are up for anything, at any time, but they do require socialization at an early age to prevent suspicion or timidity towards strangers. While they are generally friendly, the Japanese Spitz is also attentive, and they tend to make very good watchdogs but can be prone to over-vocalization if their behavior is not corrected quickly. This little dog is a highly intelligent canine who is extremely willing to please, and while a few of them are a little strong-willed, most of them are easily trained. They do not enjoy being left alone for too long and can be prone to separation anxiety, becoming uncharacteristically destructive and noisy if they are lonely. Games and toys that stimulate the mind should also be offered on a frequent basis to keep their active minds busy.
Japanese Spitz Activity Requirements
These dogs are more active than most dogs their size and should receive at least 45 minutes of vigorous activity per day, although most of them would be happier with a little more. Exercise sessions for little dogs like the Japanese Spitz are most effective if they are split up into several shorter sessions throughout the day. Along with neighborhood walks and games of fetch, include activities like agility sports, trick training, and advanced obedience, although this little dog is not often fond of water sports. This breed is very adaptable and is often just as comfortable in a smaller apartment home as a larger home with a yard, as long as their tendency to bark is curbed early.
Activity Level
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
Similar Maintenance Breeds to Japanese Spitz
- Schip-A-Pom 100%Similar
- Kyi-Leo 100%Similar
- Maltichon 100%Similar
- Poo-Ton 100%Similar
- Yorkillon 100%Similar
Similarly Sized Breeds to Japanese Spitz
- Wire Fox Terrier 97%Similar
- Wire Poxer 96%Similar
- Smooth Fox Terrier 96%Similar
- Yorkeltie 96%Similar
- Norwegian Lundehund 95%Similar
Japanese Spitz Food Consumption
Cups Per Day
1 cups
Daily Cost
$0.90 - $1.00
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
Japanese Spitz Height & Weight
6 Months
Height: 13.5 inches Weight: 15.5 lbs
Height: 12.0 inches Weight: 14.0 lbs
12 Months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 18.5 lbs
Height: 13.0 inches Weight: 16.0 lbs
18 Months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 18.5 lbs
Height: 13.0 inches Weight: 16.0 lbs
Japanese Spitz Owner Experiences
Lucky
4 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Pastimes
tummy rubs
Tug-of-war
Cuddles
Lucky is super cute and cute (I can’t press anything other than the health grooming: 2 friendliness: 5 energy:5 trainability: 3) lucky loves tummy rubs
1year, 8months ago
Fluffy
5 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Play
Fetch
No............................
1year, 8months ago
Sachi
1 Year
5 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My dog loves belly rubs and attention seeker
3years, 1month ago
Ebuz
12 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is so lovely gentle but brave and strong. She always listening and very caring. Also, she look after my son for a bit but its a big help for me. We love her so much even my mom treat her as her youngest. 💕
6years, 5months ago
Kiko
6 Years
1 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking, going to the beach (he loves SHALLOW water
Shopping (
Playing with toys
Car rides
Agility training
Playing in the snow
Super sweet and loyal dog. Very protective of me and my home, but quite friendly with other dogs and people went outside. He just wants to be with me. He loves to play take walks and run in puddles in the edge of the ocean. Surprisingly easy to maintain.
3years, 7months ago
Question - New pet
Question
How often does the dog pee or poo
Answer