Japanese Spitz

A Japanese Spitz will always have a brilliant white coat.

These dogs have long outer coats and a thick, insulating undercoat.

Long and double-layered.

Black/dark brown.

The Japanese Spitz is a small, sturdy dog with a unique white coat that requires lots of grooming. They have short, pointed muzzles and triangle-shaped ears that point upwards. They also have long tails that tend to curl back on themselves, an unusual trait in Spitz breed. They have dark eyes and small, black noses.

Bred as a companion dog, the Japanese Spitz is well-known for its loving and affectionate nature. These highly social dogs require lots of human company and attention and will happily spend hours curled up on your lap.

They might be small in stature, but the Japanese Spitz is full of energy and loves to play. But be warned, their playful natures can soon tip over into mischievous if you let them get away with too much.

The Japanese Spitz is a high-energy dog, but they still know how to relax. A Japanese spitz will keep you entertained without wearing you out or testing your patience. However, they tend to get over excited by “unexpected” visitors and can sometimes become confrontational when ”strangers” knock on the door.

The Japanese Spitz was developed by crossbreeding different Spitz breeds, which were bred from highly intelligent working dogs like the Akita and the Husky. Unsurprisingly, the Japanese Spitz also has a high level of intelligence. This makes them interesting companions that respond really well to training. Although, like many "smart" dogs, they can display a strong, independent streak.

They may have inherited many qualities from their larger, more powerful relatives, but hunting ability was not one of them. In fact, the Japanese Spitz is more likely to see smaller animals as potential playmates rather than prey.

Very suspicious of foreigners, he does not trust easily. A good socialisation is necessary to prevent it from becoming fearful.

Like many other intelligent breeds, the Spitz can display some independent behaviour which can soon turn into stubbornness. Such characteristics are part of the Spitzs unique personality, but they must be managed with the right training methods and early socialisation.

No dog should be left alone for long periods of time, but the Japanese Spitz does have a high-tolerance for solitude. This makes them a good choice for those with busy lifestyles and hectic work schedules.

As long as you use the right techniques, most Japanese Spitzs will be very easy to train. But keep the training sessions short and fun. Otherwise, you’ll have a difficult time keeping the dog focused on the task at hand. 10-15 minutes a day is enough to start with. And make sure you give them lots of praise.

This vocal little breed really enjoys the sound of its own voice. As a natural watchdog with an alert nature, they'll never shy away from warning you about potential invaders and will often express their "views" on the arrival of unexpected guests. They also tend to get quite yappy during playtime.

Japanese Spitzs have neither the physicality or the curious natures that can make other breeds much more likely to run away. That being said, it's always a good idea to keep them on a lead in unfamiliar places. Outside home-spaces, like your garden, should always be properly fenced off.

The Spitz is not a naturally destructive breed. However, like any dog, they will start displaying bad behaviour if their needs are not being met. So make sure you give them enough exercise, mental stimulation, affection, and company.

Given their small size, Japanese Spitzs have modest dietary requirements and are not known for greedy or gluttonous.

These alert, loyal, and brave little dogs make excellent watchdogs. They might not be big enough to scare away intruders, but they will still make a big noise, which is usually enough to deter any “bad guys.”

The Japanese Spitz is an excellent choice for a first-time dog owner. They're intelligent without being overly willful, and playful without being hyperactive. They also have modest exercise requirements and no specific nutritional issues. But these dogs are quite high maintenance when it comes to grooming, so any potential owner must be aware of the cost and time involved.

These small dogs can live very comfortably in a flat. They don’t need too much space and will happily spend a lot of their time snuggling up to their beloved owners.

A spitz is a lively little dog that requires around 20-30 minutes of exercise per day. Ideally, they do need a bit of time off the leash, but always under control when walking through busy urban environments. They’re likely to be quite playful during the day, but once tired out, these little guys love to relax.

Small Spitz breeds are easy enough to transport from place to place, although they may get restless on long car journeys or long haul flights. Before making any big trips, it's always worth preparing your dog in advance. Crate training, herbal supplements, and even medication can help settle their nerves.

If socialised from an early age, Japanese Spitzs tend to get on very well with family cats and other pets. However, due to their territorial nature, they might not be so welcoming to other cats that stay onto their turf.

Again, early socialisation is really important. Without it, any breed will start displaying aggressive behaviour towards other dogs. But, generally speaking, the Japanese Spitz is a social breed that enjoys the company of other well-trained dogs.

These dogs have a real affinity and fondness for children. Their small size makes them a suitable and safe companion for younger children and toddlers, although playtime should always be supervised by a responsible adult.

The Japanese Spitz is an active, high energy breed that might not be suitable for people looking for a quieter, calmer life. That being said, these dogs are also partial to plenty of down-time, but only after they've been properly exercised.

This breed will shed a lot, particularly during the autumn and spring.

The average lifespan for a Japanese Spitz is between 10-14 years.

These dogs might be small, but they're still pretty tough. They have well-balanced and well-proportioned frames, with small but sturdy legs. These little guys are much more resilient than they look.

The Japanese Spitz was not designed for warmer climates, and they're at risk of overheating during hot periods of weather. In the case of a long, hot summer, it's worth keeping their coats short and try to avoid intense walkies during the hottest parts of the day.

The Japanese Spitz has no problem dealing with the average British winter. They’re relatives of the Husky and the Akita and have inherited the same kind of insulating coat that protects their distant cousins from some of the coldest temperatures on earth.

Their active natures and relatively small appetites mean they fairly resistant to gaining unwanted weight.

• Patellar Luxation
• Tracheal collapse
• Hip Dysplasia
• Cataracts
• Eye infections
• Allergies

The Japanese Spitz was breed from the much larger white German Spitz breeds and was first exhibited at a Japanese dog show in 1921. The final standard breed was accepted by kennel clubs in the 1950s, and it wasn't long before the Japanese Spitz became a popular companion dog for animals lovers in many parts of the world. As of today, the Japanese Spitz is not the most popular choice for UK dogs owners, but their numbers are gradually increasing as the British public become more aware of this playful breed with a big personality.