Japanese Spitz

Photo: adult dog of Japanese Spitz breed
© Lisjatina / Shutterstock
Photo: adult dog of Japanese Spitz breed
© Kofodphoto / Shutterstock

The Japanese Spitz is a small dog with a square body, deep chest, short legs, and a distinctive white fluffy coat. Created in 1930 by breeders who crossbred different types of Spitz dogs, the Japanese Spitz is a loyal and friendly companion dog. Despite its small size, the Japanese Spitz is known for its courage and bravery, making them an excellent watchdog for people living in flats or smaller houses. The Japanese Spitz is a  very social dog with a genuine fondness for children of all ages.

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Life expectancy

The Japanese Spitz has a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years

Temperament

Size

Small

Adult size

Female Between 11 and 14 in
Male Between 12 and 15 in

Adult weight

Female Between 13 and 22 lb
Male Between 13 and 22 lb
Coat colour
White
Type of coat
Long
Eye colour
Brown

Purchase price

The Japanese Spitz costs between £645 and £770

Good to know

Japanese Spitz are generally very obedient, although they can have their stubborn or moody periods. 

They will require a lot more grooming than most other dogs, which can be expensive and time-consuming. 

They also have one of the longest lifespans of any breed, with many living up to 16 years old. This is a serious commitment by anyone's standards.

More details about the Japanese Spitz

Japanese Spitz: Origins and history

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.

FCI classification of the Japanese Spitz

  • Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types

  • Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds

Training a Japanese Spitz

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.

Japanese Spitz: Purchase price

The average cost of a purebred Japanese Spitz is somewhere between  £645-£770.

These small dogs don't need massive amounts of food, but you’ll need to budget around £30-40 a month for feeding cost. Yearly health checks, vaccinations, insurance, and other costs will add to an annual expense of around £700 per year.

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