Japanese Terrier
Other names : Nippon, Nihon, Mikado, Oyuki
The Japanese Terrier is an animated, smart and happy dog. It can be a little reserved but enjoys playing games and chasing squirrels. This is a gentle dog that loves cuddle time and sitting on your lap while you watch television or work on your computer. The Japanese Terrier will form a close bond with its family, and will quickly become jealous if its owner pays too much attention to other pets or even people. Expect your Japanese Terrier to bark loudly when it feels jealous and wants your attention. Generally, this breed will do well with other dogs as long as everyone is given the same amount of attention.
Life expectancy |
The Japanese Terrier has a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years |
Temperament |
|
Size |
Small
|
Adult size |
Female
Between 12 and 13 in
Male
Between 12 and 13 in
|
Adult weight |
Female
Between 9 and 11 lb
Male
Between 9 and 11 lb
|
Coat colour
The coat can be various combinations of white, black and tan. |
Black White Brown Red |
Type of coat
The coat is smooth and glossy. |
Short |
Eye colour
The eyes are dark in colour. |
Brown
|
The Japanese Terrier is an extremely rare dog breed, even in its native Japan. It will be quite a challenge to find one!
More details about the Japanese Terrier
Japanese Terrier: Origins and history
You’ve probably already figured it out by now, but the Japanese Terrier originates from Japan. It’s believed that the breed descended from Smooth Fox Terriers in the 17th century, which supposedly travelled to Japan with Dutch sailors. The breed was initially commonly used to hunt vermin, but quickly gained popularity as a companion dog due to its warm, friendly and loyal nature. Fast forward to 1930, and the breed was finally recognized by the Japanese Kennel Club.
FCI classification of the Japanese Terrier
-
Group 3 - Terriers
-
Section 2 : Small sized Terriers
Japanese Terrier: Characteristics
Japanese Terrier: Behaviour
Training a Japanese Terrier
Thankfully, the Japanese Terrier is very easy to train due to its great intelligence and calm nature. However, because the breed is highly sensitive, it’s important to remember to keep training sessions positive and avoid harsh criticisms - this dog will never forget!
Japanese Terrier: Lifestyle
Breed compatibility Japanese Terrier
Japanese Terrier: Purchase price
We do not have enough data to set an average price.
Japanese Terrier: Shedding
Average
This breed is a moderate shedder.
Japanese Terrier: Grooming
Thanks to the Japanese Terrier’s short coat, minimal grooming is required. A weekly brush to remove dead hairs can be helpful, as can the occasional bath to keep it smelling clean and fresh. Make sure to check the ears every now and then, clip the nails if necessary, and brush the teeth as often as possible - daily is best.
Japanese Terrier: Health
This is generally a healthy and resilient breed. The average life expectancy for this breed is 13 years.
While the Japanese Terrier has a fairly robust body for its size, it is ultimately a very small dog and should be handled with care.
The Japanese Terrier is better suited to warm weather than cold but still struggles in extremes of heat. Provide plenty of cold water and shade if the sun comes out.
The Japanese Terrier has a short, smooth coat which doesn’t offer much protection from the cold. It’s best to invest in a good-quality doggy jumper or coat for the winter. Dogs of this breed should never be kept outside in the cold for long periods of time.
While obesity hasn’t been reported excessively in this breed, small dogs can be prone to weight gain. Be careful not to overfeed your dog. It may need less than you think.
- Ear infections
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems.