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.
Key facts about the Japanese Terrier
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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 breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 3 - Terriers
Section
Section 2 : Small sized Terriers
Physical characteristics of the Japanese Terrier
Adult size
Female : Between 12 and 13 in
Male : Between 12 and 13 in
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.
Type of coat
The coat is smooth and glossy.
Eye colour
The eyes are dark in colour.
Description
The Japanese Terrier is a small-sized dog which is significantly smaller than some other Terrier breeds. The dog has a square and sturdy appearance, despite being tiny. It has a quirky and sweet look, with large, fold-over ears, dark and alert eyes and a petite black nose. The Japanese Terrier is distinguishable by the black hair which falls all over the head and face which, in most cases, suddenly gives way to a snow-white body.
Good to know
The Japanese Terrier is an extremely rare dog breed, even in its native Japan. It will be quite a challenge to find one!
Temperament
Behaviour of the Japanese Terrier
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Compatibility
Price
We do not have enough data to set an average price.
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.
Shedding
This breed is a moderate shedder.
Nutrition of the Japanese Terrier
Feed the Japanese Terrier a high-quality, complete and balanced dog food which is specifically formulated for dogs.
Health of the Japanese Terrier
Life expectancy
This is generally a healthy and resilient breed. The average life expectancy for this breed is 13 years.
Strong / robust
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.
Withstand heat
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.
Withstand cold
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.
Tendency to put on weight
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.
Common illnesses
- Ear infections
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems.