Japanese Spitz

Japanese Spitz named Toyo-Mikado. Photo with thanks Erling Ottesen

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Group Utility Dogs (KC)

Origin / History As the name implies, the Japanese Spitz is a dog breed which originated from Japan and was introduced to the country during the 1920's. It is a result of a cross-breeding process between different canine varieties including the German White Spitz, American Eskimo, Siberian Samoyed and Russian Spitz.

After the first Japanese Spitz was introduced at a Tokyo dog show, its popularity spread from North America to Europe, and was formally presented as a dog breed during the 1950's. Currently, this dog is mainly kept by breeders, is used as a companion dog and is also featured in show rings.

Appearance This breed is a member of the Spitz, or Spitzen family of canines which are instantly recognizable through their pointed muzzles and ears, as well as their thick coats.

The Japanese Spitz, in particular, has a small, wedge-shaped face with triangular shaped ears. The eyes are slanted, and the nose and lips are black in color. This dog breed is also known for its thick, generous fur. There are a couple of layers of hair – the outer part serves as its long, stand-off coat while the inner layer is made up of denser fur which extends to its feet. The coat is generally dry which makes it odorless and easier to groom. The muzzle of this canine variety should be pointed and there should be a balance between its thickness and length. Finally, the tail should be average in length, which is curled over the back.

Colours This breed of dog is exclusively white in color.

Temperament Intelligent, high-spirited, cheeky and playful are some words which aptly describe the temperament of the Japanese Spitz. It has an alertness which makes it an excellent watchdog. This breed is highly trainable.

They can also peacefully co-exist with other dog breeds and animals. When taken in as a member of the family, these dogs are very affectionate and patient to kids and toddlers. In addition, they are extremely loyal to their masters.

Height and Weight They are 28 - 36 cm in height and 5 - 7 Kg in weight.

Common Health Problems The predominant health problem of this dog breed is Patellar Luxation which is the dislocation of the kneecap. They also tend to have runny eyes but aside from these two, there are rarely any other serious health concerns for the Japanese Spitz.

Living Conditions These dogs thrive in an outdoor environment, although they can be kept indoors as long as they are given enough exercise. Pet owners living in an apartment can keep them as pets, even without the benefits of having a yard. In general, they can be wherever their masters are because they enjoy human companionship.

Exercise Requirements Just like the other Spitz breeds, this dog variety needs daily exercise where they can get to have long walks. No extensive physical activity is needed, though. This breed is also of the rough-and-tumble variety, so owners can enjoy several games with them.

Training Requirements This breed of dog is highly trainable, as long as the trainings begin at an early age. This intelligent animal can easily pick up instructions which should be given in a consistent manner. Naturally, rewards of food treats and verbal praise will come in handy during the training process.

Life Expectancy These dogs have an average lifespan of 9 to 15 years.

Grooming In spite of its long, luxurious white coat, this dog breed requires very little in terms of coat maintenance. All they need is regular combing and brushing since the coat is naturally dry and odorless. At the very least, they would need bathing once every two months – any more and the natural sheen and oil from their fur would be lost. When the dog is shedding, it is best to use a double-rowed comb to get to its inner layer of hair.

Famous Examples

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More Japanese Spitz Information: Check out our Japanese Spitz Clubs and links to more informative websites dedicated to the breed.

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Puppy Japanese Spitz	Adult Japanese Spitz
Toyo-Mikado,7 weeks old. First day in his new home	Toyo-Mikado, 3 years old. Wintertime in Norway.
Photos with thanks to Erling Ottesen of Norway.
Missy	Missy's daughter Tinkerbell
Photos with thanks to Samantha.