These cold weather dogs originated in Japan during the 1800s, and they are thought to have descended from the Samoyed. The breed was created with the goal of producing a small dog that resembled the white-coated Samoyed. The Japanese spitz became a popular pet in its native land during the 1950s. Since that time, its popularity in Japan has declined while an increasing interest in the breed has surged in North America and in Europe.
The Japanese Spitz is a small dog with typical spitz-like features, they also own a profuse and thick double coat. It has a wedge-shaped head with a long, pointy muzzle, small erect ears and a tail that curls over its back. Grooming a Japanese Spitz may require quite some attention due to their profuse coats.
Personality
The Japanese Spitz is an affectionate, happy and sociable dog that thrives on human companionship. Due to their small size, they have low exercise needs and are perfectly suited for apartment living. This dog breed is eager to please and obedient and enjoys curling up on its owners lap. Due to their small size they may not be suitable pets for children.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Nihon Supittsu |
Japanese Spitz Build Information
Like other spitz-type dogs, the pointed ears of a Japanese spitz stand erect and the bushy tail curls upward over the dog’s back. A Japanese spitz stands 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs 11 to 20 pounds. The dog is covered with a long, thick coat of white hair. The coat forms a mane around the shoulders, chest and neck. The lower halves of the legs have short hair with feathering on the paws and on the front legs, and the rear legs appear to have breeches. The head is wedge-shaped, and the face displays a black nose, black lips and dark eyes that are oval in shape and slightly slanted. The Japanese Spitz is a small dog with typical spitz-like features, they also own a profuse and thick double coat. It has a wedge-shaped head with a long, pointy muzzle, small erect ears and a tail that curls over its back. Grooming a Japanese Spitz may require quite some attention due to their profuse coats.
| Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
The Japanese spitz is bold, alert, protective and can be wary with strangers, making the breed an effective family watchdog. The dog is intelligent, obedient and easy to train. The Japanese spitz is playful, happy, affectionate and fun loving. It thrives on human companionship, and it gets along well with children and other household pets. The Japanese spitz is spirited and active. The little dog is well suited to apartment living as long as it has ample room to romp and play and receives a daily walk outdoors. The Japanese Spitz is an affectionate, happy and sociable dog that thrives on human companionship. Due to their small size, they have low exercise needs and are perfectly suited for apartment living. This dog breed is eager to please and obedient and enjoys curling up on its owners lap. Due to their small size they may not be suitable pets for children.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
A Japanese spitz should be brushed daily to remove dead hairs from the coat, prevent tangling and maintain a neat appearance. The teeth should also be brushed daily as part of the grooming routine in order to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation, prevent periodontal disease and preserve overall health.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
Japanese Spitz Common Health Conditions
The Japanese spitz lives an average lifespan of approximately 12 years. The breed is hardy and has few known health conditions other than patellar luxation.
Japanese Spitz Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a family-friendly dog that resembles a small Samoyed, the playful and protective Japanese spitz will make a welcome addition to your household as a playmate, companion and watchdog. The Japanese spitz originated in Japan. The Japanese spitz is also known as a Nihon supittsu. The Japanese spitz is an intelligent, alert and playful family companion and watchdog. The Japanese spitz stands 12 to 15 inches tall and weighs 11 to 20 pounds. The Japanese spitz has a moderate energy level. The Japanese spitz requires moderate grooming. The average lifespan for a Japanese spitz is 12 years.
| Training: | Easy to train |
