Japanese terriers originated during the 1700s in Japan. They were developed from other native dogs, small pointers and the fox terriers that came to Japan aboard European trading ships. Most terrier breeds were developed to hunt rats and other vermin, but the goal of creating the Japanese terrier was to achieve a loving companion. The resulting success made the Japanese terrier a popular pet in its homeland. In 1930, the Japanese Kennel Club recognized the breed. In 2006, the United Kennel Club took its turn to recognize the Japanese terrier as a member of the terrier group. Today, the breed remains popular in Japan, but it is rare outside of its native country.
The Japanese Terrier is a small terrier native to Japan. It has square proportions and long legs. It has a long head and muzzle. Japanese Terriers have small ears that fold forward. Their coats are short and glossy, and are usually white with black spots. In terms of grooming, the coat is easily taken care of. Brushing when needed will do.
Personality
The Japanese Terrier is a smart, lively and happy dog breed. Japanese Terriers are very affectionate towards their owners, and some of them are real lapdogs. They may not necessarily be suitable playmates for young children because they don’t tolerate being teased. They have moderate exercise needs and will be happy to go for daily walks around the block or to the dog park. Japanese Terriers are stubborn, but also very loyal and brave.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 9-12 years |
| Nicknames: | Nippon terrier, Nihon terrier, Mikado terrier, Oyuki terrier, Nihon teria |
Japanese Terrier Build Information
Japanese terriers are squarely proportioned and muscular small dogs, standing 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulders and weighing 11 to 13 pounds. The coat is short and smooth. Japanese terriers appear white with black or black and tan heads and black or tan spots on the legs and body. The natural tail hangs downward with an upward curve at the tip, but many Japanese terriers exhibit docked tails. The tips of the ears flip downward and forward. The Japanese Terrier is a small terrier native to Japan. It has square proportions and long legs. It has a long head and muzzle. Japanese Terriers have small ears that fold forward. Their coats are short and glossy, and are usually white with black spots. In terms of grooming, the coat is easily taken care of. Brushing when needed will do.
| Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
The Japanese terrier is content to occupy laps in front of the family television, but it is a lively dog that needs plenty of exercise to expend its energy. As long as these needs are met, it is perfectly suited to being an apartment resident. The dog makes a cheerful companion for the right family. Although it is energetic, it is a sensitive and delicate breed that will not fare well with active small children or assertive pets. The breed thrives in a quiet home with calm adults and mature older children. The Japanese terrier can reside with gentle and submissive dogs or cats, but it fares better as an only pet. The Japanese Terrier is a smart, lively and happy dog breed. Japanese Terriers are very affectionate towards their owners, and some of them are real lapdogs. They may not necessarily be suitable playmates for young children because they don’t tolerate being teased. They have moderate exercise needs and will be happy to go for daily walks around the block or to the dog park. Japanese Terriers are stubborn, but also very loyal and brave.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The Japanese terrier is easy to groom. Going over its coat occasionally with a grooming mitt will remove dead hairs and revitalize the coat’s sheen. Small dog breeds are especially prone to periodontal disease. To prevent this condition, brush the teeth on a daily basis to reduce plaque and minimize tartar buildup. Preventing periodontal disease is essential to preserving optimal oral and internal health.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Japanese Terrier Common Health Conditions
The average life expectancy for a Japanese terrier is 9 to 11 years. The breed is rare and has not been overbred. There are no documented health conditions known for the Japanese terrier.
Japanese Terrier 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
If you have a calm household and adore the vivacious energy of tiny dogs, the Japanese terrier is a rare find that is happy to serve as a willing lapdog and loving companion. The Japanese terrier originated in Japan. The Japanese terrier is also known as a Nippon terrier, a Nihon terrier a Mikado terrier, Oyuki terrier and a Nihon teria. The Japanese terrier is a cheerful and lively companion for calm households. The Japanese terrier stands 6 to 9 inches tall and weighs 11 to 13 pounds. Japanese terriers have high energy levels. Japanese terriers require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Japanese terrier is 9 to 11 years.
| Training: | Easy to train |
