Japanese SpitzCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Japanese Spitz descends from large white German Spitz dogs brought to Japan around 1920 via Siberia and north-eastern China. The breed was first shown at a dog show in Tokyo around 1921.

In 1925 two pairs of white spitz dogs were imported from Canada, and until around 1936 dogs came from Canada, the United States, Australia and China. Their descendants were interbred to obtain a better breed. After the Second World War, in 1948, the Japan Kennel Club set the unified breed standard.

How the breed developed

• Around 1920 – White German Spitz dogs reach Japan.
• Around 1921 – The breed appears at a dog show in Tokyo.
• 1925–1936 – White spitz dogs are imported from Canada, the United States, Australia and China.
• 1948 – The Japan Kennel Club sets the unified standard.
• 22 April 1964 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as covered with a profuse, pure white coat, with a pointed muzzle, erect triangular ears and a bushy tail carried over the back. It is sturdy and well balanced.

General appearance

The muzzle, ears, front of the legs and the area below the hocks have short hair. Elsewhere the coat is long and profuse; from the neck to the shoulders and on the chest it forms a handsome ruff, and the tail has long feathering.

The only accepted colour is pure white.

The AKC says it is intelligent and eager to please, and therefore very easy to train. It needs company and, if left alone for long periods, may develop unwanted behaviour.

The AKC recommends early socialisation and puppy classes. Without training, it will teach itself, but not necessarily what you would like.

Tips for effective training

• Use rewards. It is eager to please you.
• Do not leave it alone for long. It needs company.
• Start socialisation in puppyhood. The AKC recommends puppy classes.
• Take it with you. It enjoys hikes and outings.

The AKC says it adapts to many environments: it enjoys the open space of a farm but also does well in a flat. It needs regular exercise, such as a daily walk or a free run in a safe place.

Tips for a balanced life

• It can also live in an apartment.
• Do not leave it alone for hours on end.
• It is a good family dog.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the Japanese Spitz sheds its undercoat twice a year. During this time, over about 2–3 weeks, the whole undercoat comes out and the dog must be brushed daily. The rest of the time, brushing a few times a week is enough.

Common health problems

The AKC says it is a healthy, active breed that can live 12–14 years. A few cases have been found of:

Other care

• Check the eyes and clean them if they water.
• Brush its teeth regularly.
• Trim the nails regularly.

The AKC recommends two meals a day. Treats help with training, but too many lead to obesity.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• “A little comedian”. The AKC says it loves making its people laugh.
• From German Spitz dogs. Its ancestors were large white German Spitz dogs.
• Dogs from four countries. Imports came from Canada, the United States, Australia and China.
• A single standard. The unified breed standard was set in 1948.
• White only. The standard accepts only a pure white coat.

What is the difference between the Japanese Spitz and the Pomeranian?

The Japanese Spitz is larger and comes only in white.

How big does it get?

Males measure 30–38 cm at the withers; the AKC gives 4.5–11 kg.

Does it shed a lot?

It sheds its undercoat twice a year, over 2–3 weeks.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–14 years.