Japanese TerrierCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the breed was created by mating smooth Fox Terriers, brought to Nagasaki from the Netherlands in the 17th century, with small pointers or small native dogs. Japanese Terriers were kept mainly as companion dogs in ports such as Kobe and Yokohama.

Planned breeding began around 1920, and the breed type became fixed only around 1930. The AKC says that around 1916 a dog called Kuro (“black” in Japanese) was born near Kobe, from a cross between an English Toy Terrier and a Toy Bull Terrier, and contributed to the breed.

How the breed developed

• 17th century – Fox Terriers reach Nagasaki on Dutch ships.
• Around 1916 – Kuro is born near Kobe.
• Around 1920 – Planned breeding begins.
• Around 1930 – The breed type becomes fixed.
• 1 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 a small dog with a neat appearance and a clean, compact outline. The height at the withers equals the length of the body.

General appearance

The skull is flat and moderately narrow, and the nose is black. The ears are set high and fold forwards. The coat is very short, about 2 mm, smooth, dense and glossy.

The head is tricoloured: black, tan and white. The body is white with black markings or with black or tan markings.

The AKC says it is very intelligent, but some dogs can be stubborn. As it is independent, training should start early, with positive, reward-based methods that are gentle but firm.

The AKC describes it as a “one-person” dog, often reserved with strangers. It hears the slightest noise and gives warning.

Tips for effective training

• Start early. It is independent.
• Use rewards. Corrections should be gentle but firm.
• Socialise it. It is reserved with strangers.
• Try dog sports. The AKC says it does well in many activities.

The AKC says it has moderate exercise needs: a few good walks or daily time in a fenced yard. It enjoys activity but is just as happy to sit on the sofa beside its owner.

Tips for a balanced life

• It can also live in an apartment.
• In winter, its short coat does not protect it from the cold.
• Protect it from strong sun.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the short coat needs little care: brushing once a week with a soft brush or a grooming mitt, and a bath only when needed. Check the ears regularly and trim the nails.

Common health problems

The AKC says it is generally healthy, and responsible breeders screen their dogs for:

Other care

• Brush its teeth often, with dog toothpaste.
• Check the ears regularly.
• Go for regular check-ups and parasite treatments.

The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.

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 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.

• 2 mm hair. The standard says the coat is about 2 mm long.
• A port dog. It was kept mainly in the ports of Kobe and Yokohama.
• Dutch ancestors. The Fox Terriers reached Nagasaki from the Netherlands.
• Kuro. A dog called Kuro, born near Kobe, contributed to the breed.
• A tricoloured head. The black, tan and white head contrasts with the white body.

How big does it get?

It measures about 30–33 cm at the withers; the AKC gives 4.5–5.5 kg.

Does it shed a lot?

The short coat needs only brushing once a week.

Is it good for a family?

Yes, with respectful children; it is reserved with strangers.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 13–15 years.