Dog Breeds - Japanese Spitz

Japanese Spitz

ATTRIBUTES: Loyal, Playful, Smart

GROUP: Foundation Stock Service

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Medium

COAT TYPE: Double

COAT LENGTH: Medium

SHADDING: Occasional

SIZE: Small

TRAINABILITY: Easy Training

CHARACTERISTIC: Smallest Dog Breeds, Best Dogs For Apartment Dwellers, Best Dog Breeds For Kids, Best Family Dogs

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed is inclined to show towards family members or other familiar faces can significantly vary. Certain breeds may display a reserved nature reserving their warmth mainly for their owner. Meanwhile, other breeds are known for their sociable disposition exuberantly greeting anyone they're acquainted with as if they’ve met a lifelong friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree of a breed's patience and tolerance towards children's behavior, as well as its innate family-oriented character can differ widely. Even so, supervision is always recommended when dogs and young children interact or when children who aren't familiar with dogs are present. Some breeds display a distinct gentle temperament and a robust ability to cope with the unpredictable nature of children making them exemplary family companions.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The predisposition of a breed to get along with other dogs often ranges widely. While all canine interactions should be carefully supervised especially during initial meetings, some breeds naturally exhibit a friendlier demeanor towards their canine counterparts. These breeds may more readily accept and enjoy the company of other dogs in both home environments and when out and about in social settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed sheds can vary considerably. High-shedding breeds typically require more frequent grooming sessions including brushing to manage loose fur. Additionally, these breeds may be more likely to activate allergies in sensitive individuals and could necessitate more regular cleaning routines, like vacuuming and the use of lint rollers to keep your living spaces tidy.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming demands of a breed including the need for bathing, brushing and trimming, can be vastly different from one to another. When evaluating the level of grooming effort necessary, it's important to think about your available time your patience for grooming tasks and your budget to handle such care. While every breed will need regular nail trims to maintain paw health, the frequency and intensity of additional grooming activities will depend on the breed's specific coat type and growth patterns.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool can be an important consideration particularly for those who prefer a tidier living environment. If the sight of slobber strands on your arm or damp patches on your clothing doesn't appeal to you, choosing a breed known for being less drool-prone may be the better option. Some dogs are simply more likely to leave behind a bit of their saliva as a sign of their presence, while others are relatively dry mouthed keeping the drool to a minimum.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The likelihood of a dog breed being friendly with unfamiliar people can vary significantly. Certain canines may exhibit a reserved or wary nature in the presence of someone they've never met no matter where they are, while others are always eager to greet a fresh face with enthusiasm.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The excitement a breed exhibits towards playfulness can often extend beyond their youthful puppy days. Certain breeds maintain a zest for engaging in games like tug-of-war or fetch well into maturity, whereas others are more content to spend the bulk of their time lounging on the sofa alongside you enjoying a more laid-back existence.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Some breeds are naturally inclined to alert their owners to the presence of someone they don't recognize. They are quick to sound the alarm at the slightest hint of a threat from a delivery person's routine visit to wildlife peeking through the window. These dogs often become affectionate towards strangers once they're introduced by their beloved owners.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to change is an important consideration. This encompasses how well they adjust to differences in their living environment, fluctuating noise levels, weather conditions, the regular rhythm of daily activities and other everyday variations they may encounter.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training your dog and their eagerness to pick up new skills is something to think about. Some breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners and take to training with enthusiasm, while others display a more independent streak preferring to follow their own whims on their own timeline and terms.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The level of physical activity and mental engagement required by a breed can vary greatly. Breeds with high energy are always on the move, keen for their upcoming escapades, often found sprinting, leaping and actively playing during the day. On the flip side, low energy breeds take life at a much slower pace – true to their 'couch potato' nature, they're perfectly content to lounge and doze off for hours on end.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency and manner in which a breed uses its voice, be it through barks or howls can differ widely. Some breeds will sound off at every pedestrian or fluttering bird they spot through the window, while others reserve their barking for specific scenarios. Meanwhile, there are breeds that seldom bark, yet they may still be quite vocal employing a variety of other sounds to communicate their feelings and thoughts.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The level of mental engagement a breed requires to maintain its well-being and happiness is critical to consider. Dogs bred for specific roles may need tasks involving critical thinking, problem-solving and focus – essentially, they thrive on cerebral workouts. If they're not provided with the mental stimulation they crave, they have a knack for inventing their own tasks to occupy their intellect. Unfortunately, these self-assigned 'projects' might not exactly align with what you'd consider ideal household behavior.

COLORS +
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PATTERNS +
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CARING WITH FAMILY Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed is inclined to show towards family members or other familiar faces can significantly vary. Certain breeds may display a reserved nature reserving their warmth mainly for their owner. Meanwhile, other breeds are known for their sociable disposition exuberantly greeting anyone they're acquainted with as if they’ve met a lifelong friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN Unwise Good With Children
The degree of a breed's patience and tolerance towards children's behavior, as well as its innate family-oriented character can differ widely. Even so, supervision is always recommended when dogs and young children interact or when children who aren't familiar with dogs are present. Some breeds display a distinct gentle temperament and a robust ability to cope with the unpredictable nature of children making them exemplary family companions.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The predisposition of a breed to get along with other dogs often ranges widely. While all canine interactions should be carefully supervised especially during initial meetings, some breeds naturally exhibit a friendlier demeanor towards their canine counterparts. These breeds may more readily accept and enjoy the company of other dogs in both home environments and when out and about in social settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair a breed sheds can vary considerably. High-shedding breeds typically require more frequent grooming sessions including brushing to manage loose fur. Additionally, these breeds may be more likely to activate allergies in sensitive individuals and could necessitate more regular cleaning routines, like vacuuming and the use of lint rollers to keep your living spaces tidy.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily
The grooming demands of a breed including the need for bathing, brushing and trimming, can be vastly different from one to another. When evaluating the level of grooming effort necessary, it's important to think about your available time your patience for grooming tasks and your budget to handle such care. While every breed will need regular nail trims to maintain paw health, the frequency and intensity of additional grooming activities will depend on the breed's specific coat type and growth patterns.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel
The tendency of a breed to drool can be an important consideration particularly for those who prefer a tidier living environment. If the sight of slobber strands on your arm or damp patches on your clothing doesn't appeal to you, choosing a breed known for being less drool-prone may be the better option. Some dogs are simply more likely to leave behind a bit of their saliva as a sign of their presence, while others are relatively dry mouthed keeping the drool to a minimum.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Double
COAT SPECTRUM
Medium
FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend
The likelihood of a dog breed being friendly with unfamiliar people can vary significantly. Certain canines may exhibit a reserved or wary nature in the presence of someone they've never met no matter where they are, while others are always eager to greet a fresh face with enthusiasm.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop
The excitement a breed exhibits towards playfulness can often extend beyond their youthful puppy days. Certain breeds maintain a zest for engaging in games like tug-of-war or fetch well into maturity, whereas others are more content to spend the bulk of their time lounging on the sofa alongside you enjoying a more laid-back existence.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant
Some breeds are naturally inclined to alert their owners to the presence of someone they don't recognize. They are quick to sound the alarm at the slightest hint of a threat from a delivery person's routine visit to wildlife peeking through the window. These dogs often become affectionate towards strangers once they're introduced by their beloved owners.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to change is an important consideration. This encompasses how well they adjust to differences in their living environment, fluctuating noise levels, weather conditions, the regular rhythm of daily activities and other everyday variations they may encounter.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please
The ease of training your dog and their eagerness to pick up new skills is something to think about. Some breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners and take to training with enthusiasm, while others display a more independent streak preferring to follow their own whims on their own timeline and terms.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy
The level of physical activity and mental engagement required by a breed can vary greatly. Breeds with high energy are always on the move, keen for their upcoming escapades, often found sprinting, leaping and actively playing during the day. On the flip side, low energy breeds take life at a much slower pace – true to their 'couch potato' nature, they're perfectly content to lounge and doze off for hours on end.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Happy to Lounge Needs a Job or Activity
The level of mental engagement a breed requires to maintain its well-being and happiness is critical to consider. Dogs bred for specific roles may need tasks involving critical thinking, problem-solving and focus – essentially, they thrive on cerebral workouts. If they're not provided with the mental stimulation they crave, they have a knack for inventing their own tasks to occupy their intellect. Unfortunately, these self-assigned 'projects' might not exactly align with what you'd consider ideal household behavior.
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PATTERNS	.

About The Breed

Japanese Spitz dogs are charming little entertainers always ready to brighten your day with their antics and ensure smiles all around. Their devotion is unparalleled and with cleverness to match, they make exceptional buddies. Always up for an outing, they'll happily accompany you on a hike, joyfully join in on a car trip or revel in time spent by the sea or lake. Their adoration for their human companions is profound, as they simply cherish spending time with them.

As devoted family dogs, Japanese Spitzes relish the love and attention from their human pack. These petite jesters are quick learners who are always keen to please, and they have a perpetual twinkle of joy in their eyes. Their striking white fur forms a majestic ruff around their neck, while their plumed tails elegantly curl over their backs. With their sharp, foxlike features, these dogs boast a black nose, dark eye rims and sharply pointed, attentive ears. They're on constant alert, with ears that seem to function like satellite dishes tuning into every sound making them exceptionally vigilant guardians of the home.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A JAPANESE SPITZ

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Japanese Spitz: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Generally, Japanese Spitz dogs boast robust health and an energetic disposition, often enjoying a long and joyful life spanning 12 to 14 years. However, they can occasionally experience Patella Luxation, a condition to be aware of which your vet can check for. When considering bringing a puppy into your home, it's crucial to engage with a trustworthy breeder. By doing so, you'll not only be ensuring the quality and health of your future pet but you’ll also receive valuable insights from the breeder on health issues that are particular to the breed. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

Grooming

	Grooming The Japanese Spitz is adorned with a luxurious, white, double-layered coat. They experience a biannual shedding of their dense and abundant undercoat, while their topcoat remains longer and more prominent. During the shedding period, known as 'blowing their coat', which lasts around 2 to 3 weeks, the undercoat comes out in full. To manage the shedding, daily brushing is advised to help clear away the loose fur nevertheless, anticipate finding hairs on your clothing, furniture, and floors. For the majority of the year, the Japanese Spitz is pretty low-maintenance a weekly brush suffices along with the occasional bath particularly if they get dirty. Over-bathing can strip their skin of essential natural oils and may cause irritation, so bathing them once every season generally suffices. One of the fortuitous features of this breed is their 'Teflon-like' coat quality, meaning mud and dirt don't readily cling to their fur. When they do get mucky simply let the dirt dry and it should brush out with ease. Regular nail trimming should be part of the grooming routine for a Japanese Spitz, just like with any dog breed to maintain paw health and comfort.

Exercise

	The Japanese Spitz is remarkably versatile when it comes to adjusting to different living spaces. They thrive with ample space for roaming, like farms or ranches, yet they are equally content in the cozy confines of an apartment. Regardless of their home's size, they require consistent exercise and delight in the company of their family members. Engaging in spirited, interactive play outdoors or enjoying a fulfilling daily stroll will cater to both their physical and mental health needs. Once they've had their dose of activity, they're more than happy to snuggle up with you on the couch providing a perfect companion as you unwind with a book or in front of the television. It's important to note that at the heart of the Japanese Spitz's nature is their role as a companion dog, they crave your company and in exchange, they offer plentiful laughter and joy.

Training

	Blessed with a keen intellect, Japanese Spitz dogs are quick learners eager to satisfy rendering them exceptionally amenable to training. They possess a deep-seated need for association and involvement with their human families and neglect in this area may lead to behavioral issues. Puppyhood is the prime time for socializing and formal training to help shape their natural learning into desirable behaviors.

Nutrition

	To ensure your Japanese Spitz stays healthy and happy, it's crucial to provide a nutritious and balanced diet. Whether you opt for high-quality commercial food or go the homemade route both can be excellent choices. It's typically recommended to feed your furry friend twice a day. While treats are a fantastic tool for training and bonding, moderation is key to prevent weight gain. It's also vital to be in the know about which foods meant for us humans are dog-friendly and which ones to avoid. If there are any niggling doubts about your pup's weight or diet, always feel free to consult your veterinarian. And don't forget, a constant supply of clean and fresh water is essential for your dog’s well-being at all times.

Historiography

It is widely accepted that the origins of the Japanese Spitz trace back to the white German Spitz, which made its way to Japan around the year 1920 following a route through Siberia and China. The comprehensive history of the breed, unfortunately has gaps due to the destruction of records during the Second World War. Despite this, it is well-documented that the Japanese Spitz made its debut in a 1921 dog exhibit in Tokyo and by 1925, a pair from this breed had been brought in from Canada. In the following decade, there were several more introductions to the gene pool from foreign white Spitz dogs including the smaller-sized Keeshond from Canada, the US, Australia and China. These diverse genetic inputs in the 1920s and 1930s laid the foundation for the breed culminating in the breed standard officially recognized by the Japan Kennel Club in 1948.