Dog Breeds - Japanese Terrier

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The degree of friendliness a breed extends to its household or well-known individuals can differ. Some dogs may display reserved behavior bonding mainly with their main human, while others approach all known faces with enthusiastic affection akin to that offered to a best friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
A dog breed's capacity to graciously endure the behaviors of children and its overarching affinity for family environments warrant attention. It's crucial to keep a watchful eye on dogs when they are in the presence of young ones particularly children who haven't had much interaction with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The inherent sociability of a dog breed towards fellow canines is something to consider. While it's essential to monitor dogs when they're meeting and mingling, certain breeds naturally tend to have a more amicable disposition towards other dogs, whether it's within the comfort of their own homes or out in communal settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The extent of shedding you can anticipate from a breed is an important factor to consider. Breeds that are heavy shedders will demand more regular grooming, may increase the risk of activating specific allergies and could necessitate a more steadfast routine of vacuuming and using lint rollers to keep spaces clean.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed, including the regularity of baths, brushing, haircuts and other forms of coat upkeep, should be thoughtfully weighed against your available time, patience and financial resources. As you assess the level of grooming a breed necessitates remember that all dogs will need their nails trimmed on a routine basis.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The likelihood of a breed to drool should be on your radar particularly if tidiness is a top priority for you. If the thought of trails of drool on your arm or sizable damp patches on your attire doesn't appeal to you, choosing a less drool-prone companion might be the better match for your lifestyle.
COAT TYPE +

COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The degree to which a breed is inclined to embrace strangers is something to think about. Certain breeds retain a reserved or wary stance with newcomers in any setting, whereas others exude enthusiasm and are always eager to greet a fresh face with a wagging tail.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of playfulness a breed maintains beyond its puppy years is certainly worth noting. Some breeds retain a zestful spirit eagerly engaging in games of tug-of-war or fetch deep into their adulthood, whereas others are quite content to lounge on the sofa and enjoy a more laid-back companionship as they mature.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The propensity of a breed to signal the presence of strangers should be considered. These vigilant breeds are prone to sound the alarm at any perceived threat be it the mail person or a squirrel scampering outside. Nonetheless, these same breeds may quickly adapt to newfound friends who are welcomed into the home by their family members.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
A breed's adaptability to change is an important trait to ponder. This encompasses their response to shifts in living environments, fluctuations in noise levels, weather changes, alterations in daily routines and other day to day life variations. Some dogs take these in stride, while others may need a bit more support to adjust smoothly.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training your dog and its eagerness to pick up new skills are key factors to consider. There are breeds that are especially motivated to please their owners making them more amenable to learning and following commands. On the other hand, some breeds exhibit a more independent streak often preferring to engage in activities on their own terms and timetable.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The requirement for physical exercise and mental stimulation varies widely across dog breeds. High-energy breeds are often on the move ready to engage in physical activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. They typically require a good amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. On the flip side, low-energy breeds are much more laid back and may be content with limited physical activity often happily spending their days lounging and napping.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency and manner in which a breed uses its voice be it through barking, howling, or other vocalizations are traits to take into account. Certain breeds may feel the impulse to sound off at any passerby or bird that catches their eye, while others tend to reserve their barks for specific scenarios. Furthermore, there are breeds known for not barking much at all, yet they can be quite expressive through a variety of other sounds they make to communicate.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The amount of intellectual engagement necessary to keep a certain breed content and in good shape can vary greatly. Dogs bred for specific tasks may thrive on assignments that demand them to make choices, unravel challenges, maintain focus and leverage various other skills. Without sufficient opportunities to stimulate their intellect, they are prone to devise their own activities to occupy their thoughts. Quite often, these self-appointed tasks may not align with what you'd consider ideal or desirable.

COLORS +
.
PATTERNS +
.

CARING WITH FAMILY Independent Lovey-Dovey
The degree of friendliness a breed extends to its household or well-known individuals can differ. Some dogs may display reserved behavior bonding mainly with their main human, while others approach all known faces with enthusiastic affection akin to that offered to a best friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN Unwise Good With Children
A dog breed's capacity to graciously endure the behaviors of children and its overarching affinity for family environments warrant attention. It's crucial to keep a watchful eye on dogs when they are in the presence of young ones particularly children who haven't had much interaction with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The inherent sociability of a dog breed towards fellow canines is something to consider. While it's essential to monitor dogs when they're meeting and mingling, certain breeds naturally tend to have a more amicable disposition towards other dogs, whether it's within the comfort of their own homes or out in communal settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere
The extent of shedding you can anticipate from a breed is an important factor to consider. Breeds that are heavy shedders will demand more regular grooming, may increase the risk of activating specific allergies and could necessitate a more steadfast routine of vacuuming and using lint rollers to keep spaces clean.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily
The grooming needs of a breed, including the regularity of baths, brushing, haircuts and other forms of coat upkeep, should be thoughtfully weighed against your available time, patience and financial resources. As you assess the level of grooming a breed necessitates remember that all dogs will need their nails trimmed on a routine basis.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel
The likelihood of a breed to drool should be on your radar particularly if tidiness is a top priority for you. If the thought of trails of drool on your arm or sizable damp patches on your attire doesn't appeal to you, choosing a less drool-prone companion might be the better match for your lifestyle.
COAT STYLES GUIDE

COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend
The degree to which a breed is inclined to embrace strangers is something to think about. Certain breeds retain a reserved or wary stance with newcomers in any setting, whereas others exude enthusiasm and are always eager to greet a fresh face with a wagging tail.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop
The level of playfulness a breed maintains beyond its puppy years is certainly worth noting. Some breeds retain a zestful spirit eagerly engaging in games of tug-of-war or fetch deep into their adulthood, whereas others are quite content to lounge on the sofa and enjoy a more laid-back companionship as they mature.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant
The propensity of a breed to signal the presence of strangers should be considered. These vigilant breeds are prone to sound the alarm at any perceived threat be it the mail person or a squirrel scampering outside. Nonetheless, these same breeds may quickly adapt to newfound friends who are welcomed into the home by their family members.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable
A breed's adaptability to change is an important trait to ponder. This encompasses their response to shifts in living environments, fluctuations in noise levels, weather changes, alterations in daily routines and other day to day life variations. Some dogs take these in stride, while others may need a bit more support to adjust smoothly.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please
The ease of training your dog and its eagerness to pick up new skills are key factors to consider. There are breeds that are especially motivated to please their owners making them more amenable to learning and following commands. On the other hand, some breeds exhibit a more independent streak often preferring to engage in activities on their own terms and timetable.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy
The requirement for physical exercise and mental stimulation varies widely across dog breeds. High-energy breeds are often on the move ready to engage in physical activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. They typically require a good amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. On the flip side, low-energy breeds are much more laid back and may be content with limited physical activity often happily spending their days lounging and napping.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal
Infrequent
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Happy to Lounge Needs a Job or Activity
The amount of intellectual engagement necessary to keep a certain breed content and in good shape can vary greatly. Dogs bred for specific tasks may thrive on assignments that demand them to make choices, unravel challenges, maintain focus and leverage various other skills. Without sufficient opportunities to stimulate their intellect, they are prone to devise their own activities to occupy their thoughts. Quite often, these self-appointed tasks may not align with what you'd consider ideal or desirable.
COLORS	.
PATTERNS	.

About The Breed

The Japanese Terrier is a compact exceptionally smart breed brimming with the classic terrier spirit. These dogs are independent, vivacious, crisp and animated. Recognized for their loyalty to a single owner, they tend to be cautious around new people. With their sharp senses, a Japanese Terrier will quickly detect even the softest sounds alerting their owners to any unfamiliar presence. These dogs are generally good-natured with well-behaved children and are sociable with other canines. As athletic terriers and versatile quick-to-learn pooches, they possess outstanding physical capabilities and a natural aptitude for various activities.

By the late 1800s during the conclusion of the Meiji era some exemplary individuals of this breed were spotted within the Kobe area earning themselves the moniker "Kobe Terriers". Their look was somewhat of an amalgamation of the then Smooth Fox Terriers and the native Japanese Terriers making them the pioneer terrier breed within Japan. These canines were famously known by several names, including "Oyuki Terriers" and "Mikado Terriers", cherished by both Japanese natives and international residents alike.

A pivotal point in their history came around 1916 in the Nada district near Kobe with the birth of a pup named Kuro, translating to 'black' in Japanese. This pup was the product of meticulous crossbreeding between English Toy Terriers and a Toy Bull Terrier both of which were imports. From their descendants and the Kobe Terriers emerged the refined, slender and smooth-coated small terrier now known as the Japanese Terrier. By 1930, the concerted effort in breeding these dogs led to the establishment of a breed standard and they earned formal recognition from the Japan Kennel Club.

The popularity of Japanese Terriers burgeoned around the 1940s in urban Japan driven by a demand for a smaller more dynamic companion in contrast to larger guardian breeds. Nevertheless, the breed faced severe threats to its survival narrowly escaping extinction twice, once during the devastations of World War II and again in 1948 due to a shift in preference towards Western dog breeds.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A JAPANESE TERRIER

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 Terrier: 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 speaking, Japanese Terriers boast robust health. Ethical breeders take the initiative to screen their breeding dogs for various health issues including patellar luxation and Legg Calve-Perthes disease. It's important to maintain their dental health with frequent brushing using canine-formulated toothpaste. Consistent veterinary appointments for routine examinations and parasite prevention are key practices that contribute to the longevity and well-being of these spirited dogs. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

Grooming

	The sleek short coat of the Japanese Terrier is quite low maintenance. A gentle weekly brushing using a soft brush or a hound glove is sufficient to keep their coat looking shiny and healthy. Baths can be given sparingly only when necessary. It's also crucial to routinely check their ears for any signs of dirt or excess wax and to clean them as needed with soft gauze coupled with a suitable ear cleaning solution designed for dogs. Regular nail trimming is important to maintain short, tidy nails neglecting this can lead to discomfort for your pet. For optimal dental health aim to brush their teeth daily with a dog-specific toothpaste.

Exercise

	Japanese Terriers have a moderate need for exercise. A few brisk walks or playtime in a secure yard each day should suffice to keep both their bodies and minds in tip-top shape. While they relish a good dose of activity, they're equally content to snuggle beside their owners on the sofa. Their impressive trainability and adaptability make them excellent candidates for a variety of dog sports, including obedience, rally and agility events, where they often excel.

Training

	The Japanese Terrier shines with its sharp intelligence and capacity for learning, though it's not without an occasional stubborn streak. Their strong sense of independence makes it essential to initiate training from a young age. It's highly beneficial to immerse them in early socialization and enroll them in puppy training classes that focus on positive reinforcement. Techniques that incorporate rewards and employ gentle yet assertive corrections are usually quite effective. The expertise of trainers who understand the nuances of both terriers and primitive breeds can be particularly helpful. Adaptable to both urban and rural settings, the Japanese Terrier does best when their environment is secured with fencing or when outings are supervised with a leash to prevent them from succumbing to their chasing instincts. Although they rank among the most serene of the terrier family, they still possess a notable amount of energy and require regular mental stimulation and physical activity to stay satisfied and well-behaved.

Nutrition

	The Japanese Terrier will thrive on a diet of premium dog food, whether it's commercially available or homemade under the guidance and endorsement of your vet. It's crucial to ensure the food is suited to the life stage of the dog, be it puppy, adult or senior. As with any breed, there's a risk of weight gain if calorie intake is not managed, so it's important to monitor their diet and maintain a healthy weight. While treats are invaluable for training, they should be dispensed judiciously to prevent obesity. Understanding which human foods can safely be shared with dogs and which to avoid is also essential. If you're ever in doubt about your Japanese Terrier's dietary needs or if you have concerns about their weight consult with your veterinarian. And, of course always provide a constant supply of clean fresh water for your dog.

Historiography

In the 1700s, during Japan's Edo period, a petit terrier breed emerged through the crossbreeding of an early variety of English Smooth Fox Terrier and various indigenous small-sized Japanese dogs. These Smooth Fox Terriers were originally introduced to Nagasaki by Dutch traders from the Netherlands. Generations down the line, the descendants of these small terriers were interbred with dogs resembling Italian Greyhounds.

By the dawn of the 20th century and the close of the Meiji Era, some exceptional specimens roamed the streets of Kobe, earning the moniker “Kobe Terriers.” These dogs bore a resemblance to a blend of the current Smooth Fox Terriers and the initial Japanese Terriers claiming the title of the earliest terrier lineage bred in Japan. Known by various names, including "Oyuki Terriers" and "Mikado Terriers," they were favored by both Japanese citizens and expatriates.

In the year 1916, within Kobe's Nada district, a noted dog named Kuro, which translates to 'black' in Japanese was born from the cross between English Toy Terriers and a Toy Bull Terrier both breeds having been imported. Selective breeding between these offspring and the Kobe Terriers gave rise to the sleek, short-haired, diminutive terrier known today as the Japanese Terrier. By the 1930s, their selective breeding culminated in a recognized breed standard and they garnered the endorsement of the Japan Kennel Club. It was not until the 1940s, however that Japanese Terriers gained prominence in urban centers across Japan as the populace sought an energetic compact breed more so than the larger guard dogs. Nevertheless, the breed encountered serious threats to its survival during the strife of the Second World War and again in the late 1940s when Western dog breeds grew in popularity.