The Japanese Spitz is a small to medium breed of dog of the Spitz type. The
Japanese Spitz is a companion dog and pet. There are varying standards around
the world as to the ideal size of the breed, but they are always larger than
their smaller cousins, the Pomeranian. They were developed in Japan in the
1920s and 30s by breeding a number of other Spitz type dog breeds together.
They are recognized by the vast majority of the major kennel clubs, except the
American Kennel Club due to it being similar appearance to the white
Pomeranian dog, American Eskimo Dog and Samoyed Dog. While they are a relatively
new breed, they are becoming widely popular due to their favorable
temperament and other features. The major health concern is patellar
luxation, and a minor recurring concern is that the breed can be prone to runny
eyes. They can act as reliable watchdogs, but are a type of companion
dog and prefer to be an active part of the family. Although they might appear
fluffy, they are a low maintenance breed as dirt does not stick to the coat.
Appearance The Japanese Spitz is a small dog,
around 33 cm at the withers, with a somewhat square body, deep chest, and a
very thick, pure white double coat. The coat consists of an outer coat that
stands off from the soft inner coat, with fur shorter on the muzzle and ears
as well as the fronts of the forelegs and the hindlegs. A ruff of longer fur
is around the dog's neck. It has a pointed muzzle and small, triangular
shape prick ears The tail is long, heavily covered with long fur, and is
carried curled over and lying on the dog's back. The white coat contrasts
with the black pads and nails of the feet, the black nose, and the dark eyes.
The large oval eyes are dark and slightly slanted with white eyelashes,
and the nose and lips and eye rims are black. The face of the Japanese Spitz is
wedge-shaped. They share a common resemblance with the
white Pomeranian dog, Samoyed and American Eskimo Dog.
= Size variations= Description of the ideal size of the
breed varies. In Japan, the ideal size for males are described as 30–38 cm at
the withers, with females somewhat smaller; In the UK, the Kennel Club
describes the size as 34–37 cm at the withers with females 30–34 cm, which is
the same for the Australian National Kennel Council. In New Zealand, the
ideal size is 30–40 cm for males, 25–35 cm for females. The Canadian Kennel Club
states that the size for dogs is 12 inches with females slightly smaller,
and the United Kennel Club in the U.S. describes the ideal size as 12 to 15 ins
for males and 12 to 14 ins for females. Minor kennel clubs and other
organizations may use any of these ideal sizes or create their own. Japanese
Spitz dogs are generally considered larger than their cousins, the
Pomeranian. History
Dog breeders in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s created the Japanese Spitz by
crossbreeding a number of other Spitz breeds to develop the Japanese Spitz.
Breeders began with white German Spitz dogs, originally brought over from
northeastern China to Japan; they were first exhibited at a dog show in Tokyo
in 1921. Between 1925 and 1936 various small white Spitz breeds were imported
from around the world and crossed into the developing breed, with the goal of
producing an improved breed. The final Standard for the breed was written after
World War II, and accepted by the Japan Kennel Club. The breed gained popularity
in Japan in the 1950s, and was exported to Sweden in the early 1950s. From there
the breed went to England, and the Kennel Club recognized the Japanese
Spitz in 1977 in the Utility Group. The Japanese Spitz has spread around the
world including to India, Australia, and the United States and is recognized by
most of the major kennel clubs in the English speaking world; by the Canadian
Kennel Club in Group 6, Non-Sporting, by the New Zealand Kennel Club, by the
Australian National Kennel Council in Group 7, and by the United Kennel Club
in the Northern Breeds Group. The American Kennel Club does not recognize
the Japanese Spitz due to its being close in appearance to a U.S. developed
Spitz breed, the American Eskimo Dog. The breed is also recognized by minor
registries and clubs. Health
They are a healthy breed with very few genetic problems. The main health
concern for Japanese Spitz is the development of Patellar luxation, a
condition in which the kneecap dislocates out of its normal position.
They can also be prone to runny eyes, which is most commonly due to having
tear ducts that are too small, or an allergy to long grass or stress. It is
rarely caused by any serious eye defect. = Mortality=
Life expectancy is estimated at 10–16 years. This makes it one of the
longest-lived dog breeds. = Temperament=
Active, loyal, and bright, the Japanese Spitz are known for their great courage,
affection and devotion making them great watchdogs and ideal companions for older
people and small children. Most Japanese Spitz are good watch dogs, despite their
relatively small size, and they have a tendency to bark to warn of arriving
strangers. The Japanese Spitz is first and foremost a companion dog and thrives
on human contact and attention, preferring to be a member of the family.
They are known as very loyal dogs. They enjoy being active and love to be in the
outdoors. They are intelligent, playful, alert, and obedient, and particularly
excellent and loving toward children. Unlike many other dogs, the Japanese
Spitz will customarily have his or her tail flipped onto its back. In some
cases this is thought dominant behaviour, but in the Japanese Spitz
case this is normal bearing. Care
Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather but, as it was bred as a companion dog,
prefers to live in the house with the warmth of its human family. Though they
can live in apartments, they need ample time running around outside off-leash in
a safe environment. = Grooming=
Despite the appearance of the Japanese Spitz’s pure white coat, they are in
fact a low-maintenance breed. They are very clean dogs and do not have the
common "doggy odour" that many other breeds have. Due to the texture of their
coat, mud and dirt falls off or can be brushed out very easily. However, due to
the breed's thick coat, regular brushing is essential. They blow their coats once
a year, but like most dogs shed minimally all year round.
Some love to swim, and this can render regular baths unnecessary.
The Japanese Spitz's coat is relatively dry compared to other breeds. Some
sources state that the breed should not be bathed more frequently than once
every two months, as bathing and shampoo strips the natural oil and moisture from
their coat. This can cause skin sensitivity and itchiness. Their coat
should be groomed twice a week using a pin brush that reaches to the undercoat,
preventing formation of knots. Grooming this breed is relatively easy in
contrast to other dog breeds. Their white fur coat has a non-stick texture
often described as being similar to Teflon.
Famous Japanese Spitzes American actress and dancer Jenna
Dewan-Tatum has a Japanese Spitz named Meeka.
References External links
Japanese Spitz at DMOZ