Japanese Spitz
- Height at the withers
- 30 to 39 cm
- Weight
- 5 to 10 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Japan
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A small to medium spitz-type dog with an abundant, pure white double coat, a fox-like face with a pointed muzzle and a plumed tail carried over the back. This lively companion has an alert, friendly temperament.
History and origins
Developed in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s from various spitz breeds, including large white German Spitz brought to Japan around 1920. The breed was shaped through selection for its friendly temperament.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Excessive tearing (epiphora)
- Skin allergies
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Japanese Spitz FAQ
How big does the Japanese Spitz get?
The Japanese Spitz stands 30 to 39 cm at the withers and weighs 5 to 10 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Japanese Spitz shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Japanese Spitz live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Japanese Spitz need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Japanese Spitz good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Japanese Spitz live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and excessive tearing.
