Japanese Spitz
Japanese Spitz is a beautiful and energetic breed that originated in Japan. They are known for their thick white coat and pointed ears. They are well-suited to be family dogs due to their affectionate nature and love of attention.


Japanese Spitz Breed overview
Japanese Spitz is a highly rated breed with impressive qualities relating to their affectionate behavior, compatibility with children and dogs, relatively low shedding coat and high energy level. They require minor supervision, consistent training and plenty of interaction to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Being adaptable and easy to train, they make an ideal companion for novice owners who are willing to provide them with enough exercise and playtime. It's preferable to provide them with ample space to run around, but they can still thrive in smaller households.
What To Expect When Caring For a Japanese Spitz
Grooming
Japanese Spitz has a thick, double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They shed seasonally and require more frequent brushing during these times. Baths should be given as needed, but not too frequently, as excessive bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Maintaining clean ears and nails are important for their health.
Training
Japanese Spitz is an intelligent breed that is eager to please their owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as rewards and praise. It's important to start training them early on and socialize them well to prevent behavior problems. Consistency and patience are key to successful training.
Health
Japanese Spitz is generally a healthy breed with few genetic health problems. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems. It's important to keep up with regular veterinary check-ups and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. Japanese Spitz has a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
Exercise
Japanese Spitz is an active breed that requires a moderate amount of exercise. They enjoy playing games and going on walks with their owners. They are also good candidates for dog sports such as agility and obedience. In addition, they enjoy mental stimulation such as training sessions and puzzle toys.
Nutrition
Japanese Spitz has a high metabolism and requires a high-quality diet that is high in protein and fat. It's important to feed them a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and to avoid overfeeding them, as they can be prone to weight gain. It's also important to provide them with plenty of fresh water throughout the day.
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Japanese Spitz Traits & Characteristics
Japanese Spitz is a small to medium-sized breed, with an ideal height of 12-15 inches and an ideal weight of 11-20 pounds. They have a dense double-coat that is white in color. They have a slightly rounded head with a medium-sized muzzle and dark, almond-shaped eyes that give them an alert and intelligent expression.
They have small, pointed ears that stand erect and a plumed tail that curves over the back. Japanese Spitz is a well-proportioned breed with a compact body and a gentle, friendly expression.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Japanese Spitz are highly affectionate towards their human family. They thrive for their attention and love to receive praise and affection. They make an ideal companion for people who want a loving and devoted dog.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Japanese Spitz are great with children. They have a playful personality and love to interact with kids. They are known for their tolerance for play and energy level, which makes them an ideal choice for families with children.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Japanese Spitz are very sociable and friendly towards other dogs. They are comfortable around dogs of all sizes and can adapt to any social situation. Proper socialization and training from an early age can help in developing good social skills in them.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Japanese Spitz can be reserved with strangers. They may take some time to warm up with new people and require proper socialization to develop good social skills. However, they rarely show aggression towards people they don't know.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Japanese Spitz are highly playful and love to engage in activities. They have a lot of energy and are always ready for playtime. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their health, happiness and overall wellbeing.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Japanese Spitz are highly alert and vigilant. They are naturally curious and will often investigate things around them. Their alertness and intelligence make them great for tasks like watchdog or detection duties.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Japanese Spitz are highly adaptable dogs. They can thrive in both urban and rural environments, as long they receive the correct amount of training and socialization. That makes them an ideal choice for people who move around a lot.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Japanese Spitz are a relatively low shedding breed. They have a thick double coat which needs regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Frequent brushing and bathing can help in keeping their coat clean and healthy. Overall, they are a good breed for people with allergies.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Japanese Spitz have a thick and fluffy double coat which requires regular grooming. They shed seasonally and need to be brushed more frequently during that time. They have a high grooming requirement, which means they need a lot of maintenance to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Japanese Spitz are known for their dry mouth, which means they are not prone to excessive drooling. They require less maintenance in terms of drool-related issues and their tendency to drool is almost non-existent.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Japanese Spitz are a medium-sized breed, weighing around 15-25 pounds and standing 12-15 inches tall. They are not too large or too small, making them an ideal size for families or individuals.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Japanese Spitz are high-energy dogs who require a lot of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. They need to have a regular workout routine and plenty of playtime to be kept happy and healthy. They thrive on long walks, hikes or playtime in a yard.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Japanese Spitz require daily exercise and playtime to maintain their physical and mental health. They need a lot of attention and regular workout routines. They are highly active dogs and benefit from long hikes or playtime in the backyard.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Japanese Spitz were originally bred to be watchdogs and companions. They are adaptable breeds that could perform well in different roles. Consequentially, they do well in work environments as watchdogs or other maintenance roles.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Japanese Spitz are not known to be used for hunting.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Japanese Spitz are highly energetic and require a lot of exercise to maintain their overall wellbeing. They are active and lively dogs with high endurance and physical stamina. Their vigor makes them well-suited for various physical activities.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Japanese Spitz are a generally healthy breed, and they have an average lifespan of 12-16 years. They are not highly prone to any specific diseases, but like all dogs, they should be seen annually by a veterinarian for regular checkups.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Japanese Spitz are a high energy breed and require regular exercise to maintain their healthy body weight. They should be provided with routine exercise routines and a healthy diet regime to avoid obesity and its related diseases.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Japanese Spitz are well suited for cold weather conditions. They have a thick double coat that provides insulation and protection against the cold. However, they should still be kept warm and dry during extreme weather conditions.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Japanese Spitz are not highly tolerant to heat. Owners should ensure that their dogs stay cool during the hot, humid months. They should be provided with plenty of water, shade and access to air conditioning if possible.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Japanese Spitz are small to medium-sized dogs and can adapt to apartment living, but they are not the best choice. They are highly energetic and require a good amount of outdoor activities. Minimum daily exercise, including a long walk or a some playtime in the backyard, would be needed for them to thrive in smaller living spaces.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Japanese Spitz have a moderate tendency to wander. As with any breed, they require proper training, socialization and supervision to avoid their escape. Dogs who are kept mostly indoors and provided with plenty of attention and exercise are less prone to wandering off.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Japanese Spitz are moderately sensitive dogs. Harsh training methods can make them anxious, fearful or aggressive. Owners should use positive reinforcement techniques and gentle corrections for effective training, to ensure the dog's comfort and wellbeing.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Japanese Spitz do not handle being alone for long periods very well. They have a strong bond with their owners and can become anxious or destructive if left alone for too long. They are a breed that thrives with their family around, and it is recommended that someone stays home during the day with them.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Japanese Spitz are known for their barking tendencies. They are vocal dogs who like to express themselves. Although not excessive, their tendency to bark can be managed with proper training and socialization. A good way of reducing their barking habits is to engage them in regular exercise and activities.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent and need a lot of mental stimulation to keep themselves occupied. They are enthusiastic learners who enjoy a challenge. Engage them with interesting and interactive toys or puzzles to keep their minds sharp.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Japanese Spitz are easy to train and make great companions for novice owners. They are generally easygoing, friendly and adaptable. Some basic obedience training will help in creating a strong bond between the dog and their owner.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Japanese Spitz are highly trainable dogs. They are intelligent and quick learners. They love to please their owners which makes it easy to train them using positive reinforcement techniques. Although, they can be independent and stubborn at times, a firm yet gentle hand is required to train them effectively.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Japanese Spitz are highly affectionate towards their human family. They thrive for their attention and love to receive praise and affection. They make an ideal companion for people who want a loving and devoted dog.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Japanese Spitz are great with children. They have a playful personality and love to interact with kids. They are known for their tolerance for play and energy level, which makes them an ideal choice for families with children.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Japanese Spitz are very sociable and friendly towards other dogs. They are comfortable around dogs of all sizes and can adapt to any social situation. Proper socialization and training from an early age can help in developing good social skills in them.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Japanese Spitz can be reserved with strangers. They may take some time to warm up with new people and require proper socialization to develop good social skills. However, they rarely show aggression towards people they don't know.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Japanese Spitz are highly playful and love to engage in activities. They have a lot of energy and are always ready for playtime. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their health, happiness and overall wellbeing.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Japanese Spitz are highly alert and vigilant. They are naturally curious and will often investigate things around them. Their alertness and intelligence make them great for tasks like watchdog or detection duties.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Japanese Spitz are highly adaptable dogs. They can thrive in both urban and rural environments, as long they receive the correct amount of training and socialization. That makes them an ideal choice for people who move around a lot.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Japanese Spitz are a relatively low shedding breed. They have a thick double coat which needs regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Frequent brushing and bathing can help in keeping their coat clean and healthy. Overall, they are a good breed for people with allergies.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Japanese Spitz have a thick and fluffy double coat which requires regular grooming. They shed seasonally and need to be brushed more frequently during that time. They have a high grooming requirement, which means they need a lot of maintenance to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Japanese Spitz are known for their dry mouth, which means they are not prone to excessive drooling. They require less maintenance in terms of drool-related issues and their tendency to drool is almost non-existent.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Japanese Spitz are a medium-sized breed, weighing around 15-25 pounds and standing 12-15 inches tall. They are not too large or too small, making them an ideal size for families or individuals.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Japanese Spitz are high-energy dogs who require a lot of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. They need to have a regular workout routine and plenty of playtime to be kept happy and healthy. They thrive on long walks, hikes or playtime in a yard.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Japanese Spitz require daily exercise and playtime to maintain their physical and mental health. They need a lot of attention and regular workout routines. They are highly active dogs and benefit from long hikes or playtime in the backyard.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Japanese Spitz were originally bred to be watchdogs and companions. They are adaptable breeds that could perform well in different roles. Consequentially, they do well in work environments as watchdogs or other maintenance roles.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Japanese Spitz are not known to be used for hunting.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Japanese Spitz are highly energetic and require a lot of exercise to maintain their overall wellbeing. They are active and lively dogs with high endurance and physical stamina. Their vigor makes them well-suited for various physical activities.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Japanese Spitz are a generally healthy breed, and they have an average lifespan of 12-16 years. They are not highly prone to any specific diseases, but like all dogs, they should be seen annually by a veterinarian for regular checkups.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Japanese Spitz are a high energy breed and require regular exercise to maintain their healthy body weight. They should be provided with routine exercise routines and a healthy diet regime to avoid obesity and its related diseases.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Japanese Spitz are well suited for cold weather conditions. They have a thick double coat that provides insulation and protection against the cold. However, they should still be kept warm and dry during extreme weather conditions.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Japanese Spitz are not highly tolerant to heat. Owners should ensure that their dogs stay cool during the hot, humid months. They should be provided with plenty of water, shade and access to air conditioning if possible.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Japanese Spitz are small to medium-sized dogs and can adapt to apartment living, but they are not the best choice. They are highly energetic and require a good amount of outdoor activities. Minimum daily exercise, including a long walk or a some playtime in the backyard, would be needed for them to thrive in smaller living spaces.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Japanese Spitz have a moderate tendency to wander. As with any breed, they require proper training, socialization and supervision to avoid their escape. Dogs who are kept mostly indoors and provided with plenty of attention and exercise are less prone to wandering off.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Japanese Spitz are moderately sensitive dogs. Harsh training methods can make them anxious, fearful or aggressive. Owners should use positive reinforcement techniques and gentle corrections for effective training, to ensure the dog's comfort and wellbeing.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Japanese Spitz do not handle being alone for long periods very well. They have a strong bond with their owners and can become anxious or destructive if left alone for too long. They are a breed that thrives with their family around, and it is recommended that someone stays home during the day with them.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Japanese Spitz are known for their barking tendencies. They are vocal dogs who like to express themselves. Although not excessive, their tendency to bark can be managed with proper training and socialization. A good way of reducing their barking habits is to engage them in regular exercise and activities.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent and need a lot of mental stimulation to keep themselves occupied. They are enthusiastic learners who enjoy a challenge. Engage them with interesting and interactive toys or puzzles to keep their minds sharp.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Japanese Spitz are easy to train and make great companions for novice owners. They are generally easygoing, friendly and adaptable. Some basic obedience training will help in creating a strong bond between the dog and their owner.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Japanese Spitz are highly trainable dogs. They are intelligent and quick learners. They love to please their owners which makes it easy to train them using positive reinforcement techniques. Although, they can be independent and stubborn at times, a firm yet gentle hand is required to train them effectively.
Similar breeds

History of the Japanese Spitz
Japanese Spitz originated in Japan in the 1920s, where they were developed by breeding various Spitz-type dogs together. They were first introduced to England in the 1950s and have since become popular in many other countries. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1998.

Japanese Spitz Puppies
Japanese Spitz puppies are energetic and playful. They require a lot of attention and socialization in order to grow into well-behaved adults. They are known for their intelligence and quick learning ability, which makes them easy to train. However, they can be stubborn at times, so it's important to be consistent and patient with training.
They are also known for their love of attention and may become destructive if left alone for long periods. It's important to provide them with plenty of toys, exercise, and mental stimulation to keep them happy and entertained.