Japanese Spitz: Characteristics, Exercise, Health

Group: Japanese Spitz belongs to the Non-Sporting Dog Breed Group.

Also Known As: Nihon Supittsu

About Japanese Spitz

Origin of the Breed The Japanese Spitz is said to have its ancestors traced back to the Siberian Samoyed. The Japanese Spitz was first introduced in Japan via Siberia and Manchurian. Later in the middle of the 20th century, the breed gained its popularity. The first dog show exhibition of the Japanese Spitz took place in 1921.

Breed Selector Tool - is the Japanese Spitz the right breed for you?

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Japanese Spitz Calorie Calculator

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Description

The Japanese Spitz is a small, compact, long-haired dog with thick under-layer coat that is soft, short and dense. Although similar to American Eskimo, Russian Spitz and German Spitz, the coat color of the Japanese Spitz is always white.

Basically, the Japanese Spits is a compact dog, with a well-arched back and a offstanding coat. The dog has large oval eyes, small triangular ears that are pointed straight, a thick head with a muzzle that is a bit narrow and a hairy tail that tend to curl on the top.

Height: 12 to 15 inches

Weight: Between 11 to 20 pounds

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The Japanese Spitz makes great companion dog. is affectionate, lively, energetic, loyal, intelligent, agile and active by nature. Although they are always eager to please their owners, they are not easy to train. They tend to ask for a lot of attention and love from their human families. Many a times their stubborn and somewhat temperamental personality acts as a hindrance to proper training. They don't mix well with strangers. Socializing and obedience training is important and should be started from an early age.

The Japanese Spitz is not suitable for families having infants. Too much of attention from children tend to make them snappy. Their alertness makes them good watchdogs.

Activity Level

Exercise Need

Regular walks are welcome. You can also take the dog for a running session occasionally to help it stretch its legs and keep its active mind busy. The Japanese Spitz does not require a lot of exercise, what it needs is a lot of human attention and love. The dog will be content if you take it for a walk with you or just sit at home spend idle time at home.

Living Conditions

The Japanese Spitz is quite comfortable living indoors and playing in the nearby park. They make ideal pets for city dwellers, apartment living and those with people living in homes with a small fenced backyard.

Grooming

Grooming involves regular brushing or combing with soft bristled comb or brush to avoid matting. Baths should be given only when needed. During the shedding season, a double-teethed comb should be used to remove the loose hairs.

Health Problems

The Japanese Spitz may suffer from hereditary health disorders like patella luxation or eye problems like runny eyes owing to dirt or allergy. They may also suffer from tooth related ailments. Otherwise, they are a healthy breed.

Life Expectancy: Approximately between 12 years