Japanese Spitz
Is apartment friendly Can live in small spaces Can live in hot weather Is suitable for city living Can live in cold weather Is good for seniors or low-activity homes Does shed a lot Is good with children Is good with other dogs Is good for first-time owners Is good with cats Is affectionate with family Is protective or territorial Is prone to separation anxiety Is prone to allergies Is a good guard dog Is recognized by major kennel clubs Affectionate Apartment-friendly Companion Companionable Great with kids High energy dog Intelligent Loves hot weather Obedient Playful Proud Sheds a lot

Japanese Spitz

Height 12 - 15 in (30 - 38 cm)
Weight 15 - 19 lbs (7 - 9 kg)
Lifespan 10 – 16 years
Origin Unknown

Is a Japanese Spitz Right For You?

Answer these quick questions to find out:


Is Japanese Spitz prone to allergies?

Is Japanese Spitz a hypoallergenic breed?

What are common health issues in Japanese Spitz?

How much does it cost to raise a Japanese Spitz annually?

Does Japanese Spitz drool a lot?

Breed Characteristics

The majority of sources suggest that Japanese Spitz dogs need about 1 hour of exercise per day to stay happy and healthy, which aligns with a rating of 4 on the scale provided.

How much exercise does Japanese Spitz need?

LowHigh
The consensus suggests that Japanese Spitz generally have low grooming needs most of the year, but require more maintenance during shedding periods. Recommendations vary from grooming once a week to daily brushing during shedding. Overall, the grooming requirements are moderate, hence a rating of 3.

How much grooming does Japanese Spitz need?

LowHigh
The consensus from the sources indicates that Japanese Spitz are generally considered intelligent, eager to please, and relatively easy to train. Early socialization and positive reinforcement are key. While there may be individual variations in training difficulty, the overall trend suggests a high rating for ease of training.

Is Japanese Spitz easy to train?

LowHigh
Based on the consensus from multiple sources highlighting the Japanese Spitz as an intelligent breed that is eager to please, easy to train, and devoted to their family members. The breed is described as affectionate, smart, and quick to pick up training, making them highly intelligent overall.

How intelligent is Japanese Spitz?

LowHigh
The consensus from the sources indicates that Japanese Spitz dogs tend to bark frequently, especially in situations where they are alert or seeking attention. While not all individuals may bark excessively, their vocal nature and alertness contribute to a higher likelihood of barking compared to other breeds.

Does Japanese Spitz bark a lot?

LowHigh
The consensus from the sources indicates that Japanese Spitz can be independent, stubborn, and have a strong will, but they are also loyal, smart, and affectionate. The majority of sources suggest that they exhibit traits of independence and stubbornness, which aligns with a rating of 4.

Is Japanese Spitz stubborn or independent?

LowHigh
The consensus from the sources indicates that a Japanese Spitz needs around 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise daily, which includes walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. This falls on the higher end of exercise requirements for dogs, justifying a rating of 4.

How much playtime does a Japanese Spitz need daily?

LowHigh
The consensus from the sources indicates that Japanese Spitz dogs have moderate exercise needs and can adapt to indoor living with about an hour of exercise per day, including walks and indoor playtime. While some suggest shorter walks, the overall agreement is that they can thrive with limited walks and indoor activities.

Can Japanese Spitz stay indoors with limited walks?

LowHigh
Based on the consensus from multiple sources highlighting the Japanese Spitz's protective and territorial nature, with mentions of being excellent protectors, very territorial, and alerting to strangers entering their territory.

Is Japanese Spitz protective or territorial?

LowHigh
The majority of sources consistently highlight the Japanese Spitz as affectionate, loyal, and loving towards family members, making them excellent family pets. While there are some mentions of reserved behavior with strangers, the overall sentiment is highly positive.

Is Japanese Spitz affectionate with family?

LowHigh

Basic Info

What are the breed characteristics of Japanese Spitz?

The Japanese Spitz is a small dog breed known for its loyalty, intelligence, and playfulness. They have a square body, deep chest, and a thick, pure white double coat. This breed is very affectionate towards their humans and enjoys being active companions, whether on hikes, car rides, or trips to the beach. Japanese Spitz are smart, loving, and aware of their surroundings, making them excellent companions. They have a distinctive elegant white coat, high-set triangular ears, catlike feet, and a tail carried over the back. While they are not specifically bred to be watchdogs, they can be trained for guarding purposes. Overall, Japanese Spitz dogs are playful, energetic, and enjoy playing and walking with their owners.


What is the average litter size of Japanese Spitz?

The average litter size of Japanese Spitz can range from 1 to 6 puppies, with 5-6 puppies being the typical average. However, litter sizes can vary and may range from 1 to 12 puppies. Japanese Spitz are descended from white German Spitz and are believed to have been brought to Japan around 1920. Males of the breed typically measure between 30 cm and 38 cm, while females measure between 30 cm and 36 cm to the withers. The breed is known for its double coat and white coloration.


What is the typical lifespan of Japanese Spitz?

The typical lifespan of a Japanese Spitz ranges from 12 to 16 years, with an average of 12 to 14 years according to multiple sources. This breed is generally healthy but can be prone to certain health issues. They are known to prefer warmth and make great indoor dogs. The Japanese Spitz is a Northern breed originating from Japan, first exhibited in Tokyo in 1921. They typically weigh between 5-10kg and have a height range of 30cm to 36cm.


What does a Japanese Spitz look like?

The Japanese Spitz is a small to medium-sized dog with a square body, deep chest, and a thick, pure white double coat that is low maintenance as dirt does not stick to it. They are believed to have descended from white German Spitz brought to Japan in the 1920s. This breed is known for its foxy face, pricked ears, and a curled tail. Like most spitz breeds, they have a thick double coat, wedge-shaped head, upright triangular ears, and a long tail that curls up. Japanese Spitz dogs have dark, almond-shaped eyes, small triangular ears, and black skin around their mouth, eyes, and nose. They are typically pure white in color, and any black or brown patches may indicate a mixed breed. Overall, the Japanese Spitz is a lively companion with a stunning appearance due to their beautiful white coat and small, fluffy bodies filled with energy.


What is the origin of the Japanese Spitz?

The Japanese Spitz breed is believed to have originated in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s through crossbreeding of various small white Spitz-type dogs. It is thought to have descended from white German Spitz dogs that were brought to Japan from Siberia and China around 1920. The breed's exact origins are not definitively known, but it is reported that the first Japanese Spitz dogs were exhibited at a dog show in Tokyo in 1921. The breed may have been created from a mix of American Eskimo and white Russian Spitz (Laika) dogs. The Japanese Spitz Club notes that the breed's history can be traced back to 1920s Japan, although details before then remain unclear.


What is the average size of Japanese Spitz?

The average size of a Japanese Spitz is around 12-15 inches at the shoulder, with a weight range of 10-25 pounds. Females tend to be smaller than males, with typical weights ranging from 11 to 20 pounds. The breed is characterized by a square body, deep chest, and a thick, pure white double coat. Lifespan ranges from 10-16 years, and the height at withers is typically between 30-38 cm. The coat is straight and stand-off, with a short, soft, dense undercoat. Overall, Japanese Spitz dogs are small in size, affectionate, playful, and easy to train, making them great companions for families.


Join Our Pet-Loving Community

Get info from fellow pet owners, and help them by sharing your experiences, and get advice from experts and enthusiasts.

Share your pet's photos and stories
Get personalized breed recommendations
Ask questions and get answers from experts
Connect with local pet owners
Save your favorite breeds and articles

Join Now - It's Free!