Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is a small, elegant companion breed with a brilliant white coat, fox-like face and a cheerful, loyal temperament.
Personality Traits
History and Origins
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undefinedIs a Japanese Spitz Right for You?
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Japanese Spitz are wonderful companion dogs who are affectionate, loyal and playful. They are excellent with children and get on well with other dogs and pets. They adapt well to various living situations including flats. They can be wary of strangers initially but warm up quickly. They do not like being left alone for long periods.
Training Tips
- Use positive, gentle methods - they are eager to please
- Start socialisation early to prevent excessive wariness
- They learn quickly and enjoy training sessions
- Manage barking early - they can be vocal with strangers
- They respond well to clicker training
Temperament
Cheerful, loyal and intelligent. Japanese Spitz are bright, outgoing dogs who love being with their people. They are playful and retain their puppy-like enthusiasm into adulthood. They are alert and will bark to announce visitors. They are affectionate without being clingy and are generally easy to train.
Exercise Needs
About 30-45 minutes of exercise daily. They are adaptable and can be happy with moderate exercise levels. They enjoy walks, play and learning tricks. They are active enough for families but not so demanding that they overwhelm less active owners.
Grooming
The white double coat needs brushing two to three times per week. They shed moderately year-round with heavier seasonal shedding. Despite being white, the coat has a non-stick quality and dirt brushes out easily once dry. Bathing is needed less often than expected. The coat should never be clipped.
Health
Generally very healthy with few breed-specific problems. Some incidence of patellar luxation, runny eyes (epiphora) and occasional allergies. They are robust, long-lived dogs with good overall health. Regular dental care is important. Average lifespan 12-16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Japanese Spitz hypoallergenic?
No, they are not hypoallergenic. Despite their white coat, they shed moderately and produce normal levels of dander. They have a thick double coat that sheds seasonally. However, their coat has a special texture that repels dirt and debris.
How is the Japanese Spitz different from a Samoyed?
Japanese Spitz are much smaller (5-10 kg vs 16-30 kg for Samoyeds). They share a similar white, fluffy appearance but Japanese Spitz are more fox-like in face and lighter in build. Japanese Spitz also tend to bark more and need less exercise than Samoyeds.
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