The Japanese Spitz is a fairly new breed thought to be descended from the German Spitz, particularly from large white members of the German breed which were brought to Japan. These dogs were eventually bred into the small white dogs seen today. These companion dogs get along well with children and other pets (including cats and other dogs) and their huge personalities make them ideal house dogs. They love to make people laugh with their silly antics! They are also relatively inexpensive to maintain and easy to take care of.
The JS should be given regular exercise such as a daily walk or other enriching physical activity. When this is done, they will be generally calm and relaxed in the home. Exercise is one of the building blocks to a long and healthy life for a dog – when they are taken care of this breed generally lives 12-15 years. They are usually pretty healthy well into old age, although some members develop patella luxation which is where the kneecap slips out of place. Make sure to get a puppy from a breeder that tests patellas!
The JS is a smart little dog who adores pleasing his owners, which makes him fun and easy to train! This said, without any obedience training he will soon find things to occupy his mind and can end up being mischievous or occasionally destructive so make sure to train him from puppy-hood onward! Take note, this breed does need somewhat gentle handling – no kid gloves necessary, but do watch the harsh corrections.
Jap Spitz enjoy spending time with their owners and will go anywhere with them that they’re allowed – whether it be around the house or accompanying them on car rides to exciting places! The small size doesn’t make a difference, this is a loyal breed that wants to be with their family. They have an adaptable nature and can live in a small apartment or on a large property as long as they are given lots of time with the people in the house. If they are left to fend for themselves all day, every day, while everyone is at work they are prone to developing separation anxiety. They also prefer to live inside the house so don’t get one expecting it to be an outside dog! They need warm temperatures and soft bedding!
Like most spitz breeds, the Japanese Spitz has a huge double coat which does shed profusely twice a year. During these times they will need to be brushed daily, and owners should be prepared for hair to be everywhere in the house during this time! Bathing doesn’t need to be done very frequently as the coat naturally repels dirt (after it dries), but it can be bathed more often if the right products are used – for owners that want to keep the dogs’ coats bright white year-round. When not in shedding season the coat is easy to take care of and takes little time – at most 10 minutes a day. Make sure not to forget to trim nails and brush teeth!
The Jap Spitz is an exceptionally alert little dog that can become somewhat vocal if left unchecked. This makes him a very good watchdog although he can get carried away at times with his barking. If someone were to break in, he’d stand his ground and …continue to bark although obviously because of his size is not much of a guard dog. Although he demonstrates great courage, his lack of damage ability does make him easier for first-time dog owners, however.
Japanese Spitz are still a rare breed in this country and many others. As such they are considered a “well-kept secret” by admirers of the breed. Adored for their great personalities in particular, this breed gets along amazingly with other dogs and should never show aggression toward canine or human. They are generally submissive in nature, while still retaining a very playful personality. Inquisitive and clownish, with a friendly and outgoing personality and a love for games – he is tailor-made to be a family dog!