Japanese Spitz

The Japanese Spitz originated in Japan in the early 20th century as a companion breed, developed to resemble a smaller version of the Samoyed. It was created by crossing various white spitz-type dogs from around the world in order to develop a small, fluffy, intelligent, and adaptable family dog with a loyal and friendly temperament. It shares ancestry with the German Spitz and possibly influences from the American Eskimo Dog and other Northern spitz breeds.

The breed’s development began in the 1920s, when Japanese breeders imported white German Spitz dogs from China, and was first shown in Japan at a dog show in 1921. Throughout the 1930s, additional white spitz breeds from Canada, the United States, Australia, and Siberia were introduced to refine the breed.

After World War II, the breed’s standard was finalized by the Japan Kennel Club (JKC) in 1948, and it quickly gained popularity as a family companion. Over time, the Japanese Spitz was exported to Europe, North America, and Australia, where it was further recognized by various kennel clubs. Because of its similarity to the American Eskimo Dog, the American Kennel Club does not officially recognise the Japanese Spitz as a unique breed, although in 2019 the AKC added the breed to its Foundation Stock Service program for emerging pure breeds.

As a breed with high energy levels, the Japanese Spitz requires regular physical exercise to remain healthy and happy. A daily walk or run and some play and training time are essential to burn off their abundant energy and will help prevent unwanted behaviours such as excessive barking and shoe chewing. They particularly enjoy activities that allow them to engage in their natural instincts, such as fetch or agility training.

In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is crucial for the Japanese Spitz. Their keen intelligence means they thrive on problem-solving tasks like puzzle toys, scent work and obedience training. Providing a variety of activities that challenge both their body and mind will help prevent them from becoming anxious or destructive. With the right balance of exercise, training, and stimulation, the Japanese Spitz will  be a well-behaved, happy, and loyal companion for any family.

Highly intelligent and responsive, the Japanese Spitz is a quick learner, making them relatively easy to train. However, they do have an independent streak, so consistency and patience are key during training. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise, which helps them stay engaged and motivated. Early socialisation is important to ensure they grow into well-rounded dogs, especially around other pets and new environments. Training sessions should be kept short and fun to maintain their interest, as their playful nature can make them easily distracted if the activity becomes monotonous.

The Japanese Spitz requires regular grooming to maintain its stunning appearance and overall health. Their thick, double-layered coat sheds moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes. To keep their coat soft and free of tangles, regular brushing is essential. Brushing several times a week will help remove loose hair, prevent matting, and ensure the coat remains healthy. Their fluffy white coat can also attract dirt, so grooming not only enhances their appearance but also helps maintain their hygiene.

Bathing too often can cause them to lose their natural oils and can irritate their skin, so once per season is usually sufficient. Luckily, the Japanese Spitz has a teflon-like coat, so mud and dirt don’t stick to their fur. If they do get muddy, you can simply wait for it to dry and then brush it out. Regular nail trimming is important, as is routine ear cleaning. Dental care should also be incorporated into their routine, with regular brushing to prevent tartar buildup and promote good oral health.