Select the dog breed you are interested in from the list below. Alphabetical Search: A - E F - J K - O P - T U - Z or Select A Breed

Japanese Spitz

You can find the contact details for specific breed societies local to you by going to the Your Territory area.

You may want to post any specific questions that you have about this breed in our Pet Talk area to ask people with first hand experience.

General
OtherNames		JS
Dog Group Kennel Club		Utility
Breed Classification		The Japanese Spitz is a member of the Utility group and were originally bred as a smaller version of the Samoyed. They are today used as companion dogs and seen in the show ring.
Cost of Ownership Visit our dog food department
Average Food Cost		< £4
Feeding Requirements		Feeding costs for this breed are around £4 per week.
Other Expenses		The price of puppies can range from £200 - £500.
Average Puppy Price		£300-500
Lifespan		9 - 15 years
Average Litter Size		4
General Physical Description		Bearing an undeniable resemblance to their larger cousins, the Samoyeds, the Japanese Spitz is a handsome breed. Their profuse, white, stand-off coat, pointed muzzle and bushy tail carried over their backs make them instantly recognisable.
Height Min Max Bitch 30cm 34cm Dog 34cm 37cm Weight Min Max Bitch 5kg 6kg Dog 6kg 7kg
Size Category		Small
Weight Height Range		Dogs should measure between 34 - 37cms at the withers, bitches 30 – 34cms. There are no laid down weight guidelines but around 5 – 6kgs is the norm.
Ailments		A healthy breed with few genetic problems, the main one being patellar luxation (slipping patella) which responsible breeders are working hard on obliterating. They can also be prone to runny eyes, but this is rarely caused by any serious eye defect, the most common reason being too small tear ducts, an allergy to long grass or when they are stressed.
Common Ailments
Susceptibility To Illness Pet insurance for dogs resource Pet health and vet advice		Low
Other
History		The breed is believed to have come from the Samoyed although they do bear a strong resemblance to the American Eskimo, which in turn comes from the German Spitzen. The Japanese continued to down size the Samoyed, the end result being the Japanese Spitz. According to records, the first Spitz arrived circa 1918 from America, Canada, China and Australia and it is believed that these dogs became the bases of the Japanese Spitz as we know it today. The Kennel Club officially recognised the breed in 1981.
Intelligence		An intelligent breed which is not too difficult to train although consistency is a must. You must let them know who is the ‘boss’. They learn quickly and love to participate in agility and flyball.
Show Characteristics		The head should be medium sized with no coarseness , the skull being broadest at the occiput with a well-defined stop. The muzzle should be pointed, being neither too thick or too long. The nose should be round, small and black. The eyes should be dark, moderate in size, oval shaped and not too far apart with black eye rims. The ears should be small and angular, standing erect. They should be set high on the head facing forwards and not too wide apart. The jaws should be strong with a complete scissor bite. The neck should be of moderate length, strong and arched going into well laid shoulders. The forelegs should be straight with firm and tight elbows and slightly sloping pasterns. The hind legs should be well-proportioned and balanced, muscular and moderately angulated, and be seen as straight when viewed from behind. The chest should be broad and dip with powerfully sprung ribs. The back should be straight and short with the loins being broad and firm, with a slightly arched croup. The feet should be small, round and cat-like with black, well-cushioned pads and preferably dark nails. The tail should be of moderate length, with the root set high and curled over the back. The outer coat should be straight and stand-off, being shorter on the face, ears, front of forelegs and hind legs and below the hocks. The mane on the neck and shoulders should reach done to the brisket. The under coat should be profuse, short and dense.
Country Of Origin
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics Visit our dog training aids department
Energy		High
Overall Exercise		0 - 20 minutes
Distress Caused if Left Alone		Medium
Personal Protection		Low
Suitability As Guard Dog		High
Risk of Sheep Worrying		High
Tendency to Bark		Medium
Ease of Transportation		High
Level of Aggression		Low
Compatibility With Other Animals		High
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		Alert, high-spirited and playful dogs who will fit into almost every lifestyle. They love family life and will not cause any problems for other household pets. They are good with children if raised with them and adore a ‘rough and tumble’. They become very protective over them. They can tend to be rather reserved with strangers and unknown children but, with their own families will be affectionate and loyal. They are very aware of their surroundings and what is going round about them, always watching and listening. They do not normally bark unless something has upset them.
Grooming Visit our dog grooming department
Coat Length		Medium/Long
Grooming Requirement		Once a week
Trimming		Occasional
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		Regular grooming is necessary to keep the coat in good condition. It is better to have one weekly session and do a really good job rather than half-hearted attempts two or three times a week. The fluffy puppy coat will drop out and be replaced with a stronger, whiter coat. During this coat change regular combing will help the changeover.
Colour		The Japanese Spitz is always white.
Shedding		Moderate
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies