Japanese Spitz breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Japanese Spitz
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Japanese Spitz breed
The Japanese Spitz is a small to medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Japan, bred from crossing breeds including German Spitz. They were developed by breeding different Spitz-type dogs to create a breed with a striking appearance and a friendly temperament.
Japanese Spitz dogs are known for their playful and mischievous nature. They enjoy entertaining their families with their antics and have a knack for making people smile.
Weight, height and life expectancy
On average, male Japanese Spitz dogs stand between 30-36cm tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 27-33cm in height.
Their weight typically ranges from 5-10kg.
Japanese Spitz have a life expectancy of around 12 to 16 years.
What is the temperament of a Japanese Spitz like?
Japanese Spitz dogs have a friendly and outgoing temperament. They are intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please their owners. They form strong bonds with their families and are known to be loyal companions. Japanese Spitz dogs generally get along well with children and other pets when properly socialised from a young age.
These dogs have a playful and energetic nature, but they are not excessively hyperactive. They enjoy engaging in activities with their families, such as play sessions and daily walks. Japanese Spitz dogs are also known for their alertness, making them good watchdogs who will bark to alert their owners of any potential intruders.
It's important to note that Japanese Spitz dogs thrive on human companionship and can become anxious or develop behavioural issues if left alone for long periods. They require a loving and attentive owner who can provide them with plenty of social interaction and mental stimulation.
Our Japanese Spitz Community
“Finnie loves walks in the woods and parks, if there is grass or dirt to run around in - he is happy!”
Finnie’s owner, Karolina from Edinburgh
“Mila is a bouncy, fluffy, happy puppy who loves to meet new people and dogs (but mostly people)!”
Mila’s owner, Freya from Greater Manchester
How much exercise does a Japanese Spitz need?
Japanese Spitz dogs have moderate exercise needs and generally require around an hour of exercise each day. This can be achieved through daily walks, playtime in a securely fenced area, or interactive games that stimulate their mind and body.
When it comes to Japanese Spitz puppies, their exercise requirements differ from adult dogs. Puppies have developing bones and joints that are more susceptible to injury, so their exercise sessions should be shorter and less strenuous. Aim for multiple short play sessions throughout the day, gradually increasing the duration and intensity as they grow older. Japanese Spitz dogs reach full exercise capacity at an adult level around 12 to 18 months of age. However, individual dogs may vary, so it's important to monitor their energy levels and adjust their exercise accordingly.
Need an extra hand exercising your Japanese Spitz? Find a local borrower today.
Do Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of grooming?
Japanese Spitz dogs are known for their beautiful white coats, fluffy tails that curl over their backs, and their resemblance to the larger Samoyed breed. They have a beautiful double coat consisting of a soft and dense undercoat and a longer, straight outer coat. They have a moderate shedding level and require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition. Brushing their coat two to three times a week helps remove loose hair, prevents matting, and maintains the coat's natural shine. During shedding seasons, which usually occur twice a year, more frequent brushing may be necessary to manage the increased hair loss.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Japanese Spitz easy to train?
The Japanese Spitz is an intelligent and eager-to-please breed, making them relatively easy to train. Begin training your Japanese Spitz as soon as you bring them home. Early socialisation and basic obedience training are crucial for their development. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and play to reward good behaviour. Japanese Spitz respond well to rewards and will be motivated to learn and please you.
Japanese Spitz are intelligent dogs that thrive on mental stimulation. Engage their minds with puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions. Mental challenges and variety in activities will keep them engaged and prevent boredom. Be consistent in your training methods and expectations. Use the same cues and gestures for commands, and ensure all family members follow the same rules and routines.
Keep training sessions short and enjoyable. Japanese Spitz have a relatively short attention span, so frequent, focused sessions of about 10-15 minutes are more effective than long, tiring sessions.
Socialise them with various people, animals and environments from a young age. This helps them become well-rounded and comfortable in different situations.
Want to experience spending time with a Japanese Spitz to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Japanese Spitz near you.
What do Japanese Spitz dogs eat?
Japanese Spitz puppies have specific dietary requirements for their growth and development. It's recommended to feed them a high-quality puppy food formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Puppies typically require three to four meals a day until they are around six months old, after which the number of meals can be reduced to two.
Around the age of 12 months, Japanese Spitz dogs can transition to adult dog food. Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet suitable for their size, age, and activity level. It's important to monitor their weight and adjust the portion sizes to prevent obesity.
Are Japanese Spitz healthy?
Japanese Spitz dogs are generally healthy, but like any breed, they may be prone to certain health conditions. Some potential health concerns in Japanese Spitz dogs include:
Bleeding disorders
Coagulation Factor VII Deficiency - an inherited bleeding disorder that prevents normal blood clotting
Bones and joints
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Eyes
Progressive Retinal Atrophy - over time the back of the eye becomes damaged which can reduce your dog’s vision, eventually leading to blindness
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Japanese Spitz is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Keep their thick, double coat healthy with regular brushing but avoid over-bathing. Japanese Spitz coats are surprisingly low-maintenance despite their fluffy appearance; they repel dirt and don’t mat easily. Brush them 2-3 times a week to manage shedding and keep their coat looking clean and beautiful. Bathing should only be done as needed to avoid stripping natural oils.
BorrowMyDoggy loves Japanese Spitz Dogs
BorrowMyDoggy has over 300 Japanese Spitz members
Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
