"Although there were white spitz-like dogs in Japan from about 1900- Probably descendants of the Samoyed- the breed didn't become established in Japan until after World War II" - CKC
There is also evidence found that Japanese Spitz have existed as early as 500AD!
JAPANESE SPITZ
The Japanese Spitz are recognized by the vast majority of the major kennel clubs. *The American Kennel club recently recognized Japanese Spitz in the FSS category in April 2019, thanks to Donna Stotts, who made the application and push forward for the breed*
*Our kennel was involved with the application process and was one of the first to have AKC recognition. (Huge thank you to Donna Stotts)
While Japanese Spitz are a relatively new breed, they are becoming widely popular due to their favorable temperament and other features. The major health concern is Patellur Luxation and a minor recurring concern is that the breed can be prone to runny eyes. To avoid structural health concerns it is now recommended to keep the dog intact for at least 18-24 months and avoid a pediatric spay or neuter. By delaying their alter, you can allow the body to develop more evenly, please click the link to learn more about this important topic. Our contracts include no early spay or neuters. (Did you know in most European countries as well as Australia, altering your dog isn't as common? Most dogs stay intact for their entire lives!)
The Japanese Spitz is a small dog around 30-33cm (12-13 inches) at the withers, with a somewhat square body, deep chest, and a very thick, pure white double coat. The coat consists of the "Guard hairs" that stands off from the soft inner downy coat, with fur shorter on the muzzle and ears as well as the fronts of the forelegs and hocks. A ruff of longer fur is around the dog's neck. They have a pointed muzzle and small, triangular shape prick ears (ears that stand up.) The tail is long, heavily covered with long fur, and is carried curled over and lying on the dog's back. The white coat contrasts with the black pads, nails of the feet, black nose, and dark eyes. The large oval eyes (akin to a gingko seed) are dark and slightly slanted with white eyelashes, with the nose, lips and eye rims being black. They share a common resemblance with the white Pomeranian dog, Samoyed and American Eskimo Dog. Their coats are relatively low maintenance. Daily and even weekly brushing is required with a standing appointment with your groomer every 4-6 weeks to ensure there is no matting or compacting of their coat especially when they "drop" their coat. This is usually 2-3 times a year and their downy fur will come off in clumps. When this happens its an indicator they will need a bath and blow out to get all the loose fur off of them. They should NEVER be shaved down. Their coat is designed to keep them warm when its cold outside and cool when it's hot outside.
Japanese Spitz have a longevity of 10-16 years, making it one of the longest-lived breeds. Their temperament can be described as loyal and potentially "velcro" as they truly love to be with their family. Japanese Spitz are known for their courage, affection and devotion. They can be great watch dogs, however will be pretty inviting to strangers coming into their home. For a small dog, they have a loud, sharp bark and sound bigger than they really are. Barking can be an issue if you do not train them, they love to hear their own voice and are effective communicators.
Japanese Spitz are VERY intelligent and curious. They can figure out puzzles pretty quickly, can manipulate you into believing they no longer eat chicken as they are waiting for that tasty beef offered the day before. (Don't believe them) They are very intuitive to their family's emotional needs. A lot of the males have been described as working emotional support animals. They are very social which is why they may not be the best candidates for a Service Dog. However there is always potential with the right training. They love children, babies, small animals and the like. They are a beginner breed, so if you are looking for an easy going dog, this may be the breed for you. They sincerely love snow when given the opportunity to play in it, this does not mean they cannot do well in hotter weather. They exist all over Australia, Europe, South America where temperatures can exceed 35C. Japanese Spitz are an indoor dog with an affinity for play outside. They are versatile in that they can live on the country side or in a small apartment.
Japanese Spitz are VERY intelligent and curious. They can figure out puzzles pretty quickly, can manipulate you into believing they no longer eat chicken as they are waiting for that tasty beef offered the day before. (Don't believe them) They are very intuitive to their family's emotional needs. A lot of the males have been described as working emotional support animals. They are very social which is why they may not be the best candidates for a Service Dog. However there is always potential with the right training. They love children, babies, small animals and the like. They are a beginner breed, so if you are looking for an easy going dog, this may be the breed for you. They sincerely love snow when given the opportunity to play in it, this does not mean they cannot do well in hotter weather. They exist all over Australia, Europe, South America where temperatures can exceed 35C. Japanese Spitz are an indoor dog with an affinity for play outside. They are versatile in that they can live on the country side or in a small apartment.