A Brief History

It seems that many thousands of years ago some  "Spitz Type Dogs" from central Europe made their way across Eastern Europe and Asia to Japan, arriving there about the year 500 A.D.

The Japanese people found these dogs to be very suitable as "Companion Dogs" for their large extended families and small gardens. In 1954 the Japanese Kennel Club drew up an official breed standard. It is an adaptation of this standard that is used today.

Breed Characteristics

They are a small to medium dog with a white "off-standing" coat and expressive dark eyes. They are nearly always smiling, and since their head reaches a little below knee height, they are a good family-sized  dog.

"Adaptable" is the word that best describes them. They thrive anywhere from the searing heat of Central Australia to the snowy North of Scandinavia. They live happily inside or outside in most climates.

If you want them to run in the park with you they will gladly do so. However, they like a cuddle and being loving and companionable, are more than happy to sit with you while you watch T.V. or do the gardening.

Their fairly light build ensures that they are not likely to knock over frail people, or young children. They are athletic and robust and will jog along with the fitness conscious members of the family.

They enjoy the company of other dogs and cats, but playing with children is their favourite pastime.

Their coat looks as if it needs a lot of attention. This is not the case. The "Teflon" texture of the outer coat allows mud and dirt to drop off as soon as it dries. One or two baths a year is quite sufficient as this breed has no "doggy odour". Clipping or plucking is not necessary and a 10 minute comb twice a week will keep them immaculate.

People who are allergic to dog hair usually have no trouble with this breed.

These dogs are not fussy eaters, are cheap to feed and don't have skin complaints.

Japanese Spitz are easy to train but, of course, as with any dog, you must spend some time with them showing them what it is that  you want them to learn. This is especially important in the first few months of their lives.

They are a healthy dog and apart from vaccinations, visits to the vet should be very few, if any.