Nihon Supittsu – that’s the name of the Japanese Spitz in its Far Eastern homeland. The elegant small dog has not been at home there for long, compared to time-honored traditional breeds. Although there is a striking similarity to the German Great or Medium Spitz, the Japanese Spitz differs from its European counterparts in some details. Probably the most important advantage of the little Japanese is that it is not a yapper.

ProfileJapanese Spitz

Japanese Spitz: history of the breed

The origins of the Japanese Spitz cannot be clearly clarified. However, it is likely to be directly related to the German Spitz >, which came to Japan via Russia and China at the beginning of the 20th century. Animals were also imported from China and North America to breed Spitz. The small Japanese Spitz was not bred as an independent breed until the thirties. Since 1948, it has been accepted as a pedigree dog in Japan. Recognition by the breeders’ umbrella organization Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) took place in 1964.

Character of the Japanese Spitz

Japanese Spitz are bright, clever four-legged friends. They are playful and agile, but not too temperamental. The dogs are attentive; nothing escapes them. The animals develop a close bond with their human pack – including children and possibly other pets – and show themselves to be affectionate and loyal. The “will to please”, i.e. the desire to please humans, is strong in the Japanese Spitz. At first, he is suspicious of strangers, but is not immediately looking for confrontation like some other Spitz representatives. The dog prefers to be in the middle of the action so as not to miss anything that is happening around him. In a well-socialized Japanese Spitz, you will find an uncomplicated companion with a cheerful charisma.

Education and Keeping of the Japanese Spitz

In contrast to its presumed European ancestors, the Japanese Spitz is much less barking. If you live in an apartment, this is a considerable advantage. However, sufficient exercise must be provided, and the Japanese Spitz also appreciates access to a garden plot. The hunting instinct of the Japanese Spitz is vanishingly low. This makes stress-free walking in nature quite possible.

The Japanese Spitz is intelligent and is quite easy to train. He is also suitable for dog sports that require some brains: agility, trick dogging or dog dancing. The joint activity with you suits his playful nature, he enjoys your closeness. On the other hand, he does not tolerate staying alone for a long time.

Caring for the Japanese Spitz

The care of the Japanese Spitz is a little more complex than with a short-haired dog. The dog must be carefully brushed regularly (daily during the shedding). Dental care also needs your support: To prevent tartar, brush your nose’s teeth with a dog toothbrush at least weekly.

Special features of the Japanese Spitz

As with many smaller dogs, the Japanese Spitz has an increased predisposition to patellar luxation, i.e. the popping out of the kneecap. However, this is not a breed-specific problem. The tear ducts can also become increasingly blocked in Japanese Spitz. A disease that is actually noticeable in Japanese Spitz is distichiasis. Small hairs on the edge of the eyelid permanently irritate the cornea. Responsible breeders try to counteract this hereditary phenomenon.

Contacts where you can inquire about Japanese Spitz puppies can be given to you on request by the VDH (Association for the German Canine Society). Buy your Japanese Spitz from a reputable breeder who cares about the health of your animals.

Let yourself be inspired by other breeds from the Lace family:

• Eurasians: The Eurasier is an interesting choice for families looking for a warm, active and cuddly companion for their everyday life.
• Finnish Spitz: The Finnish Spitz cannot be overheard: it indicates visitors directly with loud barking. This makes it a reliable guard dog – but it can do much more:
• Icelandic Sheepdog: The Icelandic Dog is one of the rare dog breeds, but is finding more and more enthusiasts among dog lovers who are looking for an intelligent, active and affectionate companion.
• Quay: Once he hunted big game in the pack, today the Kai, or more correctly: Kai Inu or Tora Inu, is a dog that is one of the absolute exotics outside of Japan.
• Kleinspitz: The Spitz is one of the oldest German dog breeds, the Kleinspitz is one of its smallest representatives. However, you should not underestimate the handy companions.
• Mittelspitz: The Mittelspitz is a classic family dog with a long pedigree. As a former guard dog, he still keeps a close eye on your house and yard.
• Samoyed: With its characteristic “smile”, the Samoyed inspires dog lovers all over the world. It was once used as a working dog and fluffy warmer by the Siberian nomadic peoples.
• Dwarf spitz: Small, lively and a living ball of fur on four paws, so to speak: Pomeranian horses are very popular as companion and family dogs. The reasons for this are obvious.