| Japanese Spitz | |||||||||||||||||
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.jpg) Japanese Spitz | |||||||||||||||||
| Origin | Japan | ||||||||||||||||
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| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||||||||||
TheJapanese Spitz (日本スピッツ,Nihon Supittsu,Japanese pronunciation:[nʲippoɴ.sɯ̥ᵝpʲittsɯᵝ]) is a small to mediumbreed ofdog of theSpitztype. There are varying standards around the world as to the ideal size of the breed, but they are always larger than their smaller cousins, thePomeranian. They were developed in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s by breeding a number of other Spitz type dog breeds together. They are recognized by the vast majority of the major kennel clubs, and while they are a relatively new breed, they are becoming widely popular due to their favorable temperament and other features.
The major health concern ispatellar luxation, and a minor recurring concern is that the breed can be prone to runny eyes. They can act as reliable watchdogs, but are a type ofcompanion dog and prefer to be an active part of the family. Although they might appear fluffy, they are a low maintenance breed as dirt does not stick to the coat.
The Japanese Spitz is a small dog, around 33 cm (13 in)s) at thewithers, with a somewhat square body, deep chest, and a very thick, pure white doublecoat. The coat consists of an outer coat that stands off from the soft inner coat, with fur shorter on the muzzle and ears as well as the fronts of the forelegs and the hindlegs. A ruff of longer fur is around the dog's neck. It has 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 and nails of the feet, the black nose, and the dark eyes.[2] The large oval (akin to a ginkgo seed) eyes are dark and slightly slanted with white eyelashes, and the nose and lips and eye rims are black. The face of the Japanese Spitz is wedge-shaped.[3]
They share a common resemblance with thewhite Pomeranian,Samoyed andAmerican Eskimo Dog.
Description of the ideal size of the breed varies. In Japan, the ideal size for males are described as 30–38 cm at thewithers, with females somewhat smaller; (the Japanese standard is the one published by theFédération Cynologique Internationale for international dog competitions.)[4] In the UK, theKennel Club describes the size as 34–37 cm (13–15 in) at thewithers with females 30–34 cm (12–13 in),[3] which is the same for theAustralian National Kennel Council.[5] In New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club), the ideal size is 30–40 cm (12–16 in) for males, 25–35 cm (9.8–13.8 in) for females. TheCanadian Kennel Club states that the size for dogs is 12 inches (30 cm) with females slightly smaller, and theUnited Kennel Club in the U.S. describes the ideal size as 12 to 15 in (30 to 38 cm) for males and 12 to 14 in (30 to 36 cm) for females. Minor kennel clubs and other organizations may use any of these ideal sizes or create their own. Japanese Spitzes are generally considered larger than their cousin, thePomeranian.
Dog breeders inJapan in the 1920s and 1930s created the Japanese Spitz bycrossbreeding a number of other Spitz breeds to develop the Japanese Spitz.[6] Breeders began with whiteGerman Spitz dogs, originally brought over from northeastern China to Japan; they were first exhibited at a dog show in Tokyo in 1921.[7] Between 1925 and 1936 various small white Spitz breeds were imported from around the world and crossed into the developing breed, with the goal of producing an improved breed.[7] The finalStandard for the breed was written after World War II, and accepted by theJapan Kennel Club.[7] The breed gained popularity in Japan in the 1950s, and was exported toSweden in the early 1950s. From there the breed went toEngland, and theKennel Club recognized the Japanese Spitz in 1977 in theUtility Group.[2] The Japanese Spitz has spread around the world including toAustralia,India, and theUnited States and is recognized by most of the major kennel clubs in the English speaking world; by theCanadian Kennel Club inGroup 6, Non-Sporting, by theNew Zealand Kennel Club (Non-Sporting Group), by theAustralian National Kennel Council in Group 7 (Non Sporting), and by theUnited Kennel Club (U.S.) in theNorthern Breeds Group. In April 2019, theAmerican Kennel Club added Japanese Spitz breed to Foundation Stock Service that means is yet to be recognized by the AKC.[8] The breed is also recognized by minor registries and clubs.
They are a healthy breed with very few genetic problems. The main health concern for Japanese Spitz is the development ofPatellar luxation, a condition in which the kneecap dislocates out of its normal position. They can also be prone to runny eyes, which is most commonly due to havingtear ducts that are too small, or an allergy to long grass or stress. It is rarely caused by any serious eye defect.[9]
A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 forcrossbreeds.[10]
Active, loyal, and bright,[11] the Japanese Spitz are known for their great courage, affection, devotion and amiability making them great watchdogs and ideal companions for older people and small children. Most Japanese Spitz are good watch dogs, despite their relatively small size, and they have a tendency to bark to warn of arriving strangers.[11] The Japanese Spitz is first and foremost acompanion dog and thrives on human contact and attention, preferring to be a member of the family. They are known as very loyal dogs. They enjoy being active and love to be in the outdoors. They are intelligent, playful, alert, and obedient, and particularly excellent and loving toward children.[12]
Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather but, as it was bred as a companion dog, prefers to live in the house with the warmth of its human family.[11] Though they can live in apartments, they need some time running around outside off-leash in a safe environment.
Due to the texture of their coat, mud and dirt falls off or can be brushed out very easily. However, due to the breed's thick coat, regular brushing is essential.[11][13][14]
The Japanese Spitz's coat is relatively dry as compared to other breeds. Their coat should be groomed twice a week using a pin brush that reaches to the undercoat, preventing formation of knots.[15] Grooming this breed is relatively easy in contrast to other dog breeds. Their white fur coat has a non-stick texture often described as being similar toTeflon.[16]
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