Introduction

The Japanese Spitz captivates with its pristine, snowy white coat, elegantly perched triangular ears, delicate cat-like paws, and a distinctive tail that arches gracefully over its back. This enchanting breed traces its roots back to 1920s Japan, as noted by the Japanese Spitz Club, although its origins prior to that era remain somewhat mysterious. Resembling several other breeds, including the German Spitz, the American Eskimo Dog, and the ever-popular Pomeranian, the Japanese Spitz stands out with its unique charm.

When fully matured, these dogs weigh between 10 and 25 pounds and measure 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. They are known for their affectionate nature, playful spirit, easy trainability, compact size, and a deep love for family companionship.

Caring for a Japanese Spitz

The Japanese Spitz is a joyful, low-key companion, making it an ideal family dog or cheerful roadside buddy. Their small size and easygoing disposition allow them to fit seamlessly into various lifestyles. Deeply loyal and sweet, they form strong bonds with their families and, with proper training and socialization, can be trusted around children, other dogs, and even cats.

With a moderate energy level, they benefit from 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, which might include a relaxing neighborhood stroll, an engaging game of fetch, or spirited playtime in the backyard.

Despite their luxurious fluff, their coat requires surprisingly minimal upkeep for most of the year. However, during their biannual shedding of the entire undercoat, daily brushing for several weeks becomes necessary to keep shedding under control and maintain a fur-free home.

Japanese Spitz Health Issues

Generally robust, the Japanese Spitz enjoys a typical lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Nevertheless, like all breeds, they are predisposed to some health concerns. Investing in pet insurance can be wise when welcoming a Japanese Spitz puppy into your home.

Patellar Luxation

This condition occurs when the dog’s kneecap slips out of its normal groove, often because of a shallow femoral notch. Severity varies; minor cases may only cause occasional limping, while severe luxation can require surgical intervention.

If your dog occasionally limps or skips during walks or runs, consult your veterinarian to evaluate for patellar luxation.

Muscular Dystrophy

A rare but serious inherited muscle disorder in Japanese Spitz, muscular dystrophy usually emerges between 10 and 12 weeks old. Affected pups may struggle with chewing, experience excessive drooling, tire easily, suffer muscle pain, and show coordination difficulties. Unfortunately, this condition has no cure and progressively worsens, with most afflicted puppies not surviving past their first year.

To prevent this, ensure your breeder has conducted genetic screening to avoid passing this mutation to future litters.

Factor VII Deficiency

This inherited bleeding disorder hampers the blood’s ability to clot properly, often remaining unnoticed until an injury or surgery occurs. Symptoms can range from a complete absence of signs to visible issues like unusual bruising, bloody diarrhea, prolonged bleeding from wounds, or internal bleeding.

Genetic testing can identify this condition, and responsible breeders will perform such screenings before breeding their dogs.

Dental Disease

Japanese Spitz dogs tend to develop dental plaque and gum inflammation early. Starting a dental hygiene routine by brushing their teeth from puppyhood is essential. Supplementary dental care options include VetriScience Perio Support supplements, OraVet dental chews, and other Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved products to curb tartar buildup.

An annual professional dental cleaning will help maintain your dog’s oral health.

What To Feed a Japanese Spitz

Feeding your Japanese Spitz a premium small-breed formula that meets the nutrition levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is crucial. Tailor their diet to their life stage—puppy, adult, or senior—and seek your veterinarian’s guidance to select the most suitable food.

How To Feed a Japanese Spitz

Adult Japanese Spitz thrive best when fed twice daily—morning and evening. In contrast, puppies should be fed three times a day to help prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

How Much Should You Feed a Japanese Spitz?

Refer to feeding instructions on your dog food packaging, adjusting portions according to your dog’s weight. For personalized advice regarding your dog’s health, age, and activity level, consult your veterinarian.

As your puppy reaches one year, gradually transition from puppy food to a high-quality adult small-breed formula, which contains fewer calories to help avoid excess weight gain.

Nutritional Tips for Japanese Spitz

When provided with an AAFCO-approved diet, a healthy Japanese Spitz generally requires no dietary supplements unless recommended by a vet. For example, if your dog has patellar luxation, adding joint support supplements and omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish oil) can help alleviate joint inflammation.

Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament

Japanese Spitz dogs are lively and spirited, finding joy in entertaining their families by mastering tricks and new skills. They interact wonderfully with children and other pets when socialized early in life.

With moderate activity needs, they enjoy 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, which can include playtime with toys, trick training, walking adventures, or energetic runs in a securely fenced yard.

Japanese Spitz Behavior

Warm and sociable, Japanese Spitz dogs are eager to greet new people and pets—provided they have been properly introduced during puppyhood. Without early socialization, they might exhibit shy or nervous behaviors.

Deeply attached to their owners, these dogs may develop separation anxiety if left alone for lengthy periods. They tend to bark when seeking attention or excitement, but early training with a skilled dog trainer can effectively curb excessive barking.

Japanese Spitz Training

Intelligent and devoted, Japanese Spitz dogs respond well to positive reinforcement, thriving on praise and rewards. Early socialization and puppy training classes are essential to shaping confident, well-behaved adults.

Fun Activities for Japanese Spitz

• Leisurely walks
• Energetic running in a fenced yard
• Obedience training sessions
• Agility courses
• Rally competitions
• Dog shows and events
• Playtime with family and other dogs
• Curling up in a warm lap for cuddles
• Fetch games

Japanese Spitz Grooming Guide

Displaying a medium-length, pure white double coat, the Japanese Spitz requires minimal grooming most of the year, except during heavy seasonal sheds when upkeep intensifies.

Regular at-home grooming helps keep your pup looking their best year-round.

Skin Care

Baths are only necessary every few months. Overbathing can strip natural oils from their skin, leading to dryness and irritation.

Coat Care

Biannually, in spring and fall, the Japanese Spitz sheds its entire undercoat, a process that lasts two to three weeks. During this period, daily brushing is essential to manage shedding and prevent fur from overtaking your home.

Outside of shedding seasons, weekly brushing prevents tangling and mats. The breed’s coat naturally repels dirt, and any mud that does cling can be brushed out easily once dry.

Eye Care

Due to their light-colored fur, Japanese Spitz may develop tear stains. Regularly cleaning their eyes with dog-safe wipes helps maintain a pristine appearance.

Ear Care

Thanks to their upright ears, Japanese Spitz dogs experience fewer ear infections compared to breeds with floppy ears. Monthly cleaning with a veterinary-approved ear cleanser will keep their ears healthy and infection-free.

Considerations for Pet Parents

Daily exercise of 30 to 60 minutes suits the Japanese Spitz perfectly and doesn’t require intense activity. Walks around the neighborhood or a simple backyard ball chase satisfy their physical needs. They also excel in dog sports like rally and agility.

Adaptable to apartments, houses, or farm life, Japanese Spitz dogs thrive when closely involved with their families. They may experience separation anxiety if left alone too long, making them ideal for people who work from home or enjoy including their dogs on outings and trips.

Affectionate, trainable, and well-mannered with proper early socialization, Japanese Spitz make standout family pets who get along well with children and other animals, including cats.

Is a Japanese Spitz expensive?

Yes, Japanese Spitz dogs typically cost between $1,000 and $2,500. Those from champion bloodlines may command even higher prices.

Is a Japanese Spitz a good pet?

Absolutely. They bond deeply with their families and, when socialized early, greet new people and animals with warmth.

Do Japanese Spitz bark a lot?

They often bark when excited or seeking attention. Early, consistent training can help reduce excessive barking.

What’s the difference between a Japanese Spitz and an American Eskimo Dog?

The Japanese Spitz is available in a single size, whereas American Eskimo Dogs come in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. Originating from different countries—Japan for the Japanese Spitz and Germany for the American Eskimo—the Japanese Spitz sports a pure white coat only, while the American Eskimo Dog may be white or cream in color.