Japanese Spitz are always smiling. These smart, playful dogs have one purpose in life: to make you happy. Expect them to clown around to make you laugh (which is their favourite sound). Loyal and affectionate towards their family, they make great family pets - wherever their family is, that’s where they want to be. Bred as companion dogs, Japanese Spitz are born attention seekers and do best when surrounded by their loved ones. Left alone for too long, they’re prone to unwanted behaviours, including chewing.
Japanese Spitz Facts
Small but stocky dogs, Japanese Spitz grow up to a maximum of 38cm tall and weigh up to 11kg although they can look bigger due to their thick white double coat, complete with mane. Always smiling, Japanese Spitz are playful, fun-loving companion dogs.
- Breed Group: Non-sporting / Companion
- Height: 30-38cm
- Weight: 4.5-11kg
- Life Span: 12-14 years
- Coat: Double, medium
- Colour: White
What Does a Japanese Spitz Look Like?
Although a Japanese Spitz looks a little like a Samoyed and a little like a fox, they’re very much their own dog. Small, these white dogs are sometimes known as cloud dogs. Given their pure white thick double coat, plumed tail that arches over their back and mane around their necks, it’s no surprise.
The Japanese Spitz fox-like appearance comes from their pointed muzzle, complete with black nose, black rims around their almond eyes and triangular ears. Their ears swivel at any sound, letting you know that this is an intelligent, alert dog.
Japanese Spitz
Japanese Spitz Temperament: Comedic Companion
It’s hard not to look at a Japanese Spitz and smile - these playful companion dogs exist for one purpose: making you laugh and smile. High-spirited, intelligent, happy and playful, the Japanese Spitz is a big personality in a small body. Because they adore their humans so much, they make great guard dogs. They might be small but their bark isn’t. Early socialisation will help a Japanese Spitz to learn that new humans and animals aren’t a threat, but a friend they haven't met yet. However, they do usually live well with furry siblings too, including cats.
Loving, loyal and devoted to their humans, Japanese Spitz are great with children and older people. Especially because once they’re done making you laugh, they want to cuddle up on your lap and doze the rest of the day away. Known for being attention seekers, Japanese Spitz always want to be at the centre of the household. If left alone for a long time, they don’t cope well and will turn to unwanted behaviours, like chewing your favourite shoes.
You can blame their intelligence for that. These smart, energetic dogs will happily find mischief if left to their own devices. But keep them by your side (and your lap free for them) and play with them, and in return you’ll have a happy clown of a dog to brighten your days.
Keeping Japanese Spitz Healthy: 4 Issues to Watch Out For
Good news: Japanese Spitz are considered one of the healthiest dog breeds. They’re not prone to many of the genetic conditions that other purebreds are and usually live long, healthy lives.
Runny Eyes
A minor health issue Japanese Spitz may experience is runny eyes. You’ll probably only notice this because of their pure white coat. Gently clean and wipe away any eye discharge with warm water and a cloth or cotton ball. If their eyes look red or inflamed or the discharge is thick, yellow or smelly, take them to the vet for a check-up.
Joint Problems
Japanese Spitz are at risk of patella luxation. This is when their kneecaps don’t sit in the right place, causing pain, stiffness and even osteoartritis. Signs include your dog ‘skipping’ and avoiding using a leg. Depending on the severity, patella luxation can be treated with medication or surgery.
Skin Issues
Bathing a Japanese Spitz too often can strip their skin of its natural oils, causing it to become dry and itchy. It’s easy to avoid this: only wash them when necessary and no more than 4 times a year.
Caring for Your Japanese Spitz Dog
Japanese Spitz thick double white coats might look high maintenance, but surprisingly they’re not. Caring for Japanese Spitz is more about ensuring a steady stream of affection and attention.
Grooming
If you’re imagining hours spent in the grooming parlour, getting your Japanese Spitz’ coat washed, brushed and blow dried - good news: it doesn’t need much to keep it looking beautiful. In fact, their coat is known as a 'Teflon coat' because mud and dirt doesn’t stick to it. If your Japanese Spitz gets muddy, wait for it to dry and simply brush it out.
Other than that, give their coat a weekly brush (a pin brush is a good choice, as it gently detangles down to their skin). Twice a year, Japanese Spitz shed their thick undercoat in about 2 to 3 weeks. During these times, they need a daily brush to remove the old fur. Even with daily brushing, expect hair to be everywhere - on you, your clothes and throughout your home. This is the perfect time to use a deshedding tool.
Hold off on the baths. Bathing them too often can irritate their skin and cause them to lose their natural oils. Keep a bath to once per season (unless they get into something really disgusting). Like with all dog breeds, trim a Spitz’s nails and brush their teeth regularly. Find out more on nail care here.
Nutrition
Japanese Spitz aren’t known for being fussy eaters and should happily eat quality dog food that’s suitable for their life stage (puppy, adult or senior). Their exercise and energy needs aren’t particularly high so they don’t need a special diet. However, you could look out for small breed specific food which is nutritionally balanced for smaller dogs and usually has smaller kibble.
Start them off right with the Royal Canin Mini Puppy Dry and Wet Food range then transition to Royal Canin Mini Adult Dry Food.
Although treats are a great training aid, too many can add up and cause your Japanese Spitz to become overweight, which can lead to health problems.
Exercise
A Spitz’s exercise needs are medium, which means you won’t be pounding the pavements for hours trying to wear them out. They’ll be happy with around 45 minutes of exercise per day, which will include a daily walk or stroll (no high energy run needed) and some playtime. Japanese Spitz are playful dogs and love nothing more than a game of catch with a ball. It’s important that whatever exercise they’re enjoying, they’re doing it with their family.
Once exercise is done, expect your cuddly Spitz to curl up with you in front of the TV for the rest of the day.
Training Your Japanese Spitz
Thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please, training a Japanese Spitz is pretty straightforward. Especially because all they want to do is spend time with you, and regular training gives you the bonding time they crave.
Sure, they may be small and adorable looking but without proper training, they’re likely to teach themselves new tricks - and you probably won’t enjoy them (think non-stop barking and chewing). Early socialisation and puppy classes are important for Japanese Spitz. Although they’re loving and loyal towards you, they can be reserved and aloof with strangers.