The Japanese spitz is a small, fluffy dog with an adorable fox-like expression and lively personality. When they’re not getting up to mischief in typical spitz fashion, or battling it out with their favorite toy, they’ll be snuggled up right by your side. They’re sure to keep your lap feeling snug as temperatures drop.
The Japanese spitz is a relatively modern breed, but that hasn’t stopped them from taking the world by storm. If you too have been swayed by this adorable dog, then keep reading. Today, we’ll be giving this special breed some much-deserved love and covering their unique traits and what’s involved with their care.
What Does a Japanese Spitz Look Like?
The Japanese spitz is instantly recognizable from afar. They truly look like a bundle of fluff, with a profuse pure white coat that covers them from head to paw. They also have sharp, fox-like facial features, which offer a striking contrast against the softness of their coat.
The Japanese spitz is a small dog. They usually stand 12 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 25 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females.
This makes them extremely popular companions for those who want the personality and energy of a spitz dog like the Siberian husky, but in a more manageable, apartment-friendly package.
Japanese Spitz Personality
As you would expect from their “spitz” moniker, the Japanese spitz has a personality that towers over their small frame. They are bold, intelligent, and playful, with plenty of love to go around for their family.
They are famously people-oriented, so be prepared to have a little fluffy shadow following you from room to room. However, this trait does mean that they often become anxious without the company of their loved ones.
To keep separation anxiety at bay, avoid leaving them alone for more than a few hours at a time. You can also provide them with distractions like puzzle toys.
Japanese Spitz Care Needs
The Japanese spitz is one of the more manageable spitz breeds in terms of care. We take a look at their exercise needs, trainability, grooming, health, and more below.
Exercise and Activities
While playful and energetic, the Japanese spitz is usually content with around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. They enjoy engaging walks where they can put their nose to use, and also appreciate play where they can bond closely with their family.
Mental Stimulation
Japanese spitz dogs do pack plenty of brainpower even if they only stand up to 15 inches tall! Keep their brain busy and challenge them with activities like trick training, puzzle toys, hide and seek, and agility.
Training Needs
The Japanese spitz does have that renowned independent streak you see in other spitz breeds, so you want to start their training early.
Begin with the basics, being patient and firm at every stage, before adding more advanced commands to your routine. They are intelligent, so with the right guidance, they’ll still pick up things quickly. Reward-based training techniques are the best way to manage their stubbornness.
Coat and Grooming
Despite the coat’s profuse, fluffy look, it’s actually very easy to maintain. The fur naturally resists dirt and isn’t prone to getting matted. The Japanese spitz also likes to keep themselves clean, so that means you won’t have to deal with the typical doggy odor you see in other breeds.
However, you should still brush them once a week to keep their fur looking its best. You will need to brush them more frequently when they blow out their coat to help get rid of all the extra fur.
Alongside this, make sure to clean their teeth daily, wash them every month or so, and trim their nails as needed. You should also clip their fluff if it becomes unruly.
Common Health Problems
Japanese spitz dogs are fairly hardy and most live for 10 to 14 years. However, you’ll want to keep an eye out for health problems such as:
- Patellar luxation
- Dental disease
- Muscular dystrophy
Don’t skip your dog’s routine vet checkups, as regular veterinary involvement is what helps you catch health issues early before they become serious.
Food and Diet
Japanese spitz usually need around 1 to 2 cups of dog food per day, split across two separate feedings, to keep them full and energized. However, the quality matters as much as the quantity.
Give them a formula that’s appropriate for their size, made of high-quality ingredients, and contains all the essential nutrients. They also benefit from omega fatty acids, as this helps to keep their coat fluffy and healthy.
Is the Japanese Spitz Your Perfect Breed?
If you’re won over by everything we’ve said so far, and feel you can meet their care needs, then the Japanese spitz may be your perfect match.
However, remember that the above is just a quick glimpse into the breed. It’s important to delve deeper into their traits to confirm they’re really the right dog for you. This in-depth Japanese spitz breed guide is the perfect place to learn more.
