The Japanese Spitz is a small to medium breed of dog of the Spitz type, covered with profuse pure white coat, with pointed muzzle, triangular pricked ears, and feathering tail over the back. Its harmonious beauty causes spirit and dignity peculiar to the breed, and expresses elegance.
Active, loyal, and bright, the Japanese Spitz is known for its great courage, affection, devotion, and amiability — making it a great watchdog and an ideal companion for older people and small children.
Born in 1920s Japan
The origin of the Japanese Spitz is said to be the large-sized white German Spitz brought to Japan around 1920 via the continent of Siberia and the northeast part of China. Around the year 1921, the breed was first exhibited at a dog show in Tokyo.
Subsequently, in 1925, two pairs of white Spitz were imported from Canada, and until around 1936, imports came from Canada, the U.S., Australia, and China. Breeders in Japan crossbred these various spitz-type dogs, with the goal of producing an improved breed. After several decades of crossbreeding, a small, fluffy, white spitz breed was recognized in 1948, when the unified breed standard was established by the Japan Kennel Club, valid to the present.
Although records of the specific breeding program were kept, they were destroyed during World War II, so the exact details are unknown — the breeds thought to be used include white German Spitz, klein wolfsspitz (Keeshond), and various white spitz-type breeds. The breed gained popularity in Japan in the 1950s and was exported to Sweden in the early 1950s. From there it went to England, where the Kennel Club recognized the Japanese Spitz in 1977 in the Utility Group. In April 2019, the American Kennel Club added the Japanese Spitz to its Foundation Stock Service. It is still rather rare in North America.
A Profuse, Pure White Elegance
The Japanese Spitz is a small dog with a somewhat square body, deep chest, and a very thick, pure white double coat. The ratio of height at the withers to length of body is 10:11. The coat consists of an outer coat that stands off from the soft inner coat, with fur shorter on the muzzle and ears and the fronts of the legs, and a beautiful ruff of longer fur around the neck, reaching down to the brisket.
The face is wedge-shaped, with a pointed muzzle, small triangular pricked ears, and large, oval, dark, slightly slanted eyes (akin to a ginkgo seed) with white eyelashes. The nose, lips, and eye rims are black, contrasting with the pure white coat, as do the black pads and nails of the feet. The tail is long, heavily covered with long fur, and carried curled over and lying on the dog's back.
Males stand 30 to 38 cm (12–15 in) at the withers, with females somewhat smaller, and the breed weighs 10 to 25 pounds. It is always larger than its smaller cousin, the Pomeranian.
Cheerful, Devoted, and Intelligent
The Japanese Spitz is alert, intelligent, bold, and lively, affectionate and companionable — slightly chary at first meeting with strangers. First and foremost a companion dog, it thrives on human contact and attention, preferring to be a member of the family and known as very loyal.
The Japanese Spitz is friendly and eager to meet new people and other pets if properly socialized at a young age — a dog that hasn't been properly socialized may be more reserved and nervous. They are joyful, low-maintenance, and make great family dogs, trusted around children, other dogs, and cats. Most make good watchdogs despite their small size, tending to bark to warn of arriving strangers.
Exercise and Activity
The Japanese Spitz needs 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, but it doesn't have to be rigorous — they're happy to go on neighborhood walks or just chase a ball in the backyard. The breed can also excel in dog sports, such as rally and agility. Their small size makes them very portable, and they love to accompany their people on excursions.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 30–45 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 20–30 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for this cheerful companion.
Training a Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is intelligent, playful, alert, and obedient, with a fun and energetic temperament — this breed loves to entertain its humans by performing tricks and learning skills. They are easy to train with positive, reward-based methods and are well-behaved around children and other pets.
The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz's thick, fluffy, luxurious white coat is surprisingly easy to care for — no trimming is required, and the dog tends to look and feel clean with only occasional baths, as the hair naturally repels dirt. Grooming needs are low most of the year, except when they shed their entire undercoat twice yearly, which then requires more maintenance.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 2–3 times a week (daily during shedding season) | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a spitz double coat.
Feeding a Japanese Spitz
A Japanese Spitz should be fed high-quality food appropriate to its age, size, and activity level, typically in two meals per day. As an active small breed, portions should be measured carefully to prevent obesity.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1/2–1 cup | Use a good-quality puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 1–1.5 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1–1.25 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
The Japanese Spitz is an extremely healthy breed with very few genetic problems, living 12 to 14 years on average — a 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13 years. The main health concern is patellar luxation, a condition in which the kneecap dislocates. They can also be prone to runny eyes, most commonly due to tear ducts that are too small or an allergy.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Eye and ear health checks | Discuss with your vet | Part of the annual vet review |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
The Japanese Spitz is the consummate family dog — cheerful, quiet, and clean, ideal house dogs, because there is nothing they want more than to be with their families. Their small size and moderate energy level make them an ideal apartment dog, and they get along great with other dogs, cats, and respectful children. They are prone to separation anxiety and may bark when left alone too long.
If you're weighing whether a Japanese Spitz fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning a Japanese Spitz means committing to a companion that thrives on human contact, is prone to separation anxiety and barking when left alone, and sheds its undercoat heavily twice a year. They can be slightly chary of strangers without early socialization.
Yet for the right owner, the Japanese Spitz is incomparable — a cheerful, devoted, snow-white charmer with a lively spirit and a heart full of loyalty.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Cheerful, devoted, and affectionate
- Excellent with children and other pets
- Easy to train and eager to please
- Low-maintenance self-cleaning coat
- Healthy breed with long lifespan
- Ideal for apartments and small homes
Disadvantages
- Prone to separation anxiety
- May bark when left alone
- Heavy seasonal undercoat shedding
- Slightly chary of strangers
- Still rather rare in North America
- Can be prone to runny eyes
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Japanese Spitz get? 12–15 in tall; 10–25 lb.
How long do Japanese Spitz live? Typically 12 to 14 years.
Are Japanese Spitz good family dogs? Excellent — great with children and other pets.
Are Japanese Spitz easy to train? Yes — intelligent, playful, and eager to please.
Are Japanese Spitz good with other pets? Excellent — good with other dogs and cats.
Are Japanese Spitz good apartment dogs? Yes — ideal for apartments and small homes.
Do Japanese Spitz bark a lot? Moderate — they alert-bark and may bark when left alone.
Do Japanese Spitz shed much? Low-maintenance coat, but heavy twice-yearly undercoat shed.
Are Japanese Spitz rare? Rather rare in North America, popular in Japan.
Are Japanese Spitz related to Pomeranians? They share spitz ancestry but are larger than Pomeranians.
What were Japanese Spitz bred to do? Pure companionship.
What health problems do Japanese Spitz have? Patellar luxation and runny eyes.