The Japanese Spitz Community

The Japanese Spitz is a beautiful and elegant white companion spitz developed in Japan during the early to mid-twentieth century, believed to have been produced through selective breeding of white German Spitz and other spitz-type dogs introduced to Japan during the 1920s and 1930s. The breed was established as a distinct type by Japanese breeders, first shown in Japan in 1948, and subsequently gained recognition in many countries worldwide. In the United Kingdom it is recognised by the United Kennel Club but not currently by the Kennel Club of Great Britain, which distinguishes it from German Spitz breeds already registered there. The Japanese Spitz is a compact and well-proportioned spitz with a profuse, pure white double coat, dark almond-shaped eyes, a fox-like pointed muzzle and a bushy tail carried over the back. Despite the abundant coat, the breed is remarkably clean - the outer coat has a natural tendency to shed dirt and does not mat easily. Adults typically stand 30 to 38 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 5 to 10 kilograms. The character is cheerful, affectionate and genuinely engaging. The Japanese Spitz is people-oriented and devoted to its family, good with children and generally sociable with other dogs. It is alert and will announce visitors, but is not a nuisance barker. It is playful and active without being demanding, and adapts well to a range of living situations including smaller homes and flats, provided it receives adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation. By spitz standards the Japanese Spitz is among the more biddable and trainable breeds, responding well to positive reward-based methods and enjoying the engagement of learning new behaviours. Early socialisation is important to ensure the natural alertness with strangers does not develop into excessive caution or anxiety. Patellar luxation is the primary health concern and both parents should be assessed. Eye conditions including hereditary cataract have been documented in the breed. Given the absence of KC recognition in the UK, formal health testing schemes are less developed than for KC-registered breeds and prospective owners should research breeders carefully. Purchase prices range from £800 to £2,000. Monthly running costs average £75 to £130. Spitz enthusiast groups and the Japanese Spitz Club are the most useful contacts. Despite the white coat and spitz appearance, the breed is not related to the Samoyed and is considerably smaller - a point frequently misunderstood by prospective owners. The breed makes a rewarding first spitz experience.