Japanese Spitz – Cute and fluffy cloud dog
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What is a Japanese Spitz?
The Japanese Spitz is a blend of a few small Spitz varieties, and made its debut in Tokyo, 1921. They were bred to be companion dogs and are cute, loyal and smart. They truly enjoy their family life and are known for their funny antics. In the 1900’s, the white coated version had a popular following and was refined until it was officially recognized by the Japanese Kennel Club in the 1950’s. The breed is becoming quite popular around the word due to their friendly demeanor toward children and other dogs, and general pleasant temperament. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the Japanese Spitz as a separate breed, mostly because of its resemblance to the American Eskimo Dog.
Pros and Cons
- Extremely affectionate, loyal, playful, and sociable
- Great with children
- Health breed, with few health problems
- Adapts to most living environments
- Very trainable
- Suspicious toward strangers
- Tends to bark a lot
- Don't do well with allergy sufferers
- Requires a lot of grooming
- Tend to have separation anxiety
Appearance and Size
Group: Utility
Height: 11 ½ – 14 ½ inches
Weight: 15-18 pounds
The Japanese Spitz is often mistaken for other breeds including the miniature Samoyed, or American Eskimo Dog, as all these breeds are small, white and fluffy. The Japanese Spitz is covered with a thick, snow white stand-off coat, which consists of a long straight outer coat held by a profuse and soft under coat, and usually repels most dirt and debris. Its head has a pointed muzzle and triangular shaped ears that stand erect. Its tail is medium length and has a rich fringe of long hair, curled over the back. Its body is noble in appearance – well proportioned, strong and flexible. The Japanese Spitz shares many common traits with the Pomeranian, though is larger in size.
Japanese Spitz Temperament
These dogs are prized for their wonderful temperaments. They are very family-friendly, active, loyal, smart, and have a playful spirit, making them ideal companions for older people and small children. Although small in size, they are known for their great courage, making them good watchdogs. They will bark, surprisingly quite loudly at strangers who enter their turf. The Japanese Spitz is truly a family dog and thrives on human companionship, and as such won’t respond well to being ignored or left alone for long periods of time.
They are small enough to enjoy being a lap dog, but also possess an independent nature and a strong will of their own. New owners need to be firm and consistent. Highly intelligent, alert, bold and lively, they are eager to please and soak up training well.
Grooming
Even though the Japanese Spitz sports a long pure white coat, you’ll be surprised to know that their coat is very easy to look after. Their coats have a texture that usually repels most dirt and debris and is classed as a low maintenance breed. Due to their coat’s texture, mud and dirt fall off, or can be brushed out quite easily. Your dog will require brushing once a week regularly, and three times a week during their shedding season, which is twice per year. The shedding typically lasts around one week each time.
The Japanese Spitz should only be bathed as needed, as their coats tend to be a bit dry compared to other breeds. Frequent bathing will remove essential oils and dry out their skin. They don’t have much of a dog smell, so the lack of bathing won’t have an impact. In fact, this breed has been known to lick itself to keep clean, much like a cat.
Health
The Japanese Spitz is generally very healthy, and enjoys a long lifespan. They may be prone to luxating patellas, a condition where the kneecaps become dislocated. They may also have runny eyes every now and then, and dry skin if bathed too frequently. Luxtating patellas can be aggravated by obesity, so proper nutrition is a must.
Life Expectancy
The Japanese Spitz typically lives around 12 to 16 years.
5 Fun Facts about Japanese Spitz
- The Japanese Spitz is nicknamed the "Cloud Dog"due to its fluffy appearance.
- They love to play frisbee, flyball, fetch and anything that involves agility.
- The Japanese Spitz actually does not tolerate cold weather very well.
- The breed is extremely adaptable. Happy in an apartment or a ranch.
- They are a very social, and often mischievous dog. A perfect play companion for children.
Environment
The Japanese Spitz is a loyal family dog that thrives on the affections of each family member. Sometimes though, it may choose to bond more with a family member they see as their leader. Training should begin early. Be consistent, firm, but gentle as puppies can be a handful at times. Be sure to supervise all children under 5, especially with Japanese Spitz puppies. If they are bored they can be a bit mischievous and as they are an active breed, so daily exercise is a must. Even though they don’t require vast amounts of exercise, a nice walk around the block will always do wonders for a dog. This breed really thrives on human companionship, and enjoys being wherever you are. You cannot simply put them out in the back yard and forget. They need your attention and affection
Adoption
Are you considering adding a Japanese Spitz to your family? Adopt one instead. Pet adoption is a win-win for all. Its way cheaper and you save a life
