Japanese Spitz

Japanese Spitz

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The Japanese Spitz is a small, completely white breed of dog that is thought to have been bred from the Siberian Samoyed for smallness beginning in the late 19th century in Japan. They were introduced to the United States in the 1950′s.

Appearance: They typically weigh 15 to 20 lb (7-9 kg), fully grown, and stand 11 to 13 inches (30 cm with a tolerance of 3cm either way) off of the ground at the withers. Their coates have a thick under-layer that is always pure white. The tail is covered with long hair and is carried curled over the back. The coat is short on the bottom half of the legs and feathering on the forelegs. 

The ears are small and pointed upright, and the muzzle tapers slightly. The large oval eyes are dark and slightly slanted, and the nose and lips are black. The face of the Japanese Spitz is wedge-shaped. Detailed Breed Standards cen be viewed on The Canadian Kennel Club Website.

Temperament: The Spitz is an intelligent dog. They make good pets, being easy to train. They are very active, playful, affectionate. They are good with children and other dogs. They bark at strangers and to get attention, making them excellent watch dogs.  The Japanese Spitz is first and foremost a companion. They thrive on human contact and attention, preferring to be a member of the family. They are intelligent, playful, alert, and obedient, excellent with children and have the patience for toddlers. Japanese Spitz are highly compatible with other dogs and animals, as well as being proud, affectionate, loyal and very protective of their masters. Most Japanese Spitz are good watch dogs as they are always alert, and will announce the presence of intruders to their owners with loud and forceful barking. They will not hesitate to bark at new people until they get to know them.

Japanese Spitz enjoy being in an outdoor environment. However it is inappropriate if the owner expects them to live outside in the yard and to be forgotten about. Such treatment will cause them to feel rejected and will inevitably lead to boredom and depression. Consequences include behavioural problems such as barking and destructiveness.

They are very affectionate and friendly; although some can be withdrawn with strangers, once they get used to someone, they become a lifelong friend. The Japanese Spitz is, in spirit, a big dog in a little dog’s body. Cheerful, bold, proud towards its masters, but like all Spitz-type dogs, most are suspicious of strangers.

Health: Japanese Spitz typically live from 10 to 12 years if well cared for; in rare cases they might live as long as 16 years. Japanese Spitz typically live from 10 to 12 years if well cared for, and in rare cases they might live as long as 16 years. They are a healthy breed with very few genetic problems. The main health concern for Japanese Spitz is the development of Patellar luxation, a condition in which the kneecap dislocates out of its normal position. They can also be prone to runny eyes, which is most commonly due to having tear ducts that are too small, or an allergy to long grass or stress. It is rarely caused by any serious eye defect.

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