Japanese Spitz (Nihon Supittsu)

The Japanese Spitz (Nihon Supittsu) is a small snow-white dog. This vivacious breed possessing many great qualities will be a playful, faithful, loyal, affectionate, cheerful and loving companion and friend for everyone be it a single person or a big family.

The Japanese Spitz originated at the end of the XIX century. It is considered that these Spitzs were the result of interbreeding of various spitz-type dogs imported to Japan from different countries and one of these breeds is believed to be the Siberian Samoyed dog. Actually, if you look at the Japanese Spitz you can see a smaller version of the Samoyed.

The breed was used mostly as a companion and show dog. The first Japanese Spitzs were represented on a dog show in Tokyo in 1921. After the Second World War this breed could have disappeared because of uncontrollable interbreeding with various spitz-type dogs such as the American Eskimo Dog, the Russian Spitz and the German Spitz. Fortunately the group of fanciers continued pure-line breeding.

The breed standard was written in 1948. In 1970s the Japanese Spitz appeared in European countries, the first countries where these dogs gained popularity were Great Britain and Finland. Later it became widespread all over the world.

The Japanese Spitz was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the Kennel Club of Great Britain (KCGB). However, it still remains rare.

The Japanese Spitz is a courageous, playful and affectionate dog that is always full of life and energy. It is very devoted and attached to its masters and will be a great companion for a family or an individual always ready to perform a role of a lapdog.

The Japanese Spitz needs a lot of attention otherwise it will suffer from separation anxiety. The properly socialized dog is very kind with children. It will treat them with patience and will make a great playmate even for the small ones.

This small breed possesses exceptional fearlessness and guarding abilities. It is suspicious of unfamiliar people. This alert dog will make an excellent watchdog that will announce approach of any stranger with a loud bark. However, the Japanese Spitz tends to bark too much, so keep this in mind when you start training your dog. This sociable breed treats other pets including dogs friendly if it was properly socialized with them.

The Japanese Spitz can be prone to such diseases as:

• patellar luxation;
• epilepsy;
• thyroid gland problems;
• adrenal problems.

The Japanese Spitz needs a moderate amount of grooming. Thanks to the dog’s silky coat dirt does not sticks to its hair. You should brush your pet twice per week to prevent tangling. But during the period of shedding it is necessary to brush the dog daily. Since the Japanese Spitz is very clean almost cat-like breed, it needs to be bathed only once a month.

The Japanese Spitz is a very quick-minded and a highly intelligent dog that is easy to train. In general, this breed is obedient and always ready to please and will learn quickly basic commands. Your dog will be also able to perform different tricks if you spend enough time teaching it.

However, the Japanese Spitz can be independent and willful. For an effective training you must display insistence, firmness and patience. But also you should not be rough with your pet, the dog must be rewarded for a well-performed task. It is necessary to show respect towards your pet at the same time keeping your dominant position.

The Japanese Spitz is a lively energetic dog. However, it needs a moderate amount of daily exercises. This breed loves walking and playing active games such as catching ball or Frisbee. Half an hour will be sufficient for your dog to be in a good shape and good spirit.

If the Japanese Spitz does not get enough physical activity, it may become bored and naughty. With enough amount of mental and physical stimulation and attention from its owners this dog will feel happy both in the city on in the country.