A happy, clever and devoted family dog that loves being included in everything. It is good with children, alert to what goes on around the home, and keen to please.124
how to spot oneJapanese Spitz coat and colours
stand-off double coat
A straight outer coat stands away from a soft, dense undercoat, forming a generous ruff over the neck, shoulders and chest, while the face, ears and fronts of the legs stay short. It is a neat, square little spitz with a pointed muzzle, small upright triangular ears and a plumed tail curled over the back. The coat's texture tends to shed dirt easily.12
A typical home-care rhythm for a Japanese Spitz. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery day
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
how busy a day looksJapanese Spitz exercise needs
Moderate: up to about an hour a day, and it happily joins hikes, car trips and beach outings.34
where they are happiestJapanese Spitz at home
Suits a small house with a small to medium garden and prefers to live indoors with its family.32
who they like aroundJapanese Spitz with people and other pets
A people-focused companion that thrives on family life and does not like being shut away from its household.24
the hands-on bitsJapanese Spitz grooming and care
The Royal Kennel Club recommends daily brushing of the thick white coat; its non-stick texture helps it stay clean between brushes.32
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Japanese Spitz, and at what times?
Adult Japanese Spitz do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feeding at consistent times each day helps their routine, but the exact schedule is up to you and your vet.5
What should a Japanese Spitz eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A balanced commercial dog food suitable for their age and size is a good choice. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts; always keep these away from your Spitz.6
How often should I bathe a Japanese Spitz?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 10 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least every three months. Their coat naturally sheds dirt, so baths are only needed when they get noticeably dirty.7
How often does a Japanese Spitz need brushing?
The Royal Kennel Club recommends daily brushing for their thick white coat, and Pet Wiki's plan suggests every three days with daily brushing during heavy shedding. Regular brushing keeps their coat clean and reduces loose hair.32
How do I trim a Japanese Spitz's nails, and how often?
Pet Wiki's plan suggests trimming every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Trim a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid bleeding.7
How much exercise does a Japanese Spitz need?
They need moderate exercise, up to about an hour a day, and happily join hikes, car trips, and beach outings. Daily walks and playtime keep them happy and healthy.34
How do I look after a Japanese Spitz's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily if possible, using a dog-safe toothpaste, and check their ears every two weeks. Never push anything into the ear canal; just wipe the outer ear gently.7
How long does a Japanese Spitz live?
They typically live 12 to 13 years, bringing many happy years of companionship. Regular vet check-ups help them stay healthy throughout their life.32
Is a Japanese Spitz good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are a happy, clever, and devoted family dog that is good with children and keen to please. They generally get along well with other pets when properly socialized.124
Can a Japanese Spitz be left alone?
They are a people-focused companion that thrives on family life and does not like being shut away. While they can be left for short periods, they are happiest when included in household activities.24
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchJapanese Spitz health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Japanese Spitz. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Patellar luxation
The kneecap can slip out of place; it is the main health concern in the breed. Wikipedia names it as the main concern ↗
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-rcd4)
A late-onset inherited eye disease that slowly leads to blindness; a DNA test is available. Identified in the breed per Wikipedia ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Japanese Spitz costs
Running costs for a Japanese Spitz, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Japanese Spitz legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Japanese Spitz in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Japanese Spitz tip
Japanese Spitz can have sensitive stomachs, so choose single-ingredient or low-calorie treats like apple slices or carrot sticks. Because they are prone to dental disease, look for VOHC-approved dental chews to help keep their teeth clean.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Its white coat has a slick texture often compared to non-stick cookware.2
2
The FCI standard names excessive noisiness as undesirable, favouring a quiet character.1
3
Along with the Shiba Inu it is one of the smallest Japanese breeds.2
4
The breed spread from Japan to Sweden and then to Britain, where it was recognised in 1977.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The Japanese Spitz is also called Nihon Supittsu in Japanese. The breed was developed in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s by breeding several Spitz-type dogs together.2
This morning, I hear the door unlock and race to greet my human with a happy spin. We head to the park, where I prance alongside the path, my white fur gleaming. I love watching the ducks and barking a cheerful hello. After a good play, we stop for a water break, and I guard my human's bag like a loyal knight. Back home, I flop on the rug, belly up, waiting for a belly rub. Every day is an adventure when you're part of the family.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganJapanese Spitz history
White German Spitz-type dogs reached Japan via Siberia and China around 1920 and were first shown in Tokyo in 1921. Further white spitz imports from Canada, the USA, Australia and China followed until 1936, and careful breeding produced a unified type whose standard the Japan Kennel Club set in 1948.12
Samoyed
German Spitz
American Eskimo Dog