Japanese Spitz – 30 Fascinating Facts About the Breed

We have brought together 30 fascinating facts about the Japanese Spitz, covering everything from the breed’s history and distinctive appearance to its coat, temperament and health. Some come from specialist breeding literature; others we discovered through sharing our everyday lives with our dogs. This is a breed full of surprises, and the facts below reveal more about it than any conventional breed description.

Origins and History of the Japanese Spitz

1. The Japanese Spitz was first exhibited at a dog show in Tokyo around 1921 – more than a century ago.
2. In Japan, the breed is known as Nihon Supittsu, which simply means “Japanese Spitz”.
3. The breed was developed in Japan during the 1920s and 1930s. The large white German Spitz is regarded as its principal ancestor, although other white Spitz-type dogs imported from Canada, the United States, Australia and China also contributed to its development. Japanese breeders refined these bloodlines to create the breed we know today.
4. A unified breed standard was established in 1948, shortly after the Second World War. It formally defined the breed type that Japanese breeders had been developing and laid the foundation for the Japanese Spitz we know today.
5. The FCI granted the Japanese Spitz definitive recognition in 1964. In the United States, the American Kennel Club currently records the breed through its Foundation Stock Service, but it has not yet received full AKC recognition. The Japanese Spitz is often compared with the American Eskimo Dog in the United States, although they are two distinct breeds.
6. The first pair of Japanese Spitz were imported into Poland in 1998, but they never produced a litter. Poland’s first Japanese Spitz litter was not born until 2019.

Appearance and Distinctive Features

1. The Japanese Spitz comes in only one colour: pure white.
2. Japanese Spitz puppies are born with folded ears, which gradually become erect as they grow.
3. The breed standard requires the tail to be set high and carried over the back, creating one of the Japanese Spitz’s most distinctive features.
4. The Japanese Spitz is known for its characteristic “smile”, an expression created largely by the shape of its muzzle and its lively facial movements.

Coat and Grooming

1. Compared with many other breeds, the Japanese Spitz typically has very little of the characteristic “doggy” odour, even when wet. This is one of the breed’s most surprising qualities.
2. Despite its brilliant white colour, the Japanese Spitz’s outer coat tends to repel dirt rather than hold on to it. It is often compared to Teflon: once mud has dried, much of it simply falls away or can be brushed out with ease.
3. A Japanese Spitz should not be shaved or clipped very short for cosmetic reasons. Removing its protective double coat can affect the way it functions, and the hair may grow back slowly, unevenly or with a different texture. Clipping may, of course, be necessary for medical treatment.
4. Despite its impressive appearance, the Japanese Spitz coat is surprisingly straightforward to maintain and does not usually require an elaborate grooming routine. Outside the main moulting periods, a thorough brushing once or twice a week is often sufficient.
5. Japanese Spitz usually moult seasonally, losing much of their undercoat once or twice a year. During these heavier moulting periods, they require more frequent brushing – sometimes every day. In dogs that live mainly indoors, the cycle may be less clearly tied to the seasons.
6. Japanese Spitz do not normally need frequent bathing. Excessive shampooing can strip natural oils from the skin and coat, potentially causing dryness and reducing their protective function.
7. Tear staining is particularly noticeable against the Japanese Spitz’s white coat. Regular, gentle cleaning can help keep the area tidy, but sudden, persistent or excessive tearing – especially when accompanied by irritation – should be discussed with a vet.
8. Their dense double coat provides excellent protection against the cold, and many Japanese Spitz thoroughly enjoy winter weather. In their owner’s bed, however, they may stay for only a short while before the warmth sends them in search of a cooler place.

Temperament and Personality

1. The Japanese Spitz was bred to live in close companionship with people. Its main “job” is to be part of the family, and it is often described as its owner’s shadow.
2. They are very intelligent. They learn quickly, but can have a mind of their own.
3. Japanese Spitz often form exceptionally strong bonds with their families. Some become particularly devoted to one person and follow them wherever they go.
4. As companion dogs, Japanese Spitz do not thrive when they are routinely left alone for long periods. They can learn to settle by themselves, but they still need regular interaction and a close relationship with their family.
5. Japanese Spitz are alert and quick to sound the alarm when something attracts their attention. However, excessive or indiscriminate barking is not part of the correct breed temperament; the FCI standard specifically states that noisy dogs are not permitted.
6. Well-socialised Japanese Spitz usually get on very well with children, provided that their interactions are respectful and supervised – particularly when young children are involved.
7. Japanese Spitz generally have a less pronounced prey drive than many hunting breeds. Some can live successfully with cats, rabbits or even chickens, but this should never be taken for granted. Individual temperament, early socialisation, careful introductions and appropriate supervision all remain essential.
8. Many Japanese Spitz adapt well to travelling and unfamiliar places, particularly when introduced to them from an early age. Puppies and young dogs may experience mild travel sickness during their first year, although the symptoms often lessen as they mature.

Health and Life Expectancy

1. Japanese Spitz typically live for 12 to 16 years, giving the breed a relatively long life expectancy.
2. The Japanese Spitz is generally regarded as a healthy breed and does not display the extreme conformation seen in some dogs. The FCI classifies it in Group 5 – Spitz and Primitive Types – although the modern breed itself was developed only in the twentieth century.
3. Patellar luxation is one of the health problems most often associated with the Japanese Spitz, which is why breeding dogs should undergo a patella assessment. Responsible breeders may also arrange eye examinations, hip assessments and cardiac examinations. Health testing helps breeders make informed decisions and reduce risk, although it cannot guarantee that every puppy will remain free from all health problems.

The Japanese Spitz in Poland

1. The Japanese Spitz remains a rare breed in Poland, so families may need to wait for a puppy from a responsible breeder. Once you get to know the Japanese Spitz, however, it can be hard to imagine a better companion with whom to share everyday family life.

Would you like to learn about the breed from the beginning? Explore our comprehensive Japanese Spitz guide.