The Japanese Spitz is one of those breeds that first catches your eye with its appearance and then wins your heart with its temperament. Its snow-white, self-cleaning coat, fox-like face and alert, dark eyes give it the appearance of a living teddy bear. Beneath that charming exterior, however, is an intelligent and sensitive dog with a deep attachment to its family.

Our kennel is registered with the Polish Kennel Club (ZKwP), a member of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). We created this guide from first-hand experience of living with and breeding Japanese Spitz. It covers the key things to know before choosing the breed and after welcoming a puppy into your home - from the breed’s origins and official standard to temperament, grooming, health and practical advice for prospective owners.

We have organised our knowledge of the breed into a clear, chapter-by-chapter guide. You can explore each topic independently by following the link below its description.

Discover the Breed

Origins and History of the Japanese Spitz

Although the name suggests a Japanese origin, the Japanese Spitz is descended from white Spitz dogs imported from Europe and North America in the 1920s. It was Japanese breeders who gave the breed its current form, and the official breed standard was not established until after the war. Explore the full history of the breed – from the first white Spitz to its recognition by the FCI.

The Japanese Spitz in Poland

The first pair of Japanese Spitz arrived in Poland as late as 1998, and the breed had to wait over two decades for its first Polish-bred litter. Today, it remains a rare breed with a small gene pool, which places a special responsibility on Polish breeders to ensure its health and development. Find out how the breed has established itself in Poland and what its current status is.

Appearance and the FCI Breed Standard

The Japanese Spitz is a small, harmoniously built dog with a rectangular silhouette, covered in a thick, pure white coat. The FCI breed standard precisely describes every feature – from the fox-like muzzle and triangular, erect ears to the feathered tail carried over the back. Find out more about the breed’s detailed appearance and what the official standard requires.

Types within the Japanese Spitz Breed

Contrary to what you may read in popular sources, breeding literature sometimes distinguishes more than two types of Japanese Spitz, differing in temperament and subtle physical characteristics. The value of this knowledge becomes clear through practical breeding experience. We explore this topic in more detail in a separate article.

Temperament and Personality

Intelligent, alert and deeply devoted to its family, the Japanese Spitz combines liveliness with sensitivity to the mood at home. It can be an attentive watchdog without excessive barking and a patient companion for children, although it may initially be wary of strangers. Discover what this breed’s temperament is like in everyday life.

Fascinating Facts About the Japanese Spitz

A self-cleaning coat, no typical “doggy smell” and Japanese roots that trace back to Europe: the Japanese Spitz has plenty of surprises in store. We have gathered the most interesting facts in one place. This chapter is an ideal introduction before exploring the breed in greater depth.

Living with a Japanese Spitz

Grooming and Coat Care

Despite its impressive coat, grooming a Japanese Spitz is surprisingly simple – regular brushing is all it takes, and thanks to its texture, the fur naturally repels dirt. The key is knowing what not to do: a Spitz should never be shaved or trimmed, so as not to damage the undercoat. Discover how to care for the white coat and breeze through the shedding season.

Japanese Spitz Health and Recommended Tests

The Japanese Spitz is a healthy, long-lived breed, but responsible breeders do not leave health to chance. Patellar luxation and eye health are important areas to consider, which is why responsible breeders within the FCI system have their dogs undergo appropriate health tests before breeding. Find out what to look out for and which health tests a stud dog should have.

Japanese Spitz Feeding and Nutrition

A small, active dog with a dense coat has its own nutritional needs. A good diet directly supports its overall condition, skin health and coat quality. There is no single “best food”; the diet should suit the dog’s age and lifestyle. We explain how to feed a Japanese Spitz well at every stage of life.

Japanese Spitz Exercise and Mental Stimulation

The Japanese Spitz has moderate exercise needs – a daily walk and a bit of play are more than enough, and it’s just as happy living in a flat as it is in a house with a garden. However, it is an intelligent dog that also needs mental stimulation. Find out how much exercise and what kind of stimulation it really needs.

Before Choosing a Japanese Spitz

Is the Japanese Spitz Right for You?

The Japanese Spitz is ideal for families with children, older people and singles – it’s versatile and easy to handle, even for first-time owners. But like any breed, it has its pros and cons, which are best known before you make a decision, rather than after. Take an honest look at who this breed will be a perfect fit for, and who it might disappoint.

How to Choose a Responsible FCI-Registered Breeder

The price of a puppy with an FCI-recognised pedigree reflects the parents’ health tests, kennel club fees, proper socialisation and years of work developing a bloodline. We explain how responsible breeding within the FCI system differs from indiscriminate breeding and what to look out for to avoid an irresponsible breeder. This is the most important chapter if you are considering buying a puppy.

Japanese Spitz Compared with Similar Breeds

White, fluffy and smiling, the Japanese Spitz is sometimes mistaken for a Samoyed, a white German Spitz or an American Eskimo Dog. However, these breeds differ in size, temperament and origin. We compare the Japanese Spitz with similar breeds to show what truly sets it apart.

Your Journey with Byakko Kitsune

Bringing Your Japanese Spitz Puppy Home

The first few days of your szczeniaka’s life in its new home will set the tone for years to come – from getting everything ready and creating a safe space to the first night and toilet training. We’ve put together a practical guide for new owners of Japanese Spitz puppies. Step by step, stress-free – for your dog and for you.

How We Match Japanese Spitz Puppies with Their Families

At Byakko Kitsune, we do not simply place a puppy with the first person who enquires. Our priority is matching each puppy with the right home, rather than following the order in which enquiries arrive. Every stage, from the initial conversation and questionnaire, through our list of prospective families and the reservation process, to matching a puppy according to temperament, serves the same purpose: finding the right family rather than placing the puppy quickly. Discover how buying a Japanese Spitz puppy from us works, step by step.