Spitz Japones
Breed Description

The Spitz Japones is recognized internationally under several different names that reflect its heritage and geographical origins. In its homeland of Japan, the breed is called Nihon Supittsu, which is the Japanese pronunciation of its English designation. Throughout Europe and other regions where the breed has gained popularity, it is commonly referred to simply as the Japanese Spitz. Some breed enthusiasts and registries also use variations including the Japan Spitz or Japanse Spits in Dutch-speaking regions. The consistency across these names highlights the breed's clear Japanese identity and its classification within the broader spitz family of northern dog breeds, which are characterized by their thick double coats, pointed ears, and curled tails.

The Spitz Japones presents as a small to medium companion dog with a distinctive appearance dominated by its pristine white double coat. This breed exhibits the classic spitz characteristics including triangular, erect ears positioned high on the head, dark oval eyes that convey an intelligent and alert expression, and a plumed tail that curves gracefully over the back. The breed's head is moderately broad with a defined stop and a slightly rounded skull, while the muzzle tapers to a small black nose. The overall build is balanced and compact, with a deep chest and well-developed legs that allow for agile movement. The pure white coat creates a cloud-like appearance, particularly when the thick undercoat is in full season, and the longer guard hairs stand off from the body creating the characteristic spitz silhouette.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC standard describes the Spitz Japones as a small to medium dog with a profuse white double coat. General appearance should be balanced with a well-proportioned body that is slightly longer than tall. The head is moderately wide with a defined stop, broad skull, and triangular erect ears set high. Eyes are dark, almond shaped, and set obliquely. The muzzle is pointed with tight black lips and a small black nose. Neck is moderate in length with good muscling. Body shows well-developed chest with moderate tuck-up. The tail is set high and carried curved over the back with profuse feathering. Coat consists of straight outer coat standing off from soft, dense undercoat, with profuse mane extending to shoulders and chest. Ruff on neck more pronounced in males. Forequarters show well-angulated shoulders with straight legs and round, compact feet. Hindquarters have well-bent stifles with straight hocks. Gait is nimble, quick and energetic with good reach and drive. Temperament should be bold yet friendly, never shy or aggressive. Ideal height is 12 to 15 inches at withers with proportionate weight. Only fault is any color other than pure white.

Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

FCI Standard Number 262 classifies the breed in Group 5, Spitz and Primitive types, Section 5, Asian Spitz and related breeds. The standard emphasizes the breed's harmonious proportions, with the ratio of height at withers to body length being 10 to 11. The skull is moderately broad and rounded with definite stop. Muzzle is pointed, slightly shorter than skull. Lips are tight and black. Eyes are moderately large, almond shaped, slightly oblique, and dark. Ears are set high, small, triangular, pricked, and facing forward. Neck is moderately long and well-muscled. Withers are high, back is short and straight, loins broad and muscular, croup gently sloping. Chest is broad and deep with well-sprung ribs. Belly is well tucked up. Tail is set high, moderate length, carried curved over back. Hair is straight and stand-off, with abundant undercoat, longer and more abundant on neck, shoulders, and chest forming a ruff. Forequarters have shoulders well sloped, forearm straight, feet cat-like with black pads and nails. Hindquarters show moderate angulation with hocks low set. Movement shows quick, energetic action with good extension. The coat must be pure white. Size for males is 30-38 centimeters at withers, females slightly smaller. The breed should convey elegance combined with boldness.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC recognizes the Spitz Japones in the Northern Breed Group and describes it as a companion dog of small to medium size. The breed should present a well-balanced appearance, appearing slightly longer than tall, covered in a profuse pure white coat. The head is of moderate width with a broad skull and definite stop. The muzzle tapers to a point and is slightly shorter than the skull length. Tight black lips frame the muzzle, and the nose is small and black. Eyes are dark, moderately large, and almond shaped, set at a slight slant, expressing intelligence and alertness. Ears are small, triangular, set high on the head, firmly pricked, and pointing slightly forward. The neck is moderate in length, strong and well-muscled, flowing smoothly into well-laid shoulders. The body is firm with a level topline, deep chest reaching to the elbows, well-sprung ribs, and moderate tuck-up. The tail is set high, of moderate length, well-furnished with long hair, and carried curled over the back. The double coat consists of a straight, stand-off outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. The coat is longer and more profuse around the neck, shoulders, and chest, forming a mane-like ruff. The legs are straight with round, cat-like feet having black pads. Movement should be light, quick, and energetic. The breed is bold, lively, and affectionate with family while being reserved with strangers. Height ranges from 12 to 15 inches with balanced proportions being more important than exact measurements.

Other Organizations

The Japan Kennel Club, as the breed's country of origin registry, maintains a standard very similar to the FCI description with particular emphasis on the breed's pure white coloration and the characteristic spitz expression. The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom places the breed in the Utility Group and emphasizes soundness and balance in their standard. The Canadian Kennel Club follows closely with the AKC standard with minor variations in wording. The Australian National Kennel Council includes the breed in the Non-Sporting Group with standards aligned to FCI guidelines. All major kennel organizations agree on the essential characteristics including the pure white coat, triangular pricked ears, plumed tail carried over the back, and the breed's friendly yet alert temperament. Minor variations exist in preferred size ranges and specific measurement details, but the overall breed type remains consistent across all international standards.

The development of the Spitz Japones began in Japan during the late 1920s and early 1930s when breeders sought to create a companion dog suited to Japanese households and lifestyles. The exact origins remain somewhat unclear, but most breed historians agree that the foundation stock consisted of white German Spitz dogs imported to Japan around 1920 through Siberia and northeastern China. These initial imports were bred selectively in Tokyo and surrounding areas, with additional white spitz-type dogs possibly brought from Canada, the United States, Australia, and China during the 1920s and 1930s. Japanese breeders worked methodically to establish a consistent type, focusing on creating a smaller, more refined companion dog while maintaining the hardy constitution and attractive appearance of the spitz family.

During the 1930s, the breed gained considerable popularity in Japan as it was exhibited at dog shows throughout the country. The Japan Kennel Club officially recognized the breed, and a breed standard was established. However, World War II severely impacted the breed's development, as it did for many dog breeds worldwide. Breeding programs were disrupted, and many dogs were lost during the war years. Following the war, dedicated Japanese breeders worked to rebuild the breed from the surviving population. By the 1950s, the Spitz Japones had been successfully reestablished in Japan and began to spread to other countries.

The breed's international expansion began in earnest during the 1950s and 1960s. The Federation Cynologique Internationale granted official recognition in 1964, which helped establish the breed in Europe. The Spitz Japones became particularly popular in Scandinavia, where the climate suited its thick coat and where spitz-type breeds were already appreciated. The breed also gained followers in other European countries, Australia, and various Asian nations. British fanciers imported the breed in the late 1970s, and The Kennel Club granted recognition in 1977. The breed developed a devoted following in the United Kingdom, where it remains popular today.

The American Kennel Club accepted the Spitz Japones into the Foundation Stock Service in 2005 and granted full recognition in the Non-Sporting Group effective January 1, 2013. This recognition came after years of dedicated work by American breed enthusiasts to establish a sufficient population and demonstrate breed stability. The United Kennel Club had recognized the breed earlier, providing another avenue for exhibition and breeding records in North America. Today, the Spitz Japones maintains a presence in numerous countries worldwide, though it remains more common in Japan and certain European nations than in North America. The breed has successfully transitioned from its origins as a Japanese companion dog to become an internationally recognized breed while maintaining the characteristics that made it appealing to its original developers.

The Spitz Japones was developed specifically as a companion dog, and this remains its primary function today. Unlike many breeds that were originally created for specific working purposes such as herding, hunting, or guarding, this breed's purpose from its inception was to serve as a household companion. The breed was designed to be an ideal pet for Japanese families, combining an attractive appearance, manageable size, and friendly temperament with enough alertness to serve as a watchdog. While the breed has no working heritage in the traditional sense, it fulfills its companion role with distinction, providing loyalty, affection, and entertainment to its human families.

Within the home, the Spitz Japones excels as a family companion that adapts to various household structures. The breed forms strong bonds with all family members and thrives on being included in daily activities. Its size makes it suitable for both houses and apartments, though it requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. The breed's alertness and tendency to bark when something unusual occurs makes it an effective watchdog, though it lacks the size and temperament to serve as a guard dog. This watchdog function, while secondary to its companion role, adds practical value for families seeking a pet that will alert them to visitors or unusual occurrences.

In modern times, many Spitz Japones excel in various dog sports and activities that provide mental and physical stimulation while strengthening the bond between dog and owner. The breed's intelligence and eagerness to please make it well-suited for obedience training, and some individuals compete successfully in obedience trials and rally. Agility is another activity where the breed can shine, as its nimble build and quick reactions suit the demands of the sport. Some owners also explore trick training, where the breed's intelligence and showmanship can be displayed. These activities serve the dual purpose of providing necessary exercise and mental stimulation while showcasing the breed's capabilities beyond simple companionship.

The breed has also found a role in therapy work in some countries. The Spitz Japones' friendly nature, clean appearance, and manageable size can make it suitable for visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and schools as a therapy dog. When properly trained and socialized, individuals of this breed can provide comfort and companionship to people in various settings. This therapeutic function represents a natural extension of the breed's companion role, allowing it to spread joy beyond its immediate family. Regardless of the specific activities pursued, the fundamental function of the Spitz Japones remains consistent with its original purpose to serve as a devoted, attractive, and entertaining companion that enriches the lives of its human family members.

The behavioral profile of the Spitz Japones reflects its breeding as a companion dog, with a personality characterized by loyalty, intelligence, and moderate energy levels. These dogs are known for forming strong attachments to their human families and prefer to be involved in household activities rather than left alone for extended periods. The breed demonstrates considerable affection toward family members while maintaining a dignified independence typical of spitz breeds. They are generally friendly and outgoing once properly socialized, though they can be initially reserved when meeting new people. This combination of friendliness and wariness makes them effective watchdogs without being aggressive or overly timid.

One of the most notable behavioral characteristics of the Spitz Japones is its vocal nature. These dogs tend to bark readily to alert their families to changes in their environment, whether it be a visitor at the door, unusual sounds, or other animals passing by. While this alertness is valued by some owners, it can become problematic if the dog develops excessive barking habits. Early training to teach appropriate barking behavior is essential, as is ensuring the dog receives adequate mental and physical stimulation. A bored or under-exercised Spitz Japones is more likely to develop nuisance barking than one that receives sufficient attention and activity. Positive reinforcement training methods work well for managing barking, as the breed responds better to rewards than punishment.

Intelligence is a hallmark of the breed, making training generally straightforward when approached correctly. The Spitz Japones learns quickly and can master a variety of commands and tricks with consistent training. However, like many intelligent breeds, these dogs can become bored with repetitive exercises and may test boundaries if they sense inconsistency in household rules. They respond best to training methods that use positive reinforcement, incorporating play and variety to maintain interest. The breed's eagerness to please combined with its intelligence means that well-trained individuals can achieve impressive levels of obedience, though some stubbornness may emerge if training becomes monotonous or if the dog perceives the handler as unreliable in their expectations.

Socially, the Spitz Japones typically gets along well with other dogs when properly socialized from puppyhood. They enjoy canine companionship and often engage in play with other dogs of appropriate temperament and size. Some individuals may display typical spitz-breed bossiness, particularly males with other males, but early socialization usually prevents serious conflict. The breed can coexist peacefully with cats and other household pets when raised together, though their spitz heritage means some individuals may have prey drive toward small animals. With children, the Spitz Japones is generally patient and playful, making them good family dogs. However, their relatively small size means they can be injured by rough handling, so supervision is important with very young children. Overall, the breed's behavior reflects its purpose as a companion, combining affection, playfulness, intelligence, and alertness in a package well-suited to family life.

The Spitz Japones integrates well into family life, thriving in households that can provide attention, interaction, and consistent routines. These dogs view themselves as full family members and prefer to be included in daily activities rather than relegated to isolation. They adapt to various family structures, from single individuals to large households with multiple generations, as long as they receive adequate attention and care. The breed's moderate size and adaptable nature make it suitable for both apartment living and houses with yards, though access to outdoor space for exercise is beneficial. Families should understand that this is not a breed that tolerates being left alone for long periods; separation anxiety can develop if the dog is isolated regularly.

In homes with children, the Spitz Japones can be an excellent companion when proper introductions and boundaries are established. The breed generally shows patience with children and often engages enthusiastically in play. However, young children must be taught to handle the dog gently, as the breed's relatively small size makes it vulnerable to injury from rough play or accidental falls. Supervision during interactions between dogs and young children is always advisable. Older children who can understand and respect the dog's needs often form particularly strong bonds with these dogs, as the breed's playfulness and trainability make them engaging companions for activities like fetch, trick training, or simply relaxing together. Teaching children how to interpret canine body language and respect the dog's space contributes to harmonious relationships.

The breed's relationship with other household pets is generally positive when proper socialization occurs. In multi-dog households, the Spitz Japones often enjoys the company of other dogs and engages in play and companionship. Size differences should be considered, as rough play from much larger dogs could potentially injure a Spitz Japones. The breed can coexist peacefully with cats, particularly when raised together from puppyhood, though some individuals may display prey drive requiring management. Small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, or birds may trigger chasing instincts in some dogs, so careful supervision and training are necessary when these animals share a home. Success in multi-pet households depends largely on early socialization, consistent training, and careful introduction protocols when adding new animals to the family.

Daily life with a Spitz Japones requires commitment to grooming, exercise, and training that many families find manageable and rewarding. The breed requires regular brushing to maintain coat condition and minimize loose hair in the home, with more intensive grooming needed during seasonal shedding periods. Daily walks and play sessions provide necessary physical and mental stimulation, with the breed enjoying activities like fetch, hide-and-seek, and short training sessions. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys, training exercises, and varied activities helps prevent boredom and associated behavioral issues. Families who embrace the breed's need for companionship, provide consistent training, maintain grooming routines, and include the dog in family activities typically find the Spitz Japones to be a delightful addition to their household, offering years of loyalty, affection, and entertainment.

The Spitz Japones is generally considered a healthy breed with a relatively long lifespan of 12 to 16 years when provided with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary attention. The breed benefits from responsible breeding practices that emphasize health testing and genetic diversity. Like all purebred dogs, however, the breed is predisposed to certain health conditions that prospective owners should understand. Regular veterinary check-ups, maintaining appropriate weight, providing proper dental care, and staying current on vaccinations and parasite prevention contribute significantly to the overall health and longevity of these dogs. Prospective owners should work with reputable breeders who conduct appropriate health testing and provide health certifications for breeding stock.

If you're looking to adopt a Japanese Spitz, consider contacting these rescue organizations that specialize in spitz breeds or have experience with Japanese Spitz placement. Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting.

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Japanese Spitz waiting for their forever homes.