Spitz Japonais
Breed Description

The Spitz Japonais is most commonly known in English-speaking countries as the Japanese Spitz. This breed shares its basic name across multiple languages with slight variations in pronunciation and spelling. In its native Japan, the breed is referred to as Nihon Supittsu, which directly translates to Japanese Spitz in English.

Throughout Europe and other regions where the breed has gained popularity, it may also be called the Japan Spitz or simply referred to by its FCI designation. Despite these regional name variations, all references point to the same distinctive white companion dog that originated in Japan during the early twentieth century. The breed's consistent pure white coloration and spitz-type characteristics remain uniform regardless of the name used in different countries or kennel club organizations.

The Spitz Japonais presents as a small to medium companion dog with a striking pure white coat that immediately catches the eye. This breed exhibits the classic spitz characteristics including erect triangular ears, a plumed tail that curves over the back, and a fox-like expression that conveys both intelligence and alertness. The overall impression is one of balanced proportions and elegant beauty combined with a sturdy, well-constructed frame.

Standing between twelve and fifteen inches at the shoulder and weighing ten to twenty-five pounds, the Spitz Japonais maintains an ideal size for both apartment living and homes with yards. The breed's most distinctive feature remains its luxurious double coat of pure white, which stands off from the body and creates a cloud-like appearance. The undercoat is soft and dense, while the outer coat is straight and somewhat harsh to the touch. This combination provides excellent protection from various weather conditions while giving the breed its characteristic fluffy appearance.

The head is moderately wide with a slightly rounded skull and a well-defined stop. The muzzle tapers gradually to a black nose, and the lips are tight and black. Dark, almond-shaped eyes convey an intelligent and lively expression, while the small triangular ears stand erect and point slightly forward. The neck is moderately long and muscular, blending smoothly into well-laid shoulders. The body is slightly longer than tall, with a level topline and good depth of chest. The legs are straight and parallel, with compact feet and black pads. The tail is one of the breed's most attractive features, set high and carried curved over the back, covered with long, profuse hair.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC recognizes the Japanese Spitz in the Non-Sporting Group. General appearance calls for a small to medium dog with a profuse pure white coat, pointed muzzle, triangular pricked ears, and plumed tail carried over the back. The ideal height for males is 14 to 15 inches at the withers, while females should be 12 to 14 inches. The skull is moderately broad and slightly rounded with a well-defined stop. Eyes are dark, medium-sized, and almond-shaped. The muzzle tapers to a pointed nose with tight black lips. Ears are small, triangular, set high, and carried erect facing forward.

The neck is moderately long and muscular. The body is firm and strong with a level topline and good depth of chest. The forelegs are straight with elbows held close. Hindquarters show moderate angulation with hocks let down. Feet are small and cat-like with black pads. The tail is set high, of moderate length, and carried curved over the back. The coat is a double coat consisting of a soft dense undercoat and a straight outer coat standing off from the body. The coat is short on the face, ears, and fronts of legs, but profuse on the rest of the body. Only pure white coloration is acceptable.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI classifies the Japanese Spitz in Group 5, Spitz and Primitive Types, Section 5, Asian Spitz and Related Breeds. The standard describes the breed as having a profuse pure white coat with a pointed muzzle, triangular pricked ears, and a bushy tail carried over the back. Height at withers for males is 30 to 38 centimeters, and for females 25 to 35 centimeters. The head shows a moderately wide and rounded skull. The forehead is only slightly developed. The stop is well-defined.

The nose is small, round, and black. Muzzle is pointed with well-developed cheeks and tight lips. Teeth show a scissor bite. Eyes are moderately large, almond-shaped, slightly oblique, and dark. Eye rims are black. Ears are set high, small, triangular, pricked, and facing forward. The neck has no dewlap and is moderately long with well-developed muscles. Withers are high. Back is short and straight. Loin is broad and muscular. Chest is deep and well-developed with well-sprung ribs. Belly is well tucked up. The tail is set high and carried over the back.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC recognizes the Japanese Spitz in the Northern Breed Group. The standard describes a well-balanced small to medium-sized dog characterized by a profuse stand-off pure white coat, a sharply pointed muzzle, triangular pricked ears, and a distinctive plumed tail carried over the back. Males ideally stand 13 to 15 inches at the withers, while females stand 12 to 14 inches. Proportion is slightly longer than tall when measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks compared to height at withers.

The head is in good proportion to the body size. Skull is moderately broad and slightly rounded from front to back and side to side. Stop is well-defined but not abrupt. Muzzle is in balance with the skull, tapering to a point. The nose is small and black. Lips are tight and black. Teeth meet in a scissors bite. Eyes are dark, oval-shaped, medium-sized, and set somewhat obliquely. Eye rims are black. Ears are set high on the skull, triangular in shape, small in size, carried erect and facing forward. The tail is set high and carried over the back or to either side when the dog is alert. The coat is double with a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh-textured, straight outer coat that stands away from the body. The breed is exclusively pure white.

Other Organizations

The Japanese Kennel Club, as the breed's country of origin registry, maintains the foundational standard upon which other organizations base their descriptions. The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom recognizes the breed in the Utility Group with a standard closely aligned with the FCI specifications. The Canadian Kennel Club also recognizes the breed in the Non-Sporting Group. Australian and New Zealand kennel clubs follow similar guidelines emphasizing the pure white coloration, spitz-type characteristics, and balanced proportions. All major kennel organizations agree that the Spitz Japonais should present as a companion dog of elegant appearance with a profuse pure white coat, alert expression, and friendly but dignified temperament.

The Spitz Japonais originated in Japan during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, though the precise details of its early development remain somewhat unclear. Most historical accounts suggest that the foundation stock arrived in Japan around the year 1920, when white German Spitz dogs were imported from northeastern China. These initial imports served as the basis for a breeding program aimed at creating a distinctly Japanese companion dog that would suit the living conditions and aesthetic preferences of Japanese families.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Japanese breeders refined the breed through selective breeding programs that emphasized specific traits including a pure white coat, smaller size compared to the German Spitz, and a temperament well-suited to companionship. Additional imports of small white spitz-type dogs from various countries including Canada, the United States, Australia, and China contributed genetic diversity to the developing breed. Breeders focused on establishing consistent type while maintaining the health and soundness necessary for a long-lived companion animal.

The Japan Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1948, establishing the first written standard that defined the ideal Spitz Japonais. Following World War II, the breed's popularity grew steadily within Japan as families sought loyal and manageable companion dogs. The breed's striking appearance and friendly nature helped it gain admirers beyond Japan's borders. By the 1950s, Spitz Japonais dogs began appearing in other Asian countries, and by the 1970s and 1980s, the breed had established footholds in Europe, particularly in Scandinavia and the United Kingdom.

International recognition followed as various kennel organizations acknowledged the breed. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognized the Spitz Japonais in 1964, which opened doors for showing and breeding across FCI member countries. The breed gained recognition from The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom and gradually spread throughout Europe and other continents. The American Kennel Club added the breed to its Foundation Stock Service in 2005 and granted full recognition in the Non-Sporting Group effective in 2023, allowing the breed to compete in all AKC events.

Throughout its development, the Spitz Japonais maintained its core characteristics of pure white coloration, moderate size, and companion temperament. Breeders worked to eliminate excessive barking tendencies that had been present in some early specimens, resulting in the modern breed's more moderate vocalization habits. The breed's popularity has remained steady in Japan while growing gradually in Western countries. Today, the Spitz Japonais is valued worldwide as an adaptable family companion that thrives in various living situations while maintaining its distinctive appearance and loyal nature. The breed continues to attract fanciers who appreciate its combination of beauty, intelligence, and devoted personality.

The Spitz Japonais was developed specifically to serve as a companion dog for families and individuals living in various environments including urban apartments and suburban homes. Unlike many breeds that originated with working purposes such as herding, guarding livestock, or hunting game, the Spitz Japonais was bred from its inception to be a devoted household companion. The breed's moderate size, adaptable temperament, and striking appearance made it well-suited to this role within Japanese society and later in other countries around the world.

As a companion breed, the Spitz Japonais excels at providing emotional support and loyal companionship to its owners. The breed forms strong bonds with family members and demonstrates a keen awareness of household activities and emotional atmospheres. These dogs thrive on human interaction and prefer to be included in daily family life rather than being relegated to outdoor or isolated living situations. Their moderate energy levels mean they can adapt to the activity levels of their owners, enjoying active play sessions while also being content to relax quietly when the household is calm.

The breed serves effectively as a watchdog despite its friendly nature. The Spitz Japonais maintains an alert awareness of its surroundings and will bark to announce the arrival of visitors or alert family members to unusual activities. This watchdog function does not extend to aggressive guarding behavior, as the breed was not developed for protection work. Instead, the Spitz Japonais acts as an early warning system while remaining approachable and friendly once proper introductions are made. This balance makes the breed suitable for families who want a dog that will alert them to visitors without displaying excessive aggression or fear.

Modern Spitz Japonais continue to fulfill their companion role while also participating in various dog sports and activities. The breed's intelligence and eagerness to please make them suitable candidates for obedience competitions, agility courses, and other performance events. Some individuals work as therapy dogs, bringing comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities. The breed's attractive appearance and manageable size also make them popular choices for conformation showing in kennel club events. Regardless of the specific activities pursued, the primary function of the Spitz Japonais remains that of a devoted family companion who brings joy, loyalty, and affection to the household.

The Spitz Japonais exhibits a temperament characterized by loyalty, intelligence, and a generally happy disposition. These dogs form exceptionally strong bonds with their family members and demonstrate a desire to be involved in household activities. The breed shows affection openly and enjoys physical closeness with trusted people. Despite this devotion to family, the Spitz Japonais typically displays a more reserved attitude toward strangers, observing new people with polite curiosity rather than immediate enthusiasm. This reserved nature should not be confused with shyness or fearfulness, as properly socialized individuals warm up to new people once they determine there is no threat.

Intelligence marks a prominent characteristic of the breed's behavior. Spitz Japonais dogs learn quickly and show problem-solving abilities that can surprise their owners. This intelligence combines with an eagerness to please, making training generally straightforward when positive reinforcement methods are employed. The breed responds well to consistency and clear communication, quickly understanding household rules and expectations. However, this intelligence also means the breed can become bored with excessive repetition, so training sessions benefit from variety and mental stimulation. The breed's alert nature means they notice and remember routines, often anticipating regular activities such as meal times, walks, and the arrival of family members.

The Spitz Japonais displays moderate energy levels that allow adaptation to various lifestyles. These dogs enjoy daily walks, play sessions, and opportunities to explore their environments, but they do not require the intensive exercise demands of high-energy working breeds. A well-exercised Spitz Japonais is content to relax indoors with family members between activity periods. The breed shows a playful side, particularly enjoying interactive games that engage both physical and mental abilities. Without adequate exercise and mental stimulation, individuals may develop nuisance behaviors such as excessive barking or destructive chewing, though proper attention to their needs typically prevents these issues.

Social behavior with other dogs tends to be friendly when proper socialization occurs during puppyhood. The Spitz Japonais generally enjoys canine companionship and can coexist peacefully with other household dogs. The breed's moderate size allows it to interact appropriately with both smaller and larger dogs, though supervision remains important during initial introductions. With other household pets including cats, the Spitz Japonais usually adapts well when raised together or introduced carefully. The breed does not possess strong prey drive, making it more suitable for multi-pet households than some other spitz breeds. Overall, the Spitz Japonais behavior reflects its development as a companion breed, combining loyalty, intelligence, moderate activity levels, and social adaptability into a well-rounded family dog.

The Spitz Japonais integrates exceptionally well into family life, demonstrating an adaptability that makes it suitable for various household compositions. Whether living with a single individual, a couple, or a larger family with multiple generations, the breed adjusts its interactions to suit the specific dynamics present. The dog typically forms strong attachments to all family members rather than bonding exclusively with one person, though individuals may show slight preferences based on who provides primary care or spends the most time with them. This inclusive bonding pattern helps the breed function as a true family companion rather than a one-person dog.

With children, the Spitz Japonais generally displays patience and gentleness, making it a suitable choice for families with young members. The breed's moderate size means it is sturdy enough to handle normal child interactions without being so large as to accidentally knock over toddlers. Spitz Japonais dogs often enjoy playing with children and will participate in age-appropriate games. However, as with all dog breeds, supervision of interactions between dogs and young children remains essential to ensure safety for both parties. Teaching children proper handling techniques and respecting the dog's need for quiet time helps establish positive relationships. The breed's tendency to be gentle does not mean it will tolerate rough treatment, so families must ensure children understand appropriate behavior around the dog.

The Spitz Japonais adapts well to various living situations including apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. The breed does not require a large yard, though access to outdoor space for exercise and toileting is beneficial. What matters more than square footage is the quality of interaction and attention provided by family members. These dogs thrive when included in daily activities and struggle when left alone for extended periods regularly. The breed may develop separation anxiety if isolated too frequently, potentially leading to excessive vocalization or destructive behaviors. Families where someone is home frequently or those who can provide midday visits during work hours typically find the breed well-suited to their lifestyle.

For families considering multiple pets, the Spitz Japonais usually integrates successfully when proper introductions and ongoing management occur. The breed tends to be accepting of other dogs, particularly when raised together from puppyhood or when careful introduction protocols are followed. With cats and other small pets, the Spitz Japonais typically shows little predatory interest, though individual personalities vary. The breed's social nature means many individuals actually prefer having another pet companion, especially in households where family members are away during work hours. The Spitz Japonais fits into active families who enjoy outdoor activities as well as quieter households that prefer a calmer lifestyle, demonstrating the versatility that makes it such an appealing family companion.

The Spitz Japonais is generally considered a healthy breed with a typical lifespan of twelve to fourteen years when provided with proper care, nutrition, and veterinary attention. The breed benefits from its development history, which emphasized soundness and longevity rather than extreme physical features that might compromise health. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for hereditary conditions and work to maintain the overall health and vitality of the breed. Prospective owners should seek puppies from breeders who conduct recommended health testing and provide documentation of their breeding dogs' health clearances.

Like all dog breeds, the Spitz Japonais can be affected by certain health conditions that potential owners should understand. While not every individual will experience these issues, awareness allows owners to monitor for early signs and seek veterinary care when needed. Regular wellness examinations, maintaining appropriate weight, providing proper dental care, and staying current with vaccinations contribute significantly to overall health and longevity. Early detection of potential problems through routine veterinary care often allows for more effective management and better outcomes.

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.