Characteristics
of the Breed
The Japanese Spitz is a family dog. They thrive on human
companionship. They are an intelligent breed always eager
to please, each dog developing its own personality. In temperament,
they are wary of complete strangers rushing up to them without
formal introduction. They prefer a gentle approach, after
which you have a friend for life.
They
are characterised by their great courage, intelligence and
liveliness and are affectionate, devoted companions. They
are small enough to enjoy being a lap dog, but let it be
said, at their discretion, for despite these qualities,
they are nevertheless of an independent nature with a will
of their own.
Compatibility
with other Pets
As a companion dog the Japanese Spitz should be familiarised
with other household pets at an early age; it will then
live happily and reliably with them. The Japanese Spitz
has a dominant nature and when introduced to a household
with other breeds may very quickly become "The Boss",
even over much larger breeds.
Ideal
Owners
The Japanese Spitz is a family dog seeming to thrive on
the different attention and affection from each family member.
A young puppy (3 - 12 months) could be a "handful"
for children under the age of 5 years without adult supervision.
Having said that, they also make an excellent and loving
companion for single person in a flat.
Average
Lifespan
When considering a dog please realise you are taking
it on for it's lifetime. Japanese Spitz live to around 14-17
years of age.
Average
Size
Height at shoulder: Dogs 34-37 cms (13½- 14½ ins);
Bitches 30-34 cms (11¾-13½ ins).
Weight:
Dogs 8-8.75 kg (18-20 1b); Bitches slightly less.
Care
Requirements
Despite its long pure white coat the Japanese Spitz
is a low maintenance breed. Contrary to most people's expectations
and belief their coat is very easy to look after. Because,
due to its texture, mud and dirt fall off or can be brushed
out very easily. While he loves to play in the dirt, this
is a fastidious dog that does not like getting dirty and,
like a cat, will lick itself clean. Provided they are kept
well groomed they should only require a bath every couple of months (common sense prevailing). They have a major shedding
of their coat once a year, but
like most breeds do loose minimal amounts of coat all year
round. The major shedding
will usually only last about 10 days (depending on the individual dog) and the dead hair
is easily combed out.
Please
Note
They do not need lots of exercise, but they are an active
breed and enjoy daily walks. If they are bored they can
be mischievous. They are not a dog one can leave in the
backyard and forget. They enjoy living both indoors and
outdoors, in fact they enjoy being wherever you are, they
thrive on human companionship. They can jump very high for
their size so fences and gates need to be at least 1.5m
to 1.8m high.
An
Australian National Kennel Council Inc. Publication
The Japanese Spitz has a white coat, how much grooming is involved?
Believe it or not the Japanese Spitz is not a high maintenance breed. They have a "Non-Stick Teflon” coat which mud and dirt simply falls off or can be brushed out very easily. Due to the texture of the coat and the fact that they do not have a “doggy smell” they do not need to be bathed regularly (a couple of times a year or when dirty). It is recommended that you brush them for approximately 10 minute a week.
Due to the Japanese Spitz having a double coat they do shed their under coat twice a year. The shedding can last from 1 week to up to 3 weeks depending on the individual dog and the size of their coat. During the shedding period the Japanese Spitz need to be brushed almost daily, and the result can be up to a shopping bag full of undercoat that this brushed out. The Japanese Spitz, like all breeds does loose small amount of hair all year round but with regular brushing this can be kept to a minimum.
The Japanese Spitz also does not need clipping; clipping of the breed will destroy their natural insulation. The Japanese Spitz has a double layered coat, this works as a natural insulation for them and during the hotter months the Japanese Spitz will loose their undercoat. By loosing their undercoat this allows the air to be circulated around their body by the longer outer hairs. In order to keep the Japanese Spitz cool in summer simply make sure that there is fresh water left out and a cool place for them to go during the hotter hours of the day.
How does the Japanese Spitz cope with the heat?
The Japanese Spitz copes better then most breeds in the heat, my mother breeds Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and they feel the heat a lot more then the Japanese Spitz does. Again “Mother Nature” has taken care of everything and their coat works to keep them warm in winter but also cool in summer. Dogs unlike humans do not sweat, they pant to keep themselves cool and as long as they have a shaded spot in the yard with fresh water they will be fine during the hotter part of the day. Plus, Japanese Spitz LOVE water so if you get them a small paddling pool this will keep them both amused and cool for hours.
Being an active dog do they require a lot of exercise?
The Japanese Spitz are an active breed, however they do not require a lot of exercise. They tend to run off all their excess energy themselves, and can regularly be seem doing laps of the backyard (playing chasey) or throwing their toys in the airs to catch themselves. However the Japanese Spitz is a very affectionate breed and love nothing more then spending time with their family, so it is important to make sure you have some fun time with your dogs whether it be playing fetch or going for a walk around the block. Like all breeds the Japanese Spitz can get up to mischief when bored.
Being a Spitz breed are they good with children or older people?
The Japanese Spitz is a very adaptable breed they thrive on the different attention and affections from each family member but can also live comfortably in an apartment situation. Although they are lively, they are not a heavily built dog, and therefore don’t knock over frail older people, or small children.
The Japanese Spitz will also choose one family member as their leader and be their every shadow; however they are not a snappy or possessive dog and will take any attention they can get including the constant “attention” from the youngest member of the family. However, a young puppy (3-12months) could be a "handful" for children under the age of 5 without adult supervision as they are quite bouncy puppies.
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