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Japanese Spitz

Fluffy cloud alert: Meet the Japanese Spitz! This little puffball of happiness turns heads and steals hearts wherever they go. Get ready for a whirlwind of fun and adoring “awws” – they live for the spotlight and love every minute of it!

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Animalia Team
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    Country of Origin

    Japan

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    Breed Group

    Companion

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    Height

    Male 13-15 In

    Female 11-13 In

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    Weight

    Male 17.6-18.7 Ib

    Female 15-16 Ib

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    Life Span

    10-14 years

In a Nutshell

The Japanese Spitz, known for their joyful demeanor and unwavering loyalty, excel as delightful companions eager for any adventure. With their intelligence and eagerness to please, they seamlessly blend into family life, always ready with a smile. Their striking white coat, mane-like features around the neck, alongside their fox-like muzzle and alert, radar-like ears, make them both beautiful and vigilant. Always by your side, whether on a hike or a lazy day at home, the Japanese Spitz thrives on companionship, embodying the heart and spirit of a true family member.

Life With a Japanese Spitz

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Energy level

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Trainability Level

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Amount of Shedding

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Tendency of Barking

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Exercise Needs

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Kid Friendly

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Pet Friendly

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Looks & Personality

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The Japanese Spitz is an eye-catching breed, distinguished by its pure white, fluffy coat that resembles a fresh snowfall. Its compact and symmetrical build, along with a mane-like collar around its neck, gives it an elegant and noble appearance. Their pointed muzzle and triangular, erect ears contribute to their fox-like expression, complemented by dark, alert eyes that sparkle with curiosity and intelligence. Regular grooming is essential for this breed to maintain its stunning coat; brushing a few times a week will keep it in top condition and minimize shedding. Fortunately, their coat repels dirt, making them relatively low-maintenance in terms of cleanliness.

 

The Japanese Spitz is known for its vivacious and affectionate nature, making them excellent companions. They have a moderate energy level, enjoying activities ranging from leisurely walks to more spirited play sessions. Their adaptable nature means they’re equally happy living in an apartment or a home with a yard, as long as they have regular opportunities to exercise and engage with their family.

 

While they might be small in size, the Japanese Spitz has a big heart and an even bigger personality. They’re incredibly loyal to their family and can be cautious around strangers, making them good little watchdogs. However, they’re not prone to unnecessary barking, making them well-suited for a variety of living situations. Early socialization and consistent, positive training are key to nurturing their sociable and well-mannered nature. This breed thrives on companionship and does not like being left alone for long periods. With the right care and attention, the Japanese Spitz will be a joyful and loving addition to any household, bringing laughter and light with its playful antics and affectionate demeanor.

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A tip from a vet

For the lively Japanese Spitz, maintaining oral health is key, as they can be prone to dental issues. Regular dental check-ups and daily teeth cleaning can prevent problems before they start. Additionally, their thick, white coat requires consistent grooming to prevent matting and skin issues. Despite their love for outdoor activities, it's crucial to monitor their exposure during extreme weather, as their dense coat can make them susceptible to overheating in high temperatures.
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A tip from a trainer

Training a Japanese Spitz is remarkably rewarding, thanks to their bright and eager-to-please nature. These intelligent pups catch on quickly to new commands, making them a delight to train. Their joyful disposition and keenness for learning new tricks make the training process a fun and engaging experience for both the dog and the trainer.

What about your Japanese Spitz?

Did You Know

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    The Japanese Spitz’s exact origins are unknown, as its breeding records were lost during World War II.

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    A woman in China paid $165 for what she thought was a Japanese Spitz. After three months of it never barking and its tail growing extra long, she realized the truth – she’d been sold a fox.

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    Japanese Spitz puppies are very rare and can often cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500 USD.

In The News

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Before becoming a mom for the first time, dancer, actor, and reality TV star Jenna Dewan confessed she couldn’t even keep a houseplant alive. Understandably concerned, her and then-husband Channing Tatum got a dog – a miniature Japanese Spitz they named Meeka.

It worked better than expected, both because Meeka really did teach Dewan how to be responsible for someone else and because she became obsessed with her pup. How obsessed? Meeka, just like Dewan herself, gets a blueberry facial every six weeks!

And since Dewan’s true passion is dance, Meeka got into the family business herself and can do pirouettes, despite the fact she’d rather just lie on the couch all day long.

Famous Japanese Spitz Owners

Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan

The History Behind the Breed

The Japanese Spitz, a companion breed developed in the early 20th century, has a rich history marked by selective breeding for health, temperament, and its distinctive white coat. Originating in Japan through the crossbreeding of various Spitz-type dogs, including the American Eskimo Dog, White Russian Spitz, and German Spitz, the breed was established to create a small, resilient companion animal. This endeavor in the 1920s and 1930s aimed to differentiate the Japanese Spitz from other breeds like the Samoyed, focusing on its unique characteristics and companionable nature. Contrary to some beliefs, the Japanese Spitz’s lineage does not stem from miniaturized Samoyeds but is a result of thoughtful breeding practices that have led to a dog breed prized for its companionship since as far back as 500 A.D. when Spitz-type dogs first made their way into Asia and Japan. This breed stands as an early example of designer dog breeding, prioritizing health and social temperament, making the Japanese Spitz a beloved pet in many households today.

If a Japanese Spitz Could Talk…

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"Beyond my fluffy white fur, I'm your devoted companion, ready to cause chaos in the blink of an eye - but hey, that's just part of my charm"

A Quick Anatomy Lesson

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Health-wise, the Japanese Spitz is fairly robust with minimal genetic-based problems, they typically have a lifespan of between 10-14 years. The main health concern of this breed is luxating patellas, which is when the kneecap becomes displaced from its normal position.

Common Health Problems

What about your Japanese Spitz?

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