GROUP 7 - NON SPORTING

Brief History
Dog breeders in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s created the Japanese Spitz by combining a number of other Spitz breeds to develop the Japanese Spitz. Breeders began with white German Spitz dogs, originally brought over from north-eastern China to Japan. The breed was first exhibited at a dog show in Tokyo in 1921.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. The average life span is 12 to 14 years. 

Temperament
Alert, intelligent, bold and lively.

General Breed Description
The Japanese Spitz has a profuse, pure white, stand-off coat. They possess a firm and strong body. They are an attractive spitz, with a pointed muzzle and triangular shaped ears standing erect. The tail is well plumed and carried over back. Japanese Spitz are affectionate and companionable, but sometimes slightly cautious at first meeting with strangers.

Coat and Care requirements
The outer coat is straight and stand-off. They have a profuse, short, dense undercoat which is soft in texture. The coat is shorter on face, ears, front of fore and hind legs and below the hocks. The remainder of body covered with long coat. The mane on neck and shoulders reaches down to brisket and is more profuse in males. The tail is heavily covered with long hair. This coat type requires weekly brushing and combing. Regular bathing and drying is required.

Size
Males: 34 to 37cms (13.5 to 14.5ins), Females: 30 to 34cms (12 to 13.5ins).

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders in is recommended you enquire about breed health and what health testing the breeder does. The Japanese Spitz is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally. These may include luxating patellas.

Suitability
Suitable for many different owners and lifestyles. An energetic breed that loves regular exercise and requires grooming.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard:  https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/83