Japanese Spitz - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 25 - 40 cm (10 - 16 inches)

Weight: About 10 kg (22 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Affectionate & alert

Country of Origin: Japan

AKC Group: Not registered

Temperament:

The Japanese Spitz is intelligent, lively, bold and alert. Japanese Spitz make excellent family companions as they get on well with children and other household pets. They are watchful of strangers, but quickly accept new visitors once their owners do. Japanese Spitz are intelligent and fast learners which makes them obedient and easy to train.

Grooming:

Considering the thickness of the Japanese Spitz coat, they are not difficult to groom or keep clean. They should be groomed once per week with a pin brush that reaches to the undercoat to prevent knots forming.

Exercise:

Japanese Spitz need daily exercise and should have opportunities to run and play off the lead. This breed enjoys dog sports such as agility skills and fly-ball.

Feeding:

Japanese Spitz are undemanding when it comes to food and aren't picky eaters, despite their dainty appearance at first sight.

History:

The Japanese Spitz descended from the Arctic Spitz family. It is believed that a number of these Nordic Spitz made their way to Japan with the migrating Russians. Although they were bred in other countries, it was in Japan that this breed flourished and as a result acquired its name.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Brilliant white, fluffy and lively.

Color: Pure white.

Coat: The outercoat is straight and stands away from the body. The undercoat is soft and dense. The tail should be well covered and there should be a good mane on the neck and shoulders.

Tail: Bushy, moderate length, covered with long hair and carried over the back.

Ears: Small, triangular and erect.

Body: The chest is broad and deep with a straight, short back.

Additional Comments:

* The Japanese Spitz is an ideal size for flats or apartments and they have the added value of keeping barking to a minimum.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/japanese_spitz/