Japanese Spitz
Description
The Japanese Spitz is a blend of a few small Spitz
varieties, kept as pet’s last century. In the 1900's the white version
had a popular following and the type was refined until it was recognized
by the Japanese Kennel Club in the 1950's. However, because of
quarantine restrictions, most of Australia's dogs came from the United
Kingdom and Sweden. They are now becoming very popular pets and are well
sought after.
Temperament
Active, loyal and bright the Japanese Spitz are known for
their great courage, affection and devotion making them great watchdogs
and ideal companions for older people and small children. They are small
enough to enjoy being a lap dog, but do possess an independent nature
and a strong will of their own so new owners
need to be firm with their pups, although not harsh. They truly
are a family dog and thrive on human companionship. Highly intelligent,
alert, bold and lively they are always eager to please with each dog
developing its own personality. Tending to be wary of complete strangers
that rush up to them without formal introduction, they do prefer a
gentle approach, after which you have a friend for life.
Appearance
Dogs: 30-37cm (11 ½-4 ½ inc) Dogs:
Bitches: 7-8½kgs (15-18lbs)
Because it is a small, fluffy
white dog with sharply pointed muzzle the Japanese Spitz are often
mistaken as a small or miniature Samoyed.
The Japanese Spitz
is covered with a thick, snow white stand-off coat, which consists of a
long straight outer coat held by a profuse and soft under coat. The head
has a sharply pointed muzzle and triangular shaped ears standing erect
with a tail of medium length and a rich fringe of long hair and curled
over the back. Their body is firm, strong and flexible with fore and
hindquarters which are well proportioned, balanced with generally noble
like appearance.
Grooming
Even though the Japanese Spitz sports a long
pure white coat and contrary to most people’s expectations their coat is
very easy to look after and is indeed classed as a low maintenance
breed. Their coat will require brushing at least three times a week,
especially during their shedding season.
Due to their texture/silky component, mud and dirt fall off or can be
brushed out quite easily. They don’t have a doggy smell and while they
love to play in the dirt, this is a fastidiously clean dog that does not
like getting dirty and, like a cat, will lick itself clean. Provided
they are groomed weekly they will only require bathing once a month.
They shed their coat twice a year and will usually only last one week.
If you don't have the
time / if you cant find the time to bath or groom your dog, why not
drop it off at your local dog grooming salon.
Life Expectancy
12-16 Years
Health Concerns
Medically they are
a very sound
dog and even though luxating patellas have been found in some lines,
which can be aggravated by obesity, however it is not anywhere near the
problem it was due to careful breeding.
Suitability
Although the Japanese Spitz will choose one family member
as their leader to bond more closely with it will still remain a family
dog seeming to thrive on the different attention and affections from
each family member. A young puppy of 3-12 months could prove to be a
"handful" for children under the age of 5 without adult supervision
however they also make an excellent and loving companion for a single
person. If they are bored they can be a bit mischievous and as they are
an active breed enjoy being taken for a walk even though they don’t
really require a vast amount of exercise. Because they thrive on human
companionship, they enjoy living both indoors and outdoors, in fact they
enjoy being wherever you are. They are not a dog you can leave in the
backyard and forget, but at the same time don’t really have to have
another dog as a companion as they are quite happy to be the only dog in
the backyard and get all the attention for themselves.
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