
🐶 Dog · size Small
Japanese Spitz
dog breed
Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)

Weight
5.1–6.9 kg
Size
Small
Lifespan
12–16 ans
Energy
Très élevé
Coat
White
Maintenance
Faible
Training
Moyen
The Japanese Spitz (日本スピッツ, Nihon Supittsu) is a dog breed originating from Japan of spitz type. The Japanese Spitz is a companion dog. There are variations in standards around the world regarding the ideal size of the breed, but they are always larger than their cousins, Pomeranian dogs. However, the only official standard is that held by the Japan Kennel Club. They were designed in Japan in the 1920s-1930s by breeding a number of other dogs from the spitz family together.
Read more (12 mots)Show less▾
They became widely popular due to their pleasant temperament.
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Très élevé
Trainability
Modéré
Maintenance
Faible
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Small size (5.1–6.9 kg), adapts well to most homes.
- 2Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years on average, depending on care and diet.
- 3Very high energy level — plan for at least 1.5 hours of daily exercise minimum.
- 4Minimal maintenance — minimal shedding, occasional brushing.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the Japanese Spitz
Origins & history
A story told
The Japanese Spitz probably descends from the large white German Spitz, introduced to Japan around 1920 after crossing Siberia and northeastern China. In 1921, this breed is presented for the first time at an exhibition in Tokyo. In 1925, two pairs of large white spitz are imported from Canada, and until around 1936, the breed receives the contribution of numerous spitz-type dogs imported from Canada, the United States, Australia and China. In 1948, a unified breed standard is established by the Japanese Kennel Club.
Character
Daily temperament
The Japanese Spitz is described in the FCI standard as intelligent, cheerful and very alert. Noisy individuals are not tolerated. Active, loyal and intelligent, the Japanese Spitz is a good watchdog and tends to bark to warn of the arrival of a stranger. The Japanese Spitz is first and foremost a companion dog and thrives with human contact and attention, preferring to be considered a family member. They love to be active and love to be outdoors. They are intelligent, playful, attentive, obedient and are particularly willing to interact with children.
Physical
Breed standard
The Japanese Spitz is a small to medium-sized dog, of sturdy constitution, it is well-proportioned overall. The plume tail is carried on the back, with long and abundant hair. The muzzle is pointed, the triangular-shaped ears are erect. Moderately large, the eyes are almond-shaped, in a slightly oblique position and dark in color. The topcoat is straight and stands off and the undercoat is short, soft and dense. The coat is long and abundant all over the body, except on the face, ears, front of the forearms and metatarsals. The neck, shoulders and chest have a ruff. The only authorized color is pure white.
Chapter 2
Daily life
What if you adopted your future companion?
The Japanese Spitz of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of japanese spitz (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.
Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.
Âge
What human age for a japanese spitz ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 12–16 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
5 à 9 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.
Equivalent human age
28years
Adulte
Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.
Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +4 per year for a petit dog.
These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.
Health
Health watch
The Japanese Spitz is a dog with generally robust health, but prefers to live indoors. Regular veterinary visits and adequate nutrition ensure good health.
Alert
To avoid for dog
Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.
- low-fat cocoa powderModerate
- maltitolModerate
- cocoa pasteModerate
- onion piecesModerate
Calculator · daily ration
How much to give a japanese spitz ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Result
99 g
per day · 376 kcal
50 g / repas (2 par jour)
Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.
Maintenance
Daily care
The Japanese Spitz can endure cold climates but as a breed considered a companion dog, it will prefer to live in the house.
Appears in
Japanese Spitz in our rankings
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Japanese Spitz
Is the Japanese Spitz suitable for apartment living?+
How much exercise per day for a Japanese Spitz?+
What is the life expectancy of a Japanese Spitz?+
Is the Japanese Spitz good with children?+
If you like this dog
Breeds with similar profiles

Thai Bangkaew
dog breed

Bichon Frisé
Small dog breed with a unique character.

Bichon Maltais
Small dog breed with unique character.

Affenpinscher
dog breed

Akita américain
dog breed

American Hairless terrier
dog breed
For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your Japanese Spitz.
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.