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🐶 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)

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.

3 years
Birth22 years
Adult size

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.

6 kg
5.1 kg7.59 kg
Moderate

Result

99 g

per day · 376 kcal

50 g / repas (2 par jour)

Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.

For an exact calculation for your Japanese Spitz (breed, age, allergies, health conditions): create a free account

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?+
It depends on the individual: his small size is compatible with apartment living well organized, provided his outdoor needs are met.
How much exercise per day for a Japanese Spitz?+
1.5 to 2 hours of activity daily minimum, ideally with mental stimulation (play, tracking, canine sports).
What is the life expectancy of a Japanese Spitz?+
Between 12 and 16 years on average. Appropriate diet, regular veterinary care, and exercise contribute to a longer lifespan.
Is the Japanese Spitz good with children?+
To be evaluated per individual: early socialization and mutual respect are key. Never leave a young child alone with any animal, regardless of breed.

If you like this dog

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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.