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Japanese Terrier
dog breed
Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)
Weight
5–30 kg
Size
Medium
Lifespan
11–14 ans
Energy
Élevé
Coat
White with black and tan head, patches of black or tan on the body.
Maintenance
Moyen
Training
Moyen
The Japanese Terrier (日本テリア (Nihon teria)) is a dog breed originating from Japan. The breed was created through crosses between European terriers brought to Japan in the 17th century, such as the Smooth Fox Terrier, and native Japanese dogs. It was then used as a "lap dog." Selection began in the early 20th century, but the breed remains rare, even in Japan. The Japanese Terrier is a small terrier with an elegant and well-defined appearance. The body is square in proportion.
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The tail is docked between the third and fourth vertebra. The muzzle is straight and ends in a black nose. The ears are relatively small and V-shaped. The coat is short, predominantly white with a black and tan head and possibly black or fawn spots on the body. Lively and cheerful like a terrier, the breed has been a companion dog since the beginning of its selection.
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Élevé
Trainability
Modéré
Maintenance
Modéré
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Medium size (5–30 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
- 2Life expectancy: 11 to 14 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
- 3High energy level — at least 1 hour of activity per day for their wellbeing.
- 4Moderate maintenance — weekly brushing is sufficient.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the Japanese Terrier
Our selection
Dry food suited to the Japanese Terrier
Origins & history
A story told
The Japanese Terrier resulted from crosses between Smooth Fox Terriers imported to Nagasaki from the Netherlands during the 17th century, black and tan English toy terriers and the English White Terrier, an extinct breed, and native pointing dogs and small-sized dogs. The Japanese Terrier was appreciated as a "lap dog," particularly in port cities like Kobe and Yokohama. Selection only began in the 1920s, which allowed the type to be fixed about a decade later. With no registrations in the French Stud Book (LOF) in 2012, the breed is rarely represented in France. In 2013, only 63 registrations were counted by the Japanese Kennel Club, making it the 72nd breed in terms of popularity in its country of origin.
Character
Daily temperament
The FCI standard describes the breed as lively and cheerful. The Japanese Terrier is less aggressive than other terriers and is described as docile, intelligent and easy to train.
Physical
Breed standard
The Japanese Terrier is a small terrier with an elegant and compact appearance. The body is square in proportion. The tail is moderately fine: it is docked between the third and fourth vertebra. The head features a flat skull that is moderately narrow, with a barely marked stop. The muzzle and skull are the same length. The straight muzzle ends in a black nose. Medium-sized, the eyes are oval-shaped and dark-colored. Set high, the ears are relatively small, V-shaped and fall forward. The coat is short: it measures only about two millimeters in length. It is smooth, dense and shiny. The coloring is predominantly white with a black and tan head and possibly black or fawn spots on the body.
Chapter 2
Daily life
What if you adopted your future companion?
The Japanese Terrier of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of japanese terrier (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 terrier ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 11–14 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
10 à 22 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.
Equivalent human age
29years
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 +5 per year for a moyen 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 French breed club recommends testing Japanese Terriers for hip dysplasia, a painful and hereditary malformation.
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 terrier ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Result
221 g
per day · 839 kcal
111 g / repas (2 par jour)
Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.
Appears in
Japanese Terrier in our rankings
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Japanese Terrier
Does the Japanese Terrier suit apartment living?+
How much exercise per day for a Japanese Terrier?+
What is the life expectancy of a Japanese Terrier?+
Is the Japanese Terrier good with children?+
If you like this dog
Breeds with similar profiles
For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your Japanese Terrier.
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.