Home
/
Dog Breeds
/
Japanese Spitz
Japanese Spitz
Origin
Japan
Size
Small Breed
Ideal Space
Apartment
Ideal Weather
15º-25ºC
Life Expectancy
12-16Â years
Cost of buying
₹ 15,000 - ₹ 50,000
Top 5 Traits
Intelligent
Playful
Loyal
Protective
Energetic
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 3,300 - ₹ 5,400
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 23 May 2025
Introduction to Japanese Spitz Dog Breed
Japanese Spitz is one of the most loved dog breeds known for their playful and friendly demeanor. They are eager to learn, and dogs love human companionship. They are small-sized dogs with pure white coats and small faces. Like other spitz breeds, they also have a tail curled upwards, black eyes, black nose, and triangular shaped ears that are erected and look like radar towers.
Do you find this breed interesting? In our coming sections, we shall learn more about these dogs in detail.
Origin and History Of Japanese Spitz
Japanese Spitz are believed to be the descendants of German Spitz, which were brought to Japan in the 1920s via Siberia and China. It is also believed that their ancestors lived in the northern region for a while. They are brought through Mongolia as smaller Samoyed breeds and later mixed with German Spitz and Russian Spotz. However, over many years of conscious breeding, these dogs were formed in the 1930s in Japan. The full history of this breed is unknown as it was destroyed during WWII. The Japanese Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1948, and the Kennel Club of the UK recognized this breed in 1977.
Lifespan of Japanese Spitz Dogs
The average lifespan of this breed ranges from 12 to 16 years. However, with good medical care, a balanced diet, training, exercise, and improved lifestyle, they can outlive their peers. The longest-lived pure-bred Japanese Spitz was a male dog from Srilanka by the name of Dinky, who lived for 18 years(born in 1987 and died in 2005) owned by Thilakaratne family.
Physical Traits Of Japanese Spitz
Japanese Spitz are small to medium-sized dogs with a distinctive physical appearance.
- Height: The ideal height of a male dog as given by the FCI ranges from 34-37 CM, whereas the height of a female dog varies from 30-34 CM.
- Weight: The average weight of these dogs varies from 5 to 6 kgs.
- Japanese Spitz have a thick, pure white coat, a small face, and attractive black eyes. Just like other spitz dogs, they, too, have a tail curled upwards.
Read the full breed standard approved by the American Kennel Club.
Japanese Spitz Personality
- Japanese Spitz are low-maintenance, lovable dog breeds.
- They are known to be friendly and get along well with people of all ages. However, they are a little reserved around strangers.
- They are best suited for first-time owners who enjoy walks and are very vocal.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
What is the price of a Japanese Spitz?
Cost of buying
₹ 15,000 - ₹ 50,000
The average Japanese Spitz dog price can vary from ₹ 15,000 to ₹ 50,000 in India. The cost depends on factors like breed, lineage, and health conditions.
Several factors should be considered while purchasing a Mudhol Hound puppy -
- The most essential thing when purchasing a pet is choosing a trustworthy breeder. Ensure that any breeder treats the dogs appropriately and follows the moral breeding procedure.
- Ask your Japanese Spitz breeder to provide health certificates and lineage papers to ensure that the dog is healthy and purebred. Visit the kennel to confirm that there is no inbreeding taking place.
- Japanese Spitz puppy cost depends on many variables like ancestry, the possibility of show quality, and the breeder's reputation.
Adopt
There is another way to get a puppy home, i.e., to Adopt
- Give a homeless pet all the love with adoption. Maybe breed-specific rescues, a local animal shelter, or other rescue groups have a puppy up for adoption.
- Adoption fees usually cover vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and initial medical care. These fees vary, but they are generally lower than they would be to buy from a breeder.
Here are some of the breeds that are similar to the Japanese Spitz -
Shiba Inu | Akita | Siberian Husky | Alaskan Malamute | Tosa Inu |
Prerequisites to pet a Japanese Spitz
Access to Veterinary
Appropriate Climate
Financial Capability
Lifestyle Compatibility
Space and Environment
Access to Groomer
Are you ready to get a Japanese Spitz home?
Research: Do thorough research about the breed, its requirements, health issues, temperaments, traits, and compatibility. See if the dog breed is a good fit for your lifestyle.
Find reputable sources: Before buying a puppy, look for a trustworthy breeder who practices ethical breeding. Also, check out the local rescues or shelters if you are planning to adopt.
Visit breeder/adoption centers: Make a plan to visit the kennels or adoption centers before going to buy or adopt the dog. Know about their behavior, health, immunization, history, and lineage.
Ask for documentation: Do not miss the health certification, vaccination record, and any other related document from the breeder before buying the puppy. If you are adopting, make sure you inquire about the behavior and past and recent health conditions.
Prepare your home: You must make a comfortable living space for the dog before bringing it into your life. So make sure you are well aware of the requirements, such as space, time, and commitment, needed to have a dog at home. Ensure you have enough supplies, grooming tools, a bed, a food bowl, and other necessities.
Nutritional Overview of the Japanese Spitz Dog Breed
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Calories per day
Puppies:Â 1000 kcal
Adults:Â 700 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Fats
Carbohydrates
Fibre
Vitamins
Minerals
List of foods
Dry Dog Food
Fresh Meat
Home made meals
Vegetables
Fruits
Chicken
These dogs are very active breeds and need to be fed a balanced food to cater to all their energy requirements. Here are a few essential tips that you should know before designing the diet.
- These dogs are to be fed high-quality food that meets all the AAFCO guidelines. Look for the label while purchasing to know the content.
- While designing a diet for your dog, keep in mind factors like their age, size, energy level, activity level, whether they are spayed/neutered, and any kind of health conditions.
- Their food should contain proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and fibers in an adequate quantity to promote development and overall well-being.
- Maintain regular timings while feeding, and make sure not to overfeed. This can cause weight gain, leading to diabetes and other related health issues.
- It is also important to consult your veterinarian before coming up with any diet or change in the product that you feed. Some dogs can be allergic to certain elements; hence, take the vet’s opinion to know of any allergies or health conditions before you start a diet.
Now that we have an overall idea about the necessary nutrients that need to be included in your dog’s diet, going further, we shall explore in detail all the food items that can be fed to your Japanese Spitz.
Note: These are general guidelines. Consult a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your dog.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the right food for your Japanese Spitz
- Protein helps in muscle development and promotes immunity in dogs. Foods like fresh meat, chicken, fish, and lamb provide adequate protein.
- Brown rice, oats, barley, ragi, and sweet potatoes provide enough carbohydrates to cater to the energy needs for daily activities. Make sure it is fed in an adequate amount to avoid obesity in dogs.
- Along with proteins and carbohydrates, dogs also need additional minerals and fiber. Vegetables like celery, carrots, beans, cabbages, spinach, etc, promote gut health and smooth digestive function.
- Fruits like apples, bananas, pears, strawberries, blueberries, etc provide antioxidants without any added sugar.
- Keeping your dog hydrated is also very crucial. Provide enough water to them, as this helps in maintaining body temperature and helps in smooth internal organ functioning.
In the above section, you got a detailed idea about all the food items that constitute good food for your dog. But as a pet parent, you should also be aware of the human foods that can cause serious damage to your dog’s health.
Food items that can be toxic to your Japanese Spitz
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Alcohol
Almonds
Avocados
Cherries
Cinnamon
Coffee / Tea
Dairy
Fruit seeds
Grapes
Garlic
Lemon
Milk Products
Mushrooms
Onions
Salt
Sugar
- Steer clear of human foods like chocolates, onion, garlic, alcohol, raisins, grapes, avocados, cinnamons, etc. These food items can cause serious damage to their digestive system and can be fatal at times.
- Check for the label of commercial dog food and verify that they don’t contain excessive fats, artificial preservatives, colors, or odors. This can have severe adverse effects on their gut health when fed over a long period.
- Check with your veterinarian to know any kind of allergies in your dog. Avoid those foods that can cause a reaction when fed.
- Avoid those food items that have high fat content or are over-processed like fried food or mutton. This leads to indigestion in dogs.
- Foods with excessive amounts of salt or sugar should be avoided. This can cause fluctuation in the blood pressure and diabetes in the long term.
Comprehensive Health Guide for Your Japanese Spitz
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 900 - ₹ 1,800
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Hip Dysplasia
Parasites
Heartworm
Kennel Cough
Leptospirosis
Panosteitis
Well being
Exercise
Bonding
Games
Socialization
Agility Training
Energy Level
Medium
Exercise routine
30 - 60 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Pacing
Excessive Panting
Reluctance to move
Increased laziness
Japanese Spitz Health Issues
Japanese Spitz are considered a healthy dog breed, however, they are also prone to some common health conditions. The Japanese Spitz Club of USA has recognized some of the common health conditions you can find in Japanese Spitz dogs.
- Muscular Dystrophy: This is a musculoskeletal disorder found in this breed which has to be detected at an early age. Symptoms include hypersalvitation, exercise intolerance, muscular pain, and intoleration. Ensure the Japanese Spitz puppy breeder has been screened for such conditions before getting a puppy.
- Patellar Luxation: This is a common condition in dogs where the knee cap is moved out of the socket, causing pain and difficulty in movement. This condition has different stages, with the worst case needing orthopedic surgery.
- Factor VII Deficiency: This is also an inherited condition causing the inability to clot the blood. This can be detected only when your Japanese gets injured or has undergone surgery. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, excessive bruising, and bleeding from the mouth or internal bleeding. Ethical and responsible breeders do screen for this condition before breeding.
- Dental Issues: This breed is very prone to dental calculus and gingivitis at an early age. This can be prevented by regularly brushing and maintaining oral hygiene for your dog.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 Weeks
Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus (DHPP)
10-12 Weeks
DHPP Booster
14-16 Weeks
Rabies
16-20 Weeks
DHPP Booster
A Simple Guide to Care for Your Senior Japanese Spitz Dog
As your dog ages, their medical, dietary and exercise needs change. You should be aware of their needs and make sure you are providing a comfortable lifestyle for them to live a happy and long life. In this section, we shall look at some simple yet effective tips to take care of your senior Japanese Spitz dog.
- A healthy and balanced diet plays a major role in maintaining good health. Ensure the food amount as well as the nutrient requirements are met when feeding.
- Regular health checkups to ensure their health is very much a necessity. This also helps you to detect any abnormalities at an early stage.
- Provide a comfortable and safe environment for them to stay. Make sure they get access to all their necessities like bed, water, and treats, in one place to avoid unnecessary movements.
- Make them exercise regularly because this helps in maintaining their health and keeps them active. However, make sure you do not over-exert as that can cause joint pain. Remember that their stamina and energy are reduced as they age.
- Keep them engaged with puzzles, engaging toys, and continuous socialization. This helps to keep them mentally stimulated.
Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for personalized advice.
Grooming Guidelines for the Japanese Spitz
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Shedding Level
Moderate Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Bathing
Brushing
Ear Cleaning
Eye Care
Nail Trimming
Teeth Care
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Low Shedding
Odourless
Prevents Bad Breath
Quality of life
Prevents infections
Japanese Spitz dogs are considered a low-maintenance breed for most times of the year, however, they shed excessively twice a year where they lose their undercoat. That is when there will be high-maintenance for them. Here are a few effective tips that will help you to groom your dog.
- Regular hair brushing helps to maintain the coat's health and keeps the cat shiny. Use smooth brushes made of silicon, this helps to prevent skin irritation.
- Japanese Spitz need to be bathed only once every few months. While bathing them, make sure you use mild shampoo and cleansers to avoid any kind of skin irritation. Blow their coat dry after the bath to prevent residual moisture in their coat.
- Ear cleaning should be done regularly to avoid the accumulation of any kind of dust or debris. This can cause an ear infection if neglected. Use vet-recommended ear-cleaning solutions to clean their ears.
- As you have already read, Japanese Spitz are prone to dental issues. Hence, regularly brush their teeth with specialized toothpaste for dogs and don’t use human toothpaste as that can be poisonous for them.
- Nail trimming is also an important grooming need for your dogs. Trim them regularly as and when you find overgrowth as that can cause discomfort in walking.
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
Our contÂ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I socialize my Japanese Spitz puppy?
Socialization is crucial for Japanese Spitz puppies to develop into well-adjusted adults. Expose them to various people, animals, environments, and experiences in a positive and controlled manner from an early age to help them become confident and friendly dogs.
What type of diet is best for Japanese Spitz dogs?
A balanced diet consisting of high-quality dog food, lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits is ideal for Japanese Spitz dogs. Avoid overfeeding and monitor their weight to prevent obesity, which can lead to health issues.
Are Japanese Spitz prone to any behavioral issues?
Japanese Spitz dogs are generally well-behaved and friendly, but like all breeds, they may develop behavioral issues if not properly trained and socialized. Common behavioral issues include excessive barking, digging, and separation anxiety. Consistent training, positive reinforcement, and plenty of exercise can help address and prevent behavioral problems.
