Japanese Spitz Breed Guide

Dec 03, 2024

Meet the Japanese Spitz: a pint-sized ball of fluff with a personality that’s larger than life. Known for their snowy white coats and ever-smiling faces, these dogs are the definition of happiness on four legs. They’re small but mighty, with an energy and zest for life that will keep you on your toes, and their loyal, friendly nature makes them excellent family companions.

Don’t let their cloud-like appearance fool you—this breed is surprisingly sturdy. Bred to be companions, Japanese Spitz dogs thrive on human interaction and are happiest when they’re with their people. Their playful attitude and sweet nature charm everyone, from family members to strangers on walks.

THE BASICS:

Category: Non Sporting Group
Size: Small to Medium (5-10 kg)
Exercise Needs: 1 hour per day
Grooming: Moderate
Coat: Thick double coat, pure white, fluffy like a marshmallow
Shedding: Moderate
Health Issues: Patellar luxation, allergies, dental issues
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Home Needs: A secure garden or apartment with plenty of family time
Sociability: Affectionate, great with kids and other pets, friendly with strangers

HISTORY: THE FLUFFY COUSIN OF THE SAMOYED

The Japanese Spitz’s origins may not be as ancient as some other breeds, but they still have an interesting history. They were developed in Japan in the early 20th century by breeding various Spitz-type dogs, including the American Eskimo Dog and the Samoyed, to create the perfect small companion. By the 1950s, the breed had gained popularity for its friendly nature, intelligence, and easy-to-maintain size.

While the Japanese Spitz may resemble their larger cousin, the Samoyed, in appearance (minus the size), they’ve got their own unique charm. They were bred to be companions through and through, excelling in family environments thanks to their sweet, outgoing personality and relatively easy care requirements.

Today, Japanese Spitz dogs are beloved worldwide for their fun-loving, playful nature and their stunning, fluffy white coats.

JAPANESE SPITZ PERSONALITY: HAPPY, PLAYFUL, AND A TOTAL PEOPLE-PLEASER

If you want a dog that’s always in a good mood, the Japanese Spitz is your go-to breed. These dogs are known for their friendly, playful, and outgoing personalities. They’re happiest when they’re part of the family action and will follow you around like a little fluffy shadow. With their ever-present smiles and sparkling personalities, it’s hard not to fall in love with a Japanese Spitz.

They’re great with kids, affectionate without being overly clingy, and they make friends easily—even with strangers. While they’re excellent watchdogs (they’ll bark to alert you of anything suspicious), they’re not aggressive and tend to greet new people with enthusiasm once the “threat” has been assessed.

The Japanese Spitz is incredibly intelligent, which makes them easy to train, but they’ve also got a streak of independence. Positive reinforcement works wonders with this breed, and once they understand what you want from them, they’ll be eager to please.

HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A JAPANESE SPITZ NEED?

Japanese Spitz dogs are full of energy, but they’re not demanding when it comes to exercise. About an hour of exercise per day—whether it’s a brisk walk or some playtime indoors—will keep them happy. However, don’t let their size fool you; they’ve got plenty of stamina and will happily go for longer walks or enjoy more active play if you’re up for it.

These dogs are agile and quick, making them a great choice for dog sports like agility or obedience. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, so puzzle toys, games, and training sessions will help keep their sharp minds engaged and prevent boredom.

Pro tip: After a fun-filled day, treat your Japanese Spitz to Scrumbles Dog Food—it’s packed with the protein and nutrients they need to stay healthy and energetic.

HOW TO GROOM A JAPANESE SPITZ: FLUFFY AND FABULOUS (BUT PREPARE FOR SHEDDING)

One look at a Japanese Spitz, and you know you’re in for some grooming. Their thick, pure white double coat is not just for show—it’s designed to keep them protected in all sorts of weather. While their coat looks high-maintenance, it’s surprisingly easy to care for as long as you keep up with regular brushing. A good brush 2-3 times a week will help prevent tangles and matting, and seasonal shedding can result in significant fluff storms, requiring daily brushing during these times.

Despite their snowy white coat, Japanese Spitz dogs have a naturally dirt-repellent fur, which means they tend to stay cleaner than you might expect. They don’t need frequent baths—just give them a rinse when they’ve had a particularly messy outdoor adventure.

Don’t forget regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care. And of course, Scrumbles Gnashers Dental Dog Treats are a great way to help keep those pearly whites clean and freshen their breath after a day of fun.

HEALTH: STURDY, BUT WATCH THE KNEES

Japanese Spitz dogs are generally a healthy breed, but like all small dogs, they can be prone to a few health issues. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and Patellar luxation (a knee problem) is common in these small breeds, so keeping them at a healthy weight and providing controlled exercise is important. They can also suffer from allergies, particularly skin allergies, so it’s essential to monitor their diet and environment for potential triggers.

Dental care is another consideration, as small breeds are often more prone to dental issues, with dental crowding. Regular brushing and dental check-ups are key to keeping their teeth in good condition. Feeding them a balanced diet, like Scrumbles Salmon Wet Dog Food, which is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6, can help support their skin, coat, and overall health.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE JAPANESE SPITZ:

Always Smiling: Japanese Spitz dogs are known for their cheerful expressions. With their perky ears, bright eyes, and ever-present smile, they’re like little rays of sunshine wherever they go.
Weather-Proof Coats: Their thick double coat not only makes them look like fluffy clouds but also keeps them comfortable in both cold and warm weather, making them surprisingly adaptable.
Little Clean Freaks: Despite their fluffy white coats, Japanese Spitz dogs have a natural resistance to dirt. Thanks to the texture of their coat, they tend to stay cleaner than you’d expect.

LIVING WITH A JAPANESE SPITZ: FULL OF JOY, LOVE, AND FLUFF

Living with a Japanese Spitz is like having a little cloud of happiness in your home. These dogs are full of life, love, and an endless supply of affection. They’re wonderful companions for families, couples, or individuals, as they’re adaptable to a variety of living situations—from apartments to larger homes with gardens.

They’re best suited for people who are home often, as they thrive on human interaction and don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods. But as long as they have plenty of time with their family and get their daily exercise, they’re content just about anywhere. And while they may bark to alert you of anything unusual, they’re not overly yappy—a big plus if you’ve got neighbours close by.

With their intelligence, training them is a breeze as long as you use positive reinforcement (and maybe a few treats from Scrumbles Treats to keep them motivated). And when they’re not chasing after toys or prancing around like fluffy showdogs, they’ll happily curl up next to you for some quiet cuddle time.

IS THE JAPANESE SPITZ THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?

If you’re looking for a dog that’s friendly, intelligent, and full of life, the Japanese Spitz could be the perfect addition to your family. They’re ideal for people who want a small to medium-sized dog that’s easy to train, loves being part of the family, and doesn’t mind a little grooming to keep them looking fabulous.

With their charming personalities, beautiful coats, and loyal nature, Japanese Spitz dogs will quickly steal your heart—and probably your favourite spot on the sofa, too. With the right care, plenty of love, and a balanced diet from Scrumbles, your Japanese Spitz will be a happy, healthy, and fluffy companion for many years to come.

Why Scrumbles is Perfect for the Japanese Spitz

Scrumbles is the ideal choice for Japanese Spitz owners for several reasons:

High-Quality Ingredients: Spitzes are lively little floofballs with big hearts and big energy. To fuel their antics, they need premium nutrition. Scrumbles uses only high-quality, natural ingredients, steering clear of artificial additives and fillers, so your Spitz stays healthy and happy.
Coat and Skin Health: The Japanese Spitz’s stunning white coat is their crown jewel—and it needs extra TLC to stay soft and shiny. Scrumbles’ recipes are packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, perfect for supporting healthy skin and a coat that dazzles. We've got just the thing to help: Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food or Salmon Wet Food for optimal coat care.
Digestibility: All our recipes start with the gut, enriched with pre, post and probiotics, to help ensure easy digestion. Check out our Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for little ones with extra sensitive tums.
Sustainability: As a member of 1% for the Planet and certified B Corp we're committed to eco-friendly practices with recyclable packaging and responsible ingredient sourcing.
Trustworthy Nutrition: Don't just take our word, we're rated 4.5 on Trustpilot with over 5k five star reviews.

With their fun-loving personalities, stunning white coats, and boundless affection, the Japanese Spitz is a wonderful companion for anyone looking for a playful, intelligent, and loyal dog. Whether you’re out for a walk or cuddled up at home, a Japanese Spitz will always bring a smile to your face and fill your life with joy.