Discover Everything About Japanese Spitz
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Japanese Spitz overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Japanese Spitz is a very robust and healthy breed with minimal genetic health issues. The primary focus is on patellar luxation, which is well-managed through mandatory health tests for breeding stock. Aside from isolated risks for eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), there are hardly any breed-specific health concerns, making the Japanese Spitz an exceptionally healthy companion.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
30–38 cm
Weight
6–10 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Long, dense, strong undercoat
- Origin: Japan
Typical coat colors
- White
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Japanese Spitz, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Japanese Spitz right for you?
The Japanese Spitz is a cheerful, attentive companion dog in a Spitz format—bred to translate the look of Nordic Spitz breeds into a manageable, people-oriented operating system without a hunting instinct.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a dog that feels comfortable in an apartment, as long as it can be close to its humans.
- You want an agile partner for long walks or trick training, without the obligation of having to keep a high-energy working dog busy every day.
- You don't mind white hair on the sofa—the plush coat is almost self-cleaning, but it sheds heavily during the change of seasons.
- You appreciate a loyal dog that is devoted to its family but maintains a polite distance from strangers at first.
Less ideal if:
- You live in an environment with very thin walls—as a classic Spitz, it will reliably alert you to unusual noises; this is genetic hardware, not a training error.
- You have to leave it alone regularly for eight hours on weekdays—this breed was bred for constant company and will wither away if isolated.
- You expect absolute, blind obedience—a Spitz always brings a touch of independence and will only cooperate if the bond is right.
The real vibes check
A Japanese Spitz looks like a miniature Samoyed, but it doesn't need a sled to be happy—it needs you. While it may announce every mail carrier with the typical Spitz seriousness, it will immediately curl up again as your cheerful shadow afterward. You aren't getting a stubborn Nordic worker, but an adaptable optimist who just wants to be wherever you are.
Breed Profile
With his bright white, thick mane and his cheerful smile, the Japanese Spitz steals the show. Its square build, bushy tail carried proudly over its back, and bright, dark eyes give it the classic Spitz appearance. There is no distinction between performance and show lines in this breed as they are primarily bred as companion dogs. The FCI lists the Japanese Spitz in Group 5: Spitz and dogs of the original type, Section 5: Asian Spitz and related breeds.
| Height | 30 - 38 cm (Female), 30 - 38 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 6 - 10 kg (Female), 6 - 10 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Happy, Intelligent, Loyal |
| Coat | Long, dense, strong undercoat |
| Coat Color | White |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The Japanese Spitz, as the name suggests, originally comes from Japan and has been recognized as an independent breed since 1948. This breed was developed in the 1920s by importing white large Spitz from Northeast Asia and later white medium Spitz from Europe and crossing them with each other. The aim was to breed a beautiful, robust and manageable companion dog that had the attractive appearance of the larger Spitz breeds, but in a smaller, easier to care for size. The Japanese Spitz enjoys great popularity in its home country and increasingly worldwide.
The Japanese Spitz was bred to be a companion dog with a friendly nature.
Japan
1920
Character & Temperament
The Japanese Spitz is a lively and cheerful dog who is known for loving and bonding closely with his people. He is a real “people dog”. and loves being close to his people, whether playing, going for a walk or just cuddling on the sofa. He is a wonderful family dog who gets along well with children and generally has a loving and patient nature. Despite its size and cute appearance, the Japanese Spitz is a brave dog that is not afraid to protect his family if he believes they are threatened. That's why he is also a good watchdog, warning his people about strangers or unusual noises. The Japanese Spitz is an active dog that loves to play and exercise. He is not hyperactive, but he needs daily exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and balanced. He learns quickly and is always ready to try new tricks learn or participate in dog sports such as agility. Although he is an active dog, he also has a calm side and can relax well if he has had enough exercise and activity. One of the best features of the Japanese Spitz is its adaptability. He can adapt well to different lifestyles and environments as long as he gets enough love, care and attention. Although he is a robust and healthy dog, he should be kept as a house dog as he needs close contact with his people and does not like to be left alone. With proper introduction and training, the Japanese Spitz can learn to stay alone for short periods of time, but he should not be left alone for long periods of time or he will become unhappy and stressed. The Japanese Spitz does not typically exhibit strong hunting behavior, but can respond to moving objects such as balls or Frisbees. He may also have a tendency to chase birds or squirrels in the park, but with proper training this behavior can be controlled. Overall, the Japanese Spitz is a happy, loving and loyal companion dog that fits well into a family and is a loyal friend and protector. His intelligence, cheerful nature and adaptability make him a wonderful companion for many different people and lifestyles.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Barely any prey drive — small animals trigger nothing. | Very low |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Japanese Spitz is often called the “Smiley Dog” because of its cheerful and loving personality? is referred to?
What Awaits You
The Japanese Spitz is a small, barking dog that needs exercise and activity.
Housing & Care
The Japanese Spitz is an adaptable dog that can be kept well in both the city and the country. They are very people-oriented and generally get along well with children and other people ust out. Their intelligence and friendly nature make them a good choice for families. They are alert and can be good guard dogs, but are not aggressive.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog. | Excellent with children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all. | Ideal city dog |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Japanese Spitz is an intelligent dog that enjoys learning and challenges. Early socialization and consistent, positive training methods are important for this breed. They respond well to rewards and positive reinforcement. As with all dog breeds, Japanese Spitz can develop inappropriate behavior if they don't get enough exercise or mental stimulation. Dogs of this breed can also be prone to developing obsessive behavior around balls or other toys if not properly trained and occupied. It is therefore important to find a good balance between playtime and rest periods and to teach the dog to relax sometimes. It is also important to teach the Japanese Spitz frustration tolerance and impulse control as they can sometimes have a tendency to become agitated and overconfident.
Nutrition & Care
A balanced and nutrient-rich food is crucial for the health and well-being of your Japanese Spitz. Exact feeding recommendations may vary depending on the dog's age, weight and activity level. It is always advisable to discuss feeding recommendations and needs with the breeder and veterinarian. When it comes to grooming, the Japanese Spitz requires regular grooming due to its thick, double-layered coat. It usually loses its undercoat heavily twice a year, while moderate shedding can be expected the rest of the year. Regular brushing helps prevent tangles and keeps the coat healthy and clean. Despite its thick fur, the Japanese Spitz copes well with the climate in Germany.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
The Japanese Spitz is a very robust and healthy breed with minimal genetic health issues. The primary focus is on patellar luxation, which is well-managed through mandatory health tests for breeding stock. Aside from isolated risks for eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), there are hardly any breed-specific health concerns, making the Japanese Spitz an exceptionally healthy companion.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing and regular eye care, you can do a lot to ensure your dog stays healthy and active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' knees and eyes thoroughly checked and pay attention to clear tear ducts to reduce risks in the lineage.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Japanese Spitz
Vinja S., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 2021)
Als wir uns damals auf die Suche nach einem Japan Spitz gemacht haben, ist uns bei einigen Züchtern aufgefallen, dass manche Hunde deutliche Tränenspuren unter den Augen hatten. Bei dem reinweißen Fell fällt das natürlich sofort auf. Unser Rüde hat das leider auch, da bei ihm (wie bei vielen kleineren Rassen) die Tränenkanäle nicht ganz durchlässig sind. Wir müssen seine Augenregion daher täglich pflegen und säubern, damit sich nichts entzündet. Es ist zwar kein riesiger Aufwand, aber man muss es eben im Alltag auf dem Schirm haben.
Was mich dagegen absolut begeistert, ist die Reinlichkeit dieser Rasse. Unser Spitz hat absolut keinen typischen Hundegeruch – selbst wenn er klatschnass vom Regen reinkommt, müffelt er überhaupt nicht. Er ist im Haus ein sehr angenehmer, sauberer Mitbewohner, der aber extrem darunter leidet, wenn er zu lange alleine gelassen wird. Er fordert seine Kuschel- und Aufmerksamkeitseinheiten regelrecht ein.
Nadine H., Halterin aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2024)
Unser Japan Spitz kam im Alter von 6 Monaten zu uns und hat uns direkt vor eine riesige Herausforderung gestellt: Er zeigte eine extreme Leinenaggression. Das ging bei Frust oder Überforderung leider so weit, dass es zu rückgerichteter Aggression kam und er uns in die Beine gebissen hat. Wir mussten lernen, seine Körpersprache extrem präzise zu lesen, und trainieren nun seit Monaten intensiv mit einer Trainerin. Für den Übergang und zur Sicherheit im Alltag mussten wir ihn auch an einen Maulkorb gewöhnen.
Man darf bei all dem niedlichen Aussehen eben nicht vergessen, dass im Japan Spitz immer noch ein kleiner Wachhund steckt, der bei Unsicherheit nach vorne gehen kann. Er ist unglaublich intelligent und lernt extrem schnell – leider eben auch die falschen Dinge, wenn man nicht absolut klar und konsequent führt. Er ist robust und wandert gerne über Stock und Stein, braucht aber eine sehr sensible, gewaltfreie, aber extrem konsequente Erziehung.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
Community Posts
Sell Japanese Spitz Puppies
Breeding Japanese Spitz? Reach responsible puppy buyers and showcase your kennel on HonestDog.
Loading...
Frequently asked questions about the Japanese Spitz
Is a Japanese Spitz the right dog for me?
The Japanese Spitz is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Japanese Spitz live?
The average life expectancy of a Japanese Spitz is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Japanese Spitz need?
Japanese Spitz grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Japanese Spitz good for families with children?
The Japanese Spitz can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
Japanese Spitz Breeders Near You
Find verified Japanese Spitz breeders in your region
Popular puppy searches
Other breeds with available puppies from verified breeders
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Transparency Guarantee
We provide complete transparency in the breeding process, offering detailed information about breeders, their practices, health checks, and genetic testing results in an easily understandable format, ensuring buyers can make informed decisions confidently.
Responsible Breeding Assurance
Our platform prioritizes responsible breeding practices, ensuring all breeders meet stringent criteria including health checks and genetic testing for parent dogs, eliminating the worry of encountering unethical breeders or puppy mills.
Trust and Verification
HonestDog verifies both breeders and buyers, fostering a trusted community where interactions are reliable and secure, setting a new standard for trustworthiness in the dog breeding industry.
Convenience and Time Saving
By featuring thoroughly vetted breeders and providing comprehensive information, HonestDog saves buyers valuable time that would otherwise be spent researching and vetting breeders, allowing them to focus on choosing the perfect puppy for their family.
Our Mission
We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
Why HonestDog?
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your new companion with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.