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Breed profile

Japanese Spitz

A small white spitz with a plush stand-off coat. Lively and affectionate at home, a little reserved with strangers, and sheds a lot.

A white Japanese Spitz stands on grass beside orange tulips, mouth open in a smile
The Japanese Spitz's plush white coat stands off from the body.Photo: Yukisnowflakeprincess / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Weight
5–10 kg11–22 lb
Height
30–38 cm12–15 in
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Group
Utility
Origin
Japan
Popularity
—#125 UK · 2025

Known for: Family dogsFlat-friendly

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Lively, Affectionate, Alert, Playful.

Health problems to know about

  • Patellar luxation
  • Dental disease
  • Runny eyes and tear staining

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Daily walks and play. Brush every other day, daily in a moult; mud brushes out once the coat is dry. Wipe the eyes if they water, and brush teeth often.

A good fit for

Families, flats and town homes, owners who want a bright, people-focused companion.

Probably not ideal for

Anyone who minds white hair on everything, people out all day.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Japanese Spitz
  2. Purina UK: Japanese Spitz
  3. PetMD: Japanese Spitz
  4. Wikipedia: Japanese Spitz

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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