Japanese Spitz
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Japanese Spitz | ||
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| Alternative names | ||
| Nihon Supittsu | ||
| Country of origin | ||
| Japan | ||
| Classification and breed standards | ||
| FCI: | Group 5 Section 5 #262 | Stds |
| ANKC: | Group 7 (Non-Sporting) | Stds |
| KC (UK): | Utility | Stds |
| NZKC: | Non-Sporting | Stds |
The Japanese Spitz is a small, completely white breed of dog that is thought to have been bred from the Siberian Samoyed for smallness beginning in the late 19th century in Japan. They were introduced to the United States in the 1950s. It is very similar to the American Eskimo Dog, and German Spitz, in size, overall appearance, and temperament.
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[edit] Appearance
They typically weigh 15 to 20 lb (7-9 kg), fully grown, and stand 11 to 13 inches (30 cm with a tolerance of 3cm either way) off of the ground at the withers. Their coats have a thick under-layer that is always pure white. The tail is covered with long hair and is carried curled over the back. The coat is short on the bottom half of the legs and feathering on the forelegs. Grooming this breed is actually relatively easy in contrast to what new owners may think. Although their white fur coat may look hard to look after, when they get muddy once the mud dries it will just flick off leaving the coat looking as good as new again. The ears are small and pointed upright, and the muzzle tapers slightly. The large oval eyes are dark and slightly slanted, and the nose and lips are black. The face of the Japanese Spitz is wedge-shaped.
[edit] Temperament
The Japanese Spitz is intelligent, playful, alert, and obedient. They make good watchdogs, and they're fairly easy to train as long as the owner is consistent. They're quick learners. They're excellent with children and have the patience for toddlers. They are able to easily get along with other dogs and pets. Proud, affectionate, and very protective of their masters, most Japanese Spitz are suspicious of strangers and will not hesitate to bark at new people until they get to know them.[1]
[edit] Health
Japanese Spitz typically live from 10 to 12 years if well cared for; in rare cases they might live as long as 16 years. Find a good breeder, otherwise they can be born with diseases or abnormalities. Before buying a Japanese Spitz try to find out when the last litter of pups were
