10 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About the Japanese Spitz
Source © Shutterstock
The Japanese Spitz is a breed of dog that is generally kept as a companion dog. This Japanese breed is a Spitz type small to medium dog that is related to the Pomeranian. While the dog is quite a well-known breed, there are probably many things that you do not know about them. Here are ten fun facts about the Japanese Spitz.
The Japanese Spitz Was First Bred in the 1920s
The Japanese Spitz is a relatively new dog breed as it was first developed during the 1920s in Japan. It was created by crossbreeding other varieties of Spitz-type dogs, including the German Spitz. The breed was further developed during the 1930s to become the breed as it is known today.
This Breed Became Popular During the 1950s
Like most breeds, the Japanese Spitz has enjoyed periods of popularity. This breed was at its most popular in Japan during the 1950s. It was also in this decade that the breed became elsewhere as it was exported to other countries, including Sweden and England. It then traveled even further as the breed was later exported to India, the United States, and Australia.
They Are Categorized Differently According to the Registering Organization
The Japanese Spitz is categorized differently depending on which organization the dog is registered with. The Australian National Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club, and the New Zealand Kennel Club all categorize this dog in their non-sporting group. The United Kingdom Kennel Club classifies this breed as a utility dog, while the United Kennel Club includes the Japanese Spitz in its Northern Breed group. The FCI includes this breed in the group for Asian Spitz and related breeds.
The American Kennel Club Does Not Recognize This Breed
One dog registry organization that does not recognize the Japanese Spitz is the American Kennel Club. This is because the dog shares many physical characteristics as the American Eskimo Dog. This is a Spitz type dog that was developed in the United States.
They Are Prone to Certain Health Conditions
Like most breeds of dog, there are certain health conditions to which a Japanese Spitz is prone. The main condition associated with this dog is called Patellar luxation. The Japanese Spitz is also prone to runny eyes.
Source © Shutterstock
Breed Standards Vary for the Japanese Spitz
The breed standards for this dog are not consistent between the various dog registry organizations. In Japan, the height standard for an adult male is 3- to 38 centimeters at the withers. This is also the standard used by the FCI. According the United Kingdom Kennel Club and the Australian National Kennel Club, an adult male should measure 34 to 37 centimeters. The Canadian Kennel Club states that males should measure 32 centimeters.
They Prefer Warmth
Although they are tolerant of cold weather to an extent, they were bred as a companion dog and much prefer being indoors. If they have the option of a nice warm house or spending time outdoors, they will choose to stay indoors every time.
They Have a Pleasant Temperament
The Japanese Spitz is a high-spirited, intelligent and playful dog, which is alert and obedient. This bold little dog is a good watchdog and will alert its owners when it feels it is necessary.
All Japanese Spitz Dogs Are White
While most breeds come in a variety of colors, the Japanese is always white. Their pure white coat is a double coat, which means they have an outer coat that stands of their softer inner coat. The fur around their muzzle and ears is shorter while the fur around their neck is longer. They also have longer fur on their tails, which are curled over so the hair is touching the dog’s back.
Their Coat is Easy to Maintain
Some people find the white coat of this breed off-putting as they believe that it will require a lot of grooming, cleaning and general care to maintain. However, this is not the case at all as this breed actually has a really easy coat to maintain. It does not get dirty like people would think because of their color. This is because their coat contains natural oils that prevent dirt from sticking to the fur. People also think that they will need to bathe a Japanese Spitz regularly to maintain the pure white color. Again, this is not true. In fact, breed experts recommend bathing no more than twice a month as it will strip the coat of its natural oils.
