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Japanese Spitz: Size, Weight & Temperament

The Japanese Spitz is a small, brilliant-white spitz with a lively, alert temperament and a strong attachment to its family.

✓ Beginner-friendly
Japanese Spitz dog breed portrait
Photo: Hakumichi · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · Resized and recompressed
Weight male6–10 kg
Weight female5–8 kg
Shoulder height30–38 cm
Size classSmall (under 12 kg)
Fully grownat approx. 12 months
Life expectancy12–16 years
Activity levelModerate
OriginJapan
ClassificationFCI Group 5, Section 5 (Asian Spitz)

Japanese Spitz: temperament & character

Japanese Spitz are lively, playful and very people-oriented, while remaining attentive and strongly inclined to alert to strangers. Without training they can be prone to yapping, but otherwise are friendly and adaptable. Toward family they are loyal and seek plenty of closeness.

How much exercise does a Japanese Spitz need?

Despite its liveliness, the Japanese Spitz is satisfied with moderate daily walks and play indoors or in the yard. Mental stimulation through small tricks or search games suits its quick understanding well. The breed also suits less athletic owners.

Japanese Spitz: grooming & shedding

The pure-white, dense double coat is self-cleaning yet still needs regular brushing, especially during shedding season. Bathing is rarely necessary, since dirt tends to fall out on its own thanks to the coat's special structure. Nails and teeth should be checked routinely.

Is the Japanese Spitz suitable for beginners?

With its friendly, adaptable nature and manageable grooming needs, the Japanese Spitz is well suited for beginners. Consistent early training helps prevent excessive barking.

Japanese Spitz health problems

The breed is considered robust and healthy; patellar luxation and tear duct problems occur occasionally. Regular veterinary checkups are nonetheless recommended.

Is a Japanese Spitz right for you?

With childrenYes
SheddingModerate
Grooming effortModerate
BarkingA lot
Home alonePoor
Other petsWith reservations
TrainabilityEasy

The Japanese Spitz sheds moderately and is only conditionally suitable for allergy sufferers. What matters is a contact test of several hours before getting one — not the amount of coat. The trigger, Can f 1, sits in saliva and dander.

Good with: Beginners, families, and apartment living

Is your Japanese Spitz at a healthy weight? Calculate the ideal weight and the right portion size for free in the Souldog app.

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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.