Is a Japanese Spitz the right dog for you and your family?
What sort of grooming is required?
Despite its long pure white coat the Japanese Spitz is a low maintenance breed. Contrary to most people's expectations and beliefs their coat is very easy to look after. Because, due to its texture/silky component, mud and dirt fall off or can be brushed out very easily. They only need to be brushed once a week. They shed their coat twice a year. The shedding will usually only last one week and the dead hair is easily brushed out. A warm bath and blow dry will help speed up the process. In between shedding times you will may get a small amount of hair loss.
How do they handle hot weather? Should I clip my dog's coat?
Yes they do, like we all do on thoes 30+ degree days but as they have a double coat it acts as insulation against the heat and the cold. Nature has provided them with this insultation to cope with extreme tempretures. Dogs also pant to keep themselves cool and as long as they have a shaded spot in the yard with fresh water they will be fine.
You should not clip their coat as you will destroy their natural insulation. Leave them as they are and ensure that they have fresh water every day and that they have somewhere in the back yard that provides them with shade and where the breeze can flow through.
You should not clip their coat as you will destroy their natural insulation. Leave them as they are and ensure that they have fresh water every day and that they have somewhere in the back yard that provides them with shade and where the breeze can flow through.
What is their temperament like?
The Japanese Spitz are a family dog. They thrive on human companionship. They are an intelligent breed always eager to please, each dog developing its own personality. In temperament, they are alert, intelligent, bold and lively. They tend to be wary of complete strangers that rush up to them without formal introduction. They prefer a gentle approach, after which you have a friend for life.
The are characterized by their great courage, affection and they are devoted companions. They are small enough to enjoy being a lap dog, but let it be said, at their discretion, for despite these qualities are nevertheless of an independent nature with a will of their own
The are characterized by their great courage, affection and they are devoted companions. They are small enough to enjoy being a lap dog, but let it be said, at their discretion, for despite these qualities are nevertheless of an independent nature with a will of their own
How will they get on with other family pets like cats and dogs?
As a companion dog the Japanese Spitz should be familiarised with other household pets at an early age; it will then live happily and reliably with them. They can have a dominant nature and when introduced to a household with other breeds they may very quickly become "The Boss" even over much larger breeds.
Do they need much exercise?
They do not need lots of exercise, but they are an active breed and enjoy being taken for a walk each day. As with any breed, if they are bored they can engage in mischevious behaviour such as digging and sock chewing. They are a very intelligent breed - so mental stimulation as well as physical is encouraged. Mental stimulation can include obedience and trick training.
How are they with children?
The Japanese Spitz is a family dog seeming to thrive on the different attention and affections from each family member. Although they will choose one family member as their leader and bond more closely with that person. A young puppy (3-12months) could be a "handful" for children under the age of 5 without adult supervision (it is not suggested to leave any child with a dog unsupervised). Having said that, they also make an excellent and loving companion for a single person.