About the Breed
The breed was originally introduced into the UK in 1979 by Dorothy Kenyon
However the exact origins of the breed aren't known. The breed is reported to been in Japan as recently as 1920 with the first exhibitor being at the Tokyo dog show in 1921.
Many other spitz type breeds trace their origins back thousands of years, the Japanese Spitz is part of the family of Nordic-type spitz dogs represented by many thousands of breeds throughout the world. Contrary to belief the Japanese Spitz is not a 'spin off' of the Samoyed.
Breed Standard
General Appearance:
Profuse, pure white, stand off coat. Overall quality of body firm and strong. Pointed muzzle, triangular shaped ears standing errect. Well plumed tail carried over back. Ratio of height to length 10:11.
Characteristics
Affectionate, companionable. Slightly chary at first meeting with strangers.
Temperament
Alert, intelligent, bold and lively.
Head and Skull
Head medium size without coarseness. Wedge shaped when viewed from above. Moderately broad. Slightly rounded skull, broadest at occiput. Well defined stop, forehead not protruding. Muzzle in proportion to the head, tapering to a small, black, round nose. Lips black, firm and tight.
Eyes
Dark, moderate size, oval-shaped, set rather obliquely and not too wide apart; black eye rims.
Ears
Small, triangular, standing erect. Set high, facing forward, not too wide apart.
Mouth
Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Strong, arched and of moderate length.
Forequarters
Moderately sloping shoulder; upper arm of sufficient length to ensure elbow is vertically below point of withers. Forelegs straight, elbow firm and tight; pasterns slightly sloping.
Body
Length from point of shoulder to point of buttock slightly greater than height at withers. Chest broad and deep. Ribs well sprung, belly firm with moderate tuck-up. Back straight and short, full of flexibility. Loins broad and firm, with a slight rise. Level croup with high set tail.
Hindquarters
Well proportioned and balanced. Muscular, moderately angulated. Hindlegs parallel to each other when viewed from rear.
Feet
Small round, cat-like and well cushioned. Pads black, nails preferably dark.
Tail
Moderate length, well plumed, high set, carried curved over the back.
Gait/Movement
Light, nimble, active, energetic and very smooth.
Coat
Outer coat straight and stand-off. Profuse, short, dense undercoat, soft in texture. Shorter on face, ears, front of fore and hindlegs and below hocks. Remainder of body covered with long coat. Mane on neck and shoulders reaching down to brisket. Tail profusely covered with long hair.
Colour
Pure white.
Size
Height at shoulders: dogs: 34-37 cms (13½-14½ ins); bitches 30-34 cms (12 - 13½ ins).
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Breed Health
The Japanese Spitz has very few breed health problems.
Patella Luxation
One condition that is known to the breed is patella luxation. This is a condition that allows the kneecap to easily 'pop' out of it's normal condition.
To minimise this condition it is recommended that both parents are tested for patella sub-luxation. It is also important that exercise and 'jumping' is restricted whilst young as this is believed to increase the risk or severity of the condition
Tear Staining
The breed can be prone to runny eyes, although this will not cause any harm it can result in 'tear staining' underneath the eyes - this results in a brown stain from bacteria. This can be caused or exasperated by stress, allergy, hormones or diets.
To help tear staining regularly bath each eye with warm (ideally boiled water left to cool) or products that are designed to reduce tear staining.
