At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
stand-off double coat
A straight outer coat stands away from a soft, dense undercoat, forming a generous ruff over the neck, shoulders and chest, while the face, ears and fronts of the legs stay short. It is a neat, square little spitz with a pointed muzzle, small upright triangular ears and a plumed tail curled over the back. The coat's texture tends to shed dirt easily.12
Personality what they are like
A happy, clever and devoted family dog that loves being included in everything. It is good with children, alert to what goes on around the home, and keen to please.124
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate: up to about an hour a day, and it happily joins hikes, car trips and beach outings.34
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The Royal Kennel Club recommends daily brushing of the thick white coat; its non-stick texture helps it stay clean between brushes.32
Home where they are happiest
Suits a small house with a small to medium garden and prefers to live indoors with its family.32
Company who they like around
A people-focused companion that thrives on family life and does not like being shut away from its household.24
The story where it all began
White German Spitz-type dogs reached Japan via Siberia and China around 1920 and were first shown in Tokyo in 1921. Further white spitz imports from Canada, the USA, Australia and China followed until 1936, and careful breeding produced a unified type whose standard the Japan Kennel Club set in 1948.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its white coat has a slick texture often compared to non-stick cookware.2
- 2
The FCI standard names excessive noisiness as undesirable, favouring a quiet character.1
- 3
Along with the Shiba Inu it is one of the smallest Japanese breeds.2
- 4
The breed spread from Japan to Sweden and then to Britain, where it was recognised in 1977.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 262, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 5 (Asian Spitz and related breeds)1
- Japan Kennel Club
- Unified breed standard set in 19481
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Utility Group; recognised 19772
- UKC
- Northern Breed Group2
- AKC
- Foundation Stock Service since April 2019 (not fully recognised)2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Japanese Spitz. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Japanese Spitz, and at what times?
Adult Japanese Spitz do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feeding at consistent times each day helps their routine, but the exact schedule is up to you and your vet.5
What should a Japanese Spitz eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A balanced commercial dog food suitable for their age and size is a good choice. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts; always keep these away from your Spitz.6
How often should I bathe a Japanese Spitz?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 10 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least every three months. Their coat naturally sheds dirt, so baths are only needed when they get noticeably dirty.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Japanese Spitz need brushing?
The Royal Kennel Club recommends daily brushing for their thick white coat, and Furry Diary's plan suggests every three days with daily brushing during heavy shedding. Regular brushing keeps their coat clean and reduces loose hair.32 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Japanese Spitz's nails, and how often?
Furry Diary's plan suggests trimming every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Trim a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid bleeding.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Japanese Spitz need?
They need moderate exercise, up to about an hour a day, and happily join hikes, car trips, and beach outings. Daily walks and playtime keep them happy and healthy.34 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Japanese Spitz's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily if possible, using a dog-safe toothpaste, and check their ears every two weeks. Never push anything into the ear canal; just wipe the outer ear gently.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Japanese Spitz live?
They typically live 12 to 13 years, bringing many happy years of companionship. Regular vet check-ups help them stay healthy throughout their life.32
Is a Japanese Spitz good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are a happy, clever, and devoted family dog that is good with children and keen to please. They generally get along well with other pets when properly socialized.124
Can a Japanese Spitz be left alone?
They are a people-focused companion that thrives on family life and does not like being shut away. While they can be left for short periods, they are happiest when included in household activities.24
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 262 Japanese Spitz fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colour, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Japanese Spitz en.wikipedia.orgused for recognitions, lifespan study, coat texture, fun facts
- The Royal Kennel Club: Japanese Spitz royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, home size, lifespan
- AKC: Japanese Spitz akc.orgused for temperament, activity
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.