Japanese Terrier

Also called Nihon Teria, Mikado Terrier, Oyuki Terrier, Kobe Terrier

Recognised breedFCI group 3Short profile

From Japan1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight2.2 to 4.5 kg2

Height30 to 33 cm1 3

Sizesmall

FCI and UKC set no weight; Wikipedia gives 5-10 lb (2.2-4.5 kg).

lively and cheerful

quick and agile

affectionate lap companion

1 3

Coat and looks how to spot one

very short, smooth, glossy coat

The coat is remarkably short, around 2 mm, and lies smooth, dense and shiny. The body is compact and square, roughly as long as it is tall, with high-set ears that fold forward.1 3 2

Colourstricolour: black, tan and white head with white body carrying black spots or black or tan markings1 3

Personality what they are like

A bright, upbeat little terrier with plenty of zip, equally happy playing or curling up with its people.1 3 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Energetic and smart; it enjoys daily walks, games and mental challenges.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The ultra-short coat needs minimal care: a quick rub with a soft cloth or mitt keeps it shiny.1

Home where they are happiest

Adapts well to smaller homes as long as its daily need for activity is met.3 2

Company who they like around

Primarily a companion today and likes being near its family.3

The story where it all began

In the 17th century Dutch ships brought Smooth Fox Terriers to Nagasaki, where they were crossed with small pointers and native dogs. These little terriers became familiar in the port cities of Kobe and Yokohama, systematic breeding began around 1920, and the type was established around 1930.1 3 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The FCI standard describes a coat only about 2 mm long.1
2
Early examples seen on the streets of Kobe gave rise to the name Kobe Terrier.2
3
The FCI lists its use simply as a toy dog.1
4
One nickname, Oyuki, means snowy, a nod to its mostly white body.2

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 259, Group 3 (Terriers), Section 2 (Small sized Terriers); current standard published 4 Apr 20161
Japan Kennel Club: Recognised 19302
UKC: Terrier Group; recognised 20063
AKC: Foundation Stock Service since 13 Oct 20202

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Japanese Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 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

Start a free diary

Smooth Fox Terrier

Toy Fox Terrier

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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. 259 Nihon Teria fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
Wikipedia: Japanese Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, JKC and AKC dates, history
UKC: Japanese Terrier ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, height, colours, history

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.