Japanese Spitz breeders play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of this adorable breed. Japanese Spitz puppies are born with a thick coat of fur that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Japanese Spitz are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them an excellent choice for families with children. They are also relatively low-maintenance pets, requiring short daily walks and playtime.
Japanese Spitz typically weigh between 8-12 pounds and stand 10-14 inches tall at the shoulder, making them a great fit for city living or small homes.
Puppies
Japanese Spitz puppies are very energetic and curious, like most puppies.
They require plenty of playtime and naptime, so be prepared to invest in plenty of toys to keep them entertained.
You should always listen to your puppy when determining how much exercise they need, as too much exercise can harm their joints.
Start socialization early, as these dogs are very intelligent and often easier to train than most.
Introduce them to as many people and pets as possible so that they have a clear understanding of what "normal" is.
They can be surprisingly guarded if not properly socialized, so don't assume they'll be innately friendly.
Japanese Spitz puppies are relatively rare, so you'll likely need to go through a breeder to find one.
Plan on waiting for a puppy to become available, as most quality breeders have waitlists.
Temperament & Intelligence
Japanese Spitz dogs are often playful and energetic, enjoying playtime and walks with their people more than cuddling. They are loyal and affectionate, following their humans around the house and craving companionship.
They have natural watchdog instincts, barking at anything unusual or startling. Consistency is key in training them to limit their barking, but it's unlikely to eliminate it completely.
As intelligent dogs, they can become independent, especially as juveniles, and may learn to exploit rules if not trained consistently.
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Personality
The Japanese Spitz is an affectionate and loyal breed that loves to be around its family. They thrive on companionship and will often follow their humans around the house.
They can be a little reserved with strangers, typical of the spitz type. This means they may take some time to warm up to new people and environments.
Japanese Spitz dogs are naturally alert and lively, always on the lookout for anything unusual or startling. If they hear something suspicious, they won't hesitate to bark.
As a breed that enjoys the company of family, they generally get on well with other pets and dogs, especially if socialized well as puppies.
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Maemuki
Maemuki is a dedicated breeder with 12 years of experience in the Japanese Spitz breed. They're known for producing puppies of the highest quality, who are healthy, well-conformed, and have a beautiful temperament.
Maemuki's dogs have achieved fantastic results in the show ring, including Best in Show, Best in Show Specialty, and Runner up Best in Show wins. This suggests that their breeding program is focused on producing dogs with excellent conformation and temperament.
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Maemuki raises their puppies as family dogs, inside their home, to give them proper one-on-one attention and a comfortable life. This approach helps set their puppies up for success and allows them to live a life of luxury.
Maemuki is passionate about health testing and takes initiatives to minimize health issues in their breeding program. They encourage potential owners to check out their health testing initiatives on their website.
Family-Friendly Dogs
Japanese Spitz are a great fit for families with many children who are looking for an active, smaller dog.
They're also suitable for singles and couples who want a dog that can partake in walks and hikes without an issue.
These dogs adore their families and love to play, forming strong bonds with the whole family.
With proper socialization, Japanese Spitz are great with children and can thrive in most households.
Their high activity needs require daily walks and some movement each day, making them unsuitable for those just looking for a lapdog.
They can be prone to barking, especially if they get bored, so it's essential to keep them entertained-even when you're not home.
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Pet Care
As a Japanese Spitz breeder, I know that grooming is a crucial part of their care. Your Japanese Spitz will require daily brushing to remove loose fur and prevent mats.
Brushing also helps distribute natural oils through their coat, keeping them healthy and encouraging a natural shine. A pin brush works best to get into the undercoat, where the majority of the loose fur will be.
You can bathe your Japanese Spitz at home or schedule them for regular professional grooming. Over-bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils and lead to skin irritation, so avoid bathing them more than once a month.
Trimming around their face and paws is also recommended to prevent matting and dirt buildup. Regular nail trimming is a must to prevent discomfort and potential infections.
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Food & Diet
Japanese Spitz dogs don't have any special dietary needs, but they do require quality dog food designed for smaller dogs.
Smaller Japanese Spitz dogs may have trouble eating regular-sized kibble, so it's essential to observe how your dog eats and adjust the food size accordingly.
Growing puppies need puppy food, which provides different nutrition than adult food, so be sure to switch to adult food once your puppy is done growing.
Overfeeding can lead to obesity, so carefully measure out your dog's food and adjust the feeding amount as needed.
Puppies need to be fed around 3 to 4 times a day, but adults can be adjusted to two meals a day.
If your Spitz is particularly active, they may need more food or a formula specifically for active dogs, so keep an eye on their body condition and adjust their diet as necessary.
Your vet is always a great resource if you're unsure about your dog's diet, so don't hesitate to reach out for guidance.
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Grooming
Japanese Spitz dogs require daily brushing to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy. Their white coat is fluffy and magnificent, but it takes a lot of work to keep it that way.
Plan on brushing your Japanese Spitz daily, removing loose fur and preventing mats. Brushing also helps distribute natural oils through their coat, keeping them healthy and encouraging a natural shine.
You can use a pin brush to get into the undercoat, where the majority of the loose fur will be. A slicker brush is also useful for the top portion of the coat.
Don't forget to brush behind the dog's ears and under their tail, as these areas are extra-prone to matting. A metal comb can make brushing these areas easier.
You don't need to bathe your Japanese Spitz all that much, but over-bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils and lead to skin irritation. Avoid bathing them more than once a month.
Trimming around their face and paws is recommended, as these areas tend to get dirty and matted. You'll also need to trim their nails regularly to prevent discomfort and danger.
Keep an eye on their ears, as dirt and debris can increase the odds of infections. Clean the outside of their ear with a wet cotton ball whenever it seems dirty.
Start brushing your Japanese Spitz at a relatively young age to help them get used to regular brushing. This will make it much easier later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of Japanese Spitz?
A Japanese Spitz puppy typically costs between $1,000 to $2,500, with prices increasing for puppies from champion-bred parents.
What are the downsides of Japanese Spitz?
Japanese Spitz can be high maintenance due to their high energy levels and inquisitive nature, requiring extra exercise and training effort. They also tend to be escape artists if left unsecured, making them a challenge for inexperienced dog owners.
Is Japanese Spitz a good pet?
Yes, Japanese Spitz make wonderful companions due to their loyal and affectionate nature. They are ideal pets for active families or individuals seeking a playful and loving companion.
Sources
- Japanese Spitz - Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Spitz (wikipedia.org)
- Japanese Spitz Dog Breed Information | Purina (purina.co.nz)
- Maemuki Japanese Spitz- About (maemukijapanesespitz.com)
- http://www.daesdaemarjapanesespitz.com (daesdaemarjapanesespitz.com)
- https://mondial-japanesespitz.nz (mondial-japanesespitz.nz)
- https://arashi-japanesespitz.co.nz (arashi-japanesespitz.co.nz)
- https://www.japanesespitz.nz (japanesespitz.nz)
- https://www.japanesespitz.com.au/ (japanesespitz.com.au)
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