Japanese Spitz puppies can range in price from $800 to $2,000, depending on factors such as bloodlines, breeder reputation, and location.
Purchasing from a reputable breeder can cost upwards of $1,500, while adopting from a rescue organization can be significantly cheaper, often under $500.
The initial cost of a Japanese Spitz puppy is just the beginning, as owners can expect to spend around $1,000 to $2,000 in the first year alone on food, vet bills, and supplies.
Japanese Spitz puppies require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, which can add to their overall cost.
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Key Facts
Japanese Spitz puppies are a wonderful breed, and here are some key facts to get you started:
Japanese Spitz puppies have a relatively short lifespan of 10-16 years.
Their weight is typically around 5-6kg, making them a great size for apartment living.
They're small in stature, with adult dogs reaching a height of 34-37cm tall, and females slightly shorter at 30-34cm.
These adorable dogs come in just one colour: white.
Their small size is part of what makes them such great companions - they're easy to care for and don't require a lot of space.
Here are the key facts summarized:
Breed Overview
The Japanese Spitz is a small breed that weighs between 15 to 30 pounds.
These dogs are adaptable to various living situations, from small apartments to vast acreage, and are suitable for families, seniors, and even first-time pet owners.
A Japanese Spitz typically stands between 12 to 16 inches tall, making them a great choice for those who live in smaller spaces.
Their coat is medium in length and white in color, requiring moderate grooming.
Japanese Spitz dogs are known for their friendly and playful personalities, making them a great addition to any family.
Here are some key characteristics of the Japanese Spitz breed:
History and Origins
The Japanese Spitz has a fascinating history that dates back to the northern hemisphere. The breed originated in Japan.
Their ancestors arrived in Japan from smaller Samoyeds via Mongolia. This mix of breeds eventually led to the creation of the Japanese Spitz.
The breed was finalised by the Japan Kennel Club in 1948. This marked a significant milestone in the development of the Japanese Spitz.
It's worth noting that the UK didn't see the Japanese Spitz imported until the 1970s.
Appearance
Japanese Spitz dogs are small in stature, standing a little over a foot tall, with a stocky build that weighs anywhere between 15-30 pounds.
Their physical appearance is often mistaken for the Samoyed, but they were actually bred from the German Spitz. They have striking almond eyes lined in black, which they hold high and proud.
Their ears are triangle-shaped and perked up at attention, giving them a cute and alert look. Their fur is a heavy double coat, with a short, fleecy undercoat and a long, stand-off outer coat.
The Japanese Spitz has a distinctive fluffy tail that curves over their back like a plume, adding to their endearing appearance. They are exclusively white, with no other colors in their coat.
Their fur is plentiful, but it doesn't mean they love playing in the snow - in fact, they prefer to stay warm inside on their favorite human's lap.
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Health and Care
The Japanese Spitz is generally a healthy breed, but they may suffer from kneecaps that temporarily slip out of place, known as patella luxation.
They can live a happy, long life ranging from 12-14 years, making them one of the healthiest dog breeds. However, they do require regular care to prevent health issues.
Their fluffy coat has a texture similar to non-stick Teflon, making it easy to clean and maintain, but they do shed heavily twice a year and require daily brushing during this time. They also need moderate exercise on a regular basis, at least 45 minutes of interactive play and daily walks to keep them happy and healthy.
Health
The Japanese Spitz is generally a healthy breed, but like many small breeds, they can suffer from kneecaps that temporarily slip out of place, known as patella luxation.
They can live a happy, long life ranging from 12-14 years, making them one of the healthiest dog breeds. However, patella luxation can become dislocated or move from normal positioning and even cause osteoarthritis.
Runny eyes are a common issue in Japanese Spitz dogs, but they can be easily cleaned and wiped away with warm water and a cloth or cotton ball.
Dry, itchy skin is a potential problem if they're bathed too frequently, so it's best to only wash them when necessary.
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Care
The Japanese Spitz has a unique coat that's surprisingly low maintenance. Its fur has a texture similar to non-stick Teflon, making it resistant to dirt and mud.
Regular brushing is still necessary, especially to prevent knots and matting beneath its fluffy outer layer. Brush your Japanese Spitz at least once or twice a week to keep its undercoat healthy.
Shedding is a normal part of a Japanese Spitz's life, with two "blow coat" periods every year where it sheds its entire undercoat. During these times, daily brushing is essential to manage the shedding.
You should stick to bathing your Japanese Spitz only once a season, unless it gets into a serious mess. This helps protect its sensitive skin and keep its natural oils intact.
Japanese Spitz dogs are active and love to play, requiring at least 45 minutes of interactive exercise per day. Daily walks and playtime will keep them happy and healthy.
A balanced diet formulated for small breeds with average exercise needs is essential for your Japanese Spitz. As a general rule, they're not picky eaters and enjoy dog-friendly fruits and vegetables as treats.
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Grooming
Japanese Spitz puppies require regular grooming to keep their thick, soft undercoat and stand-off topcoat looking their best.
Their bright white coat needs to be brushed through once dry to stay clean, and regular bathing is a must.
Brushing every other day will keep their coat tangle-free, but daily grooming is necessary when their coat sheds.
Always check their paws and ears for seeds and foreign bodies after walks to keep them clean and healthy.
Daily grooming is a must, but their smaller size makes this task relatively easy.
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Training and Behavior
Japanese Spitz puppies are intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times. They require positive reinforcement dog training using treats and games to keep them interested.
Their independent streak means they need motivation to learn, so be patient and consistent in your training approach. Paying attention to recall is also crucial, as Spitz types can be prone to wandering off.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are loving and devoted, but they don't tolerate being ignored. They thrive on attention and can become anxious if left alone for long periods, so provide them with positive experiences in a crate or when alone.
With their high trainability, Japanese Spitz can learn to behave well with structured activities and positive reinforcement. However, they can also get into mischief if left to their own devices, so consistent training exercises are essential.
This breed is generally healthier than others, with fewer genetic problems, but they can be prone to patellar luxation and runny eyes. Regular veterinary check-ups can help prevent or manage these issues.
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Personality
The Japanese Spitz is an attention-seeker and loves to be the center of attention, so they don't tolerate being ignored for long periods of time.
They are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, making them thrive on structured activities and positive reinforcement.
Japanese Spitz dogs are known to be a little reserved with strangers, but they warm up quickly with good socialization, making them great for families with children.
Their loyal nature and bold bark may come as a surprise from such a small package, but they're easily quelled with reassurance from the pack.
Japanese Spitz are generally a gregarious type, getting on well with other family pets and other dogs, as long as they're socialized well from an early age.
They're also known to be friendly, sweet, and loyal, making them ideal watchdogs that bark whenever there are intruders or strangers.
Japanese Spitz are smart, playful, obedient, and alert, which means they require consistent training exercises to prevent mischief when left to their own devices.
Their loving nature shines through when they're introduced to new visitors comfortably, and they thrive on positive experiences in a crate or when alone to prevent anxiety.
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Exercise Needs
Japanese Spitz dogs are energetic and require a significant amount of exercise each day. They need at least an hour of physical activity, which can be achieved through activities like agility training or simply running around in a large property.
Exercise is essential for their mental health as well, and activities like puzzle-solving games are great for their curious minds. These games provide a fun way to engage their intellect and keep them stimulated.
Japanese Spitz dogs are highly adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, from city apartments to farm life. They just need a good run and some space to stretch their legs.
Their small size makes them perfect travel buddies, and they love accompanying their family on weekend trips or errands. They're happy and bouncy when by their family's side, but can become anxious when left alone.
Japanese Spitz dogs are easy to train, and their intelligence makes them a great fit for agility and other dog sports. They're natural competitors and thrive in activities that challenge them physically and mentally.
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Training
Training your Japanese Spitz requires patience and consistency, as they can be independent and stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement training methods, such as using treats and games, work well for this breed.
Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable, but they can also be mischievous if left to their own devices. Consistent training exercises can prevent unwanted behaviors.
Japanese Spitz dogs thrive on structured activities and attention, so be prepared to spend quality time with your pet. They love to learn and play, making them great candidates for agility and puzzle-solving games.
Their loyal nature and bold bark may surprise you, but with proper socialization, they'll warm up quickly to new visitors. Introduce them to new people and environments gradually, and they'll shine with their loving personalities.
Remember, Japanese Spitz dogs are prone to anxiety, so crate training and providing positive experiences when alone can help alleviate this issue. With the right care and attention, your Japanese Spitz will become a well-behaved and loving member of your family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Japanese Spitz rare?
Yes, Japanese Spitz are a rare breed due to their unique characteristics. Their pristine white coats and small size make them a distinctive and uncommon sight.
Sources
- Japanese Spitz Dog Breed Information | Purina (purina.co.nz)
- Japanese Spitz Club of USA (japanesespitzamerica.com)
- VIP Puppies (vippuppies.com)
- Japanese Spitz - Price, Temperament, Life span (dogbreedslist.info)
- Japanese Spitz (wikipedia.org)
- Cost of a Japanese Spitz Puppy by US Region [2024] (dogfoodjunkie.com)
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