Photo: Hakumichi · Public domain dog breed · 927 on Animalso
Japanese Spitz: Japanese Spitz Breed Facts
- Animal
- Dog
- Origin
- Japan
- Height
- 30 cm
The Japanese Spitz is a small-to-medium Spitz-type dog from Japan. Breeders developed it there during the 1920s and 1930s by combining several Spitz-type breeds. Standards differ around the world, and the breed is larger than the Pomeranian. It is recognized by most major kennel clubs.
What the Japanese Spitz is
The Japanese Spitz is a dog of the Spitz type from Japan. It was developed in Japan during the 1920s and 1930s by breeding several other Spitz-type breeds together.
Origin and size
People considering this breed should know its country of origin and that ideal-size standards vary around the world.
What stands out
The breed has a clear Japanese origin and is recognized by the vast majority of major kennel clubs. It is also described as one of Japan's smallest native breeds, alongside the Shiba Inu.
Points to check
Size standards are not uniform worldwide. The Japanese Spitz is larger than its smaller cousin, the Pomeranian, so buyers should check the standard used by the breeder or kennel club.
Price
No purchase price or other cost is provided for the Japanese Spitz.
Who may look elsewhere
This breed may not suit someone seeking a dog with one universally agreed ideal size. Compare it with other dog breeds from Japan or the wider dog breed list if you want different origins or standards.
Verdict
Choose the Japanese Spitz if you want a Japanese Spitz-type dog with a documented development in the 1920s and 1930s and recognition from major kennel clubs. Look elsewhere if consistent size standards across countries matter most.
What stands out
- Japanese origin is clearly documented.
- Developed in Japan during the 1920s and 1930s.
- Recognized by most major kennel clubs.
- Listed as one of Japan's smallest native breeds.
Worth knowing
- Ideal size standards vary around the world.
- It is a relatively new breed.
- It is larger than the Pomeranian.
- Different kennel-club standards may affect expected size.
Suits
- People seeking a Japanese Spitz-type dog.
- Readers comparing Japanese native breeds.
- Owners who can check local size standards.
Think twice if
- You need one globally consistent ideal-size standard.
- You are specifically looking for a smaller Pomeranian-sized dog.
In short
The Japanese Spitz is a Japanese Spitz-type dog with a documented origin. Its development in the 1920s and 1930s makes it a relatively new breed, and major kennel clubs recognize it widely. The main point to clarify is size: ideal standards differ around the world, though the breed is consistently larger than the Pomeranian. It suits readers seeking a Japanese native breed with this history and type, provided they check the standard used where they live.
Questions
Where does the Japanese Spitz come from?
The Japanese Spitz originated in Japan.
What type of dog is the Japanese Spitz?
It is a small-to-medium dog of the Spitz type.
How tall is a Japanese Spitz?
Ideal size standards vary around the world, so no single height applies everywhere.
When was the Japanese Spitz developed?
It was developed in Japan during the 1920s and 1930s.
How does it compare with a Pomeranian?
The Japanese Spitz is larger than the Pomeranian, which is described as its smaller cousin.
Is the Japanese Spitz recognized by kennel clubs?
The breed is recognized by the vast majority of major kennel clubs.
Is the Japanese Spitz a native Japanese breed?
It is described as one of Japan's smallest native breeds, alongside the Shiba Inu.
More dog breeds from Japan
Jōmon Dog Japan Photo: 縄文柴犬研究センター · CC BY-SA 3.0 
Kishu Japan Height 49 cm Photo: Sabine · CC BY-SA 3.0 
Shiba Inu Japan Height 36.5 cm Photo: Roberto Vasarri · Public domain Photo credits9 photographs on this page
- Japanese Spitz — Hakumichi · Public domain · file page
- Akita — TsutsuiKennel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Hokkaido inu — Magdalena Niemiec · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Japanese Chin — Trysha · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Japanese Terrier — Pleple2000 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Jōmon Dog — 縄文柴犬研究センター · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Kai Ken — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Kishu — Sabine · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Shiba Inu — Roberto Vasarri · Public domain · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.