Breed History
BREED HISTORY
HISTORY:
It would appear that the detailed origins of the Japanese Spitz breed are unclear with views suggesting that it has origins based from the German Spitz, the White Russian Spitz, with links to the American Eskimo Dog and some distant heritage to the Samoyed.
What is clear is that the Japanese Spitz was developed in the 1920’s and 1930’s in Japan by cross breeding from a number of small white Spitz type dogs – pedigree records held by the Nippon Spitz Association (NCA) support this history.
Refinement of the breed continued right through the Second World War with the Japanese Kennel Club recognising the breed in 1947 and eventually accepting the Breed Standard pretty much as we know it today in 1953.
It was not until the early 1970’s that the Japanese Spitz was imported into the Scandinavian countries and from there into the United Kingdom with the Kennel Club accepting the breed into the Utility Group in 1977. Direct imports into the UK from Japan adding to the blood lines from 1980.
TEMPERAMENT / BEHAVIOUR
TEMPERAMENT / BEHAVIOUR:
The Japanese Spitz with its rather unique appearance rapidly became popular in the show ring. As it became apparent that they are a very amenable breed and also mix well with other breeds then many owners of those other breeds found themselves readily adding the Japanese Spitz to their kennels.
As a breed they are relatively easy to train with many owners having significant success in both obedience and agility as well as in the show ring. They are a bright and alert breed which can at times be somewhat vocal however as long as this is controlled from an early age then it does not need to become a problem.
They are an ideal size for a house dog and their alertness makes them a good 'guard/warning' dog however as with all dogs they need adequate exercise both in a good sized garden and also on regular walks. They integrate well with families and enjoy being with family members of all ages especially children.
The Japanese Spitz is not a prolific breed in the UK (or elsewhere) with Kennel Club Registrations typically numbering less than 200 each year, consequently this makes them a 'rare breed' and somewhat difficult to understand why numbers are not higher when one considers that once you have fallen under the spell of these lovely dogs you will find it hard to consider any other breed.