Japanese Spitz: Temperament, Size, Shedding & Care Guide

Japanese Spitz are bright, affectionate companion dogs known for their pure white double coat, pointed ears and plumed tail.

They are small-to-medium dogs that can suit many Australian homes, including apartments, provided they receive regular exercise, training, grooming and companionship.

A full-grown Japanese Spitz is generally 30–37cm tall at the shoulder, depending on sex, and many adults weigh roughly 5–10kg. They are alert, intelligent and people-oriented, but prospective owners should also be prepared for seasonal shedding and alert barking.

This guide covers Japanese Spitz temperament, adult size, shedding, grooming, exercise, lifespan, health, puppy costs and day-to-day care in Australia.

Japanese Spitz Quick Facts

 

Dogs Australia's breed standard describes the Japanese Spitz as affectionate and companionable, with an alert, intelligent, bold and lively temperament. It specifies a pure-white coat and heights of 34–37cm for males and 30–34cm for females. 

What Is a Japanese Spitz?

The Japanese Spitz is a companion breed developed in Japan.

The breed is known for its:

• pure white coat
• dense undercoat
• pointed muzzle
• upright triangular ears
• dark eyes
• heavily plumed tail carried over the back.

Despite their fluffy appearance, Japanese Spitz are active companion dogs rather than purely decorative pets.

They generally enjoy taking part in family life, walking, playing and short training sessions.

Japanese Spitz Temperament and Personality

Japanese Spitz are generally alert, intelligent, affectionate and lively.

They often develop strong relationships with their household and enjoy being involved in everyday activities.

Many respond well to training because they are intelligent and people-focused.

Some Japanese Spitz can be cautious around strangers at first. Early, calm socialisation helps puppies become more comfortable with:

• unfamiliar people
• other dogs
• children
• grooming
• car travel
• household and neighbourhood noises.

Do Japanese Spitz Bark a Lot?

They can be alert barkers.

A Japanese Spitz may bark when someone approaches the home, when they hear unfamiliar sounds or when they become excited.

For apartment owners, early training around door noises, lifts, neighbours and visitors is useful.

Enough daily exercise and mental stimulation can also help prevent boredom-related behaviour.

Are Japanese Spitz Aggressive?

Japanese Spitz are not generally characterised as an aggressive breed.

Dogs Australia describes their temperament as alert, intelligent, bold and lively, while also describing them as affectionate and companionable.

Individual behaviour still depends on genetics, socialisation, training, health and past experiences.

If a dog suddenly becomes fearful, defensive or aggressive, speak with a veterinarian or suitably qualified dog behaviour professional.

Japanese Spitz Size: How Big Do They Get?

Japanese Spitz are small-to-medium companion dogs.

Adult Japanese Spitz Size

These figures come from the Dogs Australia breed standard. Dogs Australia

Many adults weigh roughly 5–10kg, although the healthy weight for an individual dog depends on body structure, sex, age and body condition. An Australian veterinary-authored breed guide also lists 5–10kg as a typical weight range. 

When Is a Japanese Spitz Full Grown?

Most Japanese Spitz reach much of their adult height around their first year.

They may continue filling out and developing muscle after reaching their adult height.

Growth varies between individual dogs, so use veterinary body-condition advice rather than targeting a specific weight simply because another Japanese Spitz weighs that amount.

Are Japanese Spitz Good Apartment Dogs?

Japanese Spitz can live successfully in apartments when their needs are met.

Their physical size is manageable, but they still need:

• daily walks
• mental stimulation
• training
• play
• regular companionship.

Barking may be more important than physical size in apartment buildings.

Teach calm behaviour around hallway sounds, neighbours, visitors and lifts from an early age.

Do Japanese Spitz Shed?

Yes.
Japanese Spitz have a double coat consisting of a straighter outer coat and a dense, soft undercoat.
They shed throughout the year and often lose more undercoat during seasonal coat changes.
Brushing regularly helps remove loose coat before it spreads through the home.

Japanese Spitz Grooming and Coat Care

A practical grooming routine can include:

• brushing several times each week
• more frequent brushing during heavy shedding
• checking behind the ears and under the legs for tangles
• nail trimming when needed
• ear checks
• regular dental care
• bathing when required with dog-appropriate products.

Dogs Victoria notes that the breed has a dense undercoat and requires regular brushing and combing. 

For routine at-home coat care, see our dog grooming tools.

Japanese Spitz Exercise and Training Needs

Japanese Spitz generally have moderate exercise needs. Most adult dogs benefit from a mixture of:

• daily walks
• sniffing opportunities
• short training sessions
• indoor games
• supervised play
• food puzzles or scent games.

The Royal Kennel Club lists the breed as needing up to around an hour of exercise per day, although the right amount depends on age, health and individual fitness. For enrichment between walks, browse dog toys.

Keeping a Japanese Spitz Cool in Australian Summer

The thick double coat means hot weather needs sensible management.

During warmer conditions:

• walk earlier in the morning or later in the day
• provide constant fresh water
• give access to shade and a cooler indoor area
• avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
• check pavement temperature before walking
• never leave a dog in a parked vehicle.

A cooling dog mat can provide another cooler resting surface indoors, but it does not replace shade, water or veterinary care.

Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan

Japanese Spitz often live around 12–14 years, although lifespan varies between individual dogs. A veterinary-authored Australian breed guide gives the same typical range, while the Royal Kennel Club lists the breed as generally living over 12 years. Pet Circle

Breed Health Considerations

Patellar luxation is one condition worth discussing with breeders.

Dogs Victoria specifically notes that luxating patellas can occur in Japanese Spitz, and Australian Japanese Spitz breed-club material also discusses patellar screening.

When speaking with a breeder, ask:

• what health screening is performed
• whether both parents have been assessed
• what veterinary records are supplied
• whether there is a written health and return agreement.

General care such as maintaining a healthy weight, dental care, parasite prevention, suitable exercise and regular veterinary checks remains important for any dog.

Japanese Spitz vs Pomeranian

Japanese Spitz vs Pomeranian

Japanese Spitz and Pomeranians are both Spitz-type companion dogs, but they are separate breeds.

A Japanese Spitz crossed with a Pomeranian is a crossbreed. Adult appearance, temperament, coat and size may vary depending on its parents.

For more information about the smaller breed, see our Pomeranian breed guide.

Can Japanese Spitz Be Brown?

Under the recognised Dogs Australia breed standard, the Japanese Spitz coat colour is pure white. 

A dog advertised as a “brown Japanese Spitz” may therefore:

• be a crossbreed,
• have a different breed background,
• or fall outside the recognised breed standard.

Colour alone does not determine whether a dog will be a good companion, but sellers should be clear about breed background.

If buying a puppy represented as purebred, ask for pedigree and registration documentation rather than relying on appearance alone.

Japanese Spitz Puppies and Price in Australia

The cost of a Japanese Spitz puppy can vary significantly depending on:

• breeder
• pedigree
• location
• health screening
• registration
• vaccinations and veterinary care included
• current availability.

Because prices change over time, I would avoid publishing a fixed “average price” unless PetPawz regularly verifies it.

Before paying a deposit, ask for:

• breeder registration details
• health information for both parents
• vaccination and microchip records
• information about where the puppies were raised
• pedigree documents where applicable
• a written sales agreement.

Be cautious of sellers who pressure you to pay immediately or will not provide clear information about the puppy and its parents.

For the first stages of toilet training, see our puppy training pads.

Is a Japanese Spitz Right for You?

A Japanese Spitz may suit your household if you:

• want an affectionate companion dog
• can provide regular walks and play
• have time for grooming
• are comfortable managing seasonal shedding
• can work on alert barking
• want a dog involved in everyday family life.

The breed may be less suitable if you:

• need a very low-grooming dog
• strongly prefer a low-shedding breed
• cannot provide regular companionship and activity
• need a dog with very little tendency to alert bark.

For a dedicated resting space, compare our dog beds.

Japanese Spitz FAQs

How big do Japanese Spitz dogs get?

Dogs Australia lists males at 34–37cm and females at 30–34cm at the shoulder. Many adult Japanese Spitz weigh roughly 5–10kg, although individual healthy weight varies.

What is the Japanese Spitz temperament like?

Japanese Spitz are generally alert, intelligent, lively, affectionate and companionable. Some may initially be cautious around unfamiliar people.

Do Japanese Spitz shed a lot?

They have a dense double coat and do shed. Seasonal periods may bring heavier undercoat loss, so regular brushing is important.

How long do Japanese Spitz live?

A typical lifespan is around 12–14 years, although individual dogs vary.

Are Japanese Spitz good apartment dogs?

They can adapt well to apartments when given daily exercise, training and mental stimulation. Barking should also be managed early.

Are Japanese Spitz easy to train?

They are intelligent companion dogs and often respond well to consistent, reward-based training.

Are Japanese Spitz pure white?

The recognised Dogs Australia breed standard specifies pure white. 

How much does a Japanese Spitz puppy cost in Australia?

Prices vary by breeder, location, pedigree, health screening and inclusions. Because market prices change, compare registered breeders and verify health and registration information rather than relying on a single fixed figure.