Japanese Spitz: Temperament, Size, Shedding & Care Guide

Japanese Spitz dogs are bright, affectionate companion dogs known for their pure white double coats, pointed ears and plumed tails. They are small enough for many apartments but active enough to enjoy regular walks, training and family outings.

A full-grown Japanese Spitz is usually around 30–37cm tall at the shoulder and often weighs about 5–10kg. They are intelligent, alert and people-oriented, but they also shed, need regular grooming and can become noisy or mischievous when bored.

This guide covers Japanese Spitz temperament, size, shedding, grooming, health, puppy costs and whether this fluffy companion may suit your home.

What Is a Japanese Spitz?

The Japanese Spitz is a companion breed developed in Japan. They are known for their bright white stand-off coat, fox-like face, triangular ears and fluffy tail carried over the back.

They are often described as cheerful, loyal and eager to be involved in family life. A Japanese Spitz is usually happiest when included in daily routines rather than left alone in the backyard for long periods.

Although they look delicate and fluffy, Japanese Spitz dogs are sturdy, active little companions. They usually enjoy walks, games, short training sessions and spending time with their people.

Japanese Spitz Temperament and Personality

Japanese Spitz dogs are generally alert, clever and affectionate.

They often form strong bonds with their household and may follow family members from room to room. Many enjoy learning tricks, playing games and greeting familiar visitors.

A well-socialised Japanese Spitz is usually friendly and companionable, but some can be cautious when meeting strangers for the first time. Early, positive socialisation helps puppies feel comfortable around new people, children, dogs, grooming, car travel and everyday household sounds.

Japanese Spitz can also be vocal. They often bark to alert their family to visitors, sounds outside or changes around the home. Training calm behaviour early is important, especially for apartment living.

Are Japanese Spitz Aggressive?

Japanese Spitz dogs are not generally known as aggressive dogs. However, any dog can become fearful, defensive or reactive without suitable socialisation, training and care.

Give your dog calm introductions to people and other pets, reward relaxed behaviour and avoid forcing them into stressful situations. If aggression appears suddenly or becomes difficult to manage, speak with your veterinarian or a qualified force-free dog trainer.

Japanese Spitz Size: How Big Do They Get?

Japanese Spitz dogs are small-to-medium companion dogs.

Adult males are generally around 34–37cm tall at the shoulder. Adult females are generally around 30–34cm. Many adults weigh roughly 5–10kg, although healthy weight varies depending on build, sex, age, muscle tone and body condition.

Most Japanese Spitz puppies reach much of their adult height by around their first birthday. They may continue filling out in body shape and muscle over the following months.

Are Japanese Spitz Good Apartment Dogs?

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

They do not need a huge backyard, but they still need regular walks, sniffing time, play and training. Apartment owners should also work on barking, calm greetings and being comfortable with everyday sounds such as lifts, neighbours and traffic.

A secure home routine, daily exercise and enough time with their people matter more than the size of the home alone.

Do Japanese Spitz Shed?

Yes, Japanese Spitz dogs shed.

Their double coat sheds lightly through much of the year and more heavily during seasonal coat changes. During these periods, they may lose a large amount of soft undercoat.

Brush your Japanese Spitz two to three times each week. During heavier shedding periods, daily brushing can help remove loose fur before it spreads through the home.

Their coat can be easier to keep clean than it looks because loose dirt often dries and brushes out. However, they still need regular grooming to prevent knots, remove loose undercoat and keep the skin and coat in good condition.

For at-home coat care, browse dog grooming tools suited to regular brushing and maintenance.

Japanese Spitz Grooming and Coat Care

A Japanese Spitz has a thick outer coat with a soft, dense undercoat.

A simple grooming routine may include:

• Brushing two to three times weekly
• Daily brushing during seasonal shedding
• Checking behind the ears, under the legs and around the tail for knots
• Trimming nails when needed
• Checking ears for odour, wax or irritation
• Brushing teeth with dog-safe toothpaste
• Bathing only when needed with a gentle dog shampoo

Avoid relying on bathing alone to manage shedding. Brushing is more useful for removing loose undercoat and keeping the coat comfortable.

Japanese Spitz Exercise and Training Needs

Japanese Spitz dogs have moderate exercise needs.

Most adults enjoy one or two daily walks, indoor games, short training sessions and supervised play. They do not usually need intense endurance exercise, but they can become bored when left without activity or mental stimulation.

A good daily routine may include:

• Walks suited to your dog’s age and fitness
• Short obedience or trick-training sessions
• Food puzzles and scent games
• Supervised fetch or tug games
• Social outings that build confidence

Choose dog toys for active small dogs that suit your dog’s size, play style and chewing habits.

For walks and everyday training, choose a correctly fitted harness or browse dog collars and leads .

Keeping a Japanese Spitz Cool in Australian Summer

Japanese Spitz dogs have a thick double coat, so hot weather needs extra care.

On warm days, walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening. Make sure they have shade, clean water and access to a cooler indoor area where possible.

Avoid hot footpaths, sand and asphalt. If the ground feels too hot for the back of your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.

Never leave your Japanese Spitz in a parked vehicle, even for a short time.

A cooling dog mat can provide a comfortable resting spot indoors, but it should never replace shade, water, supervision or veterinary care if your dog appears overheated.

Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan

Japanese Spitz dogs often live around 12–14 years, although every dog is different.

The breed is generally considered healthy, but responsible owners and breeders should still be aware of possible concerns.

Potential issues may include:

• Patellar luxation, where the kneecap can slip out of place
• Tear staining or watery eyes
• Dental disease if teeth are not cared for regularly
• Weight gain when food and treats are not measured
• Heat stress during hot weather

Regular veterinary checks, dental care, parasite prevention, balanced food, a healthy body condition and suitable exercise all support long-term wellbeing.

If your dog limps, has eye discomfort, pants heavily in mild weather or shows a sudden behaviour change, contact your veterinarian.

Japanese Spitz vs Pomeranian

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

A Japanese Spitz x Pomeranian is a crossbreed, not a purebred Japanese Spitz. Adult size, coat, temperament and grooming needs can vary significantly depending on the individual dog and its parents.

For more about the smaller breed, read our Pomeranian breed guide .

Are Brown Japanese Spitz Dogs Purebred?

Purebred Japanese Spitz dogs are white under the recognised breed standard.

A dog advertised as a brown Japanese Spitz may be a crossbreed, may not meet the recognised breed standard or may have a different breed background. Always ask to see pedigree papers, breeder registration details and information about both parents before relying on a colour description in an advertisement.

A dog does not need to meet a show standard to be a loved companion. However, breeders should be open and accurate about a puppy’s breed background.

Japanese Spitz Puppies and Price in Australia

Japanese Spitz puppy prices can vary based on breeder reputation, pedigree, location, health testing and what is included with the puppy.

Plan for a purchase price in the low-to-mid thousands of Australian dollars, then budget separately for food, grooming, vaccinations, parasite prevention, bedding, toys, training, insurance and unexpected veterinary care.

Before paying a deposit, ask to see:

• The puppy’s mother and, where possible, the father
• The environment where the puppies were raised
• Veterinary health-check records
• Vaccination, worming and microchip details
• Pedigree and registration information
• Health information for both parents
• A written agreement covering support and return arrangements

Never buy a puppy sight unseen. Be cautious if a seller pressures you to pay quickly, refuses visits or wants to meet away from the place where the puppy was raised.

For early toilet-training support, puppy training pads can help during the first stages at home.

Feeding a Japanese Spitz

Choose a complete and balanced food that suits your dog’s life stage, activity level and health needs.

Japanese Spitz puppies need a suitable puppy diet while they are growing. Adult dogs usually do well with measured meals and limited treats, especially if they are less active or desexed.

Use the feeding guide as a starting point, then adjust based on your dog’s body condition and your veterinarian’s advice.

For everyday feeding, see our dog bowls and feeders .

Is a Japanese Spitz Right for You?

A Japanese Spitz may suit you if you:

• Want an affectionate companion dog
• Have time for regular walks, training and grooming
• Like a dog that enjoys being involved in family life
• Are willing to manage seasonal shedding
• Can provide companionship and a stable routine

You may want to consider another breed if you:

• Need a dog that can be left alone for long workdays
• Want a very low-shedding or low-grooming dog
• Prefer a quiet dog with little alert barking
• Cannot commit to daily activity and regular brushing

Japanese Spitz dogs are bright, loyal and full of personality. With patient training, regular grooming and a home where they feel included, they can become loving companions for many years.

For a comfortable resting space after walks and playtime, browse our range of dog beds .

Japanese Spitz FAQs

How big do Japanese Spitz dogs get?

Adult male Japanese Spitz dogs are generally around 34–37cm tall at the shoulder. Females are generally around 30–34cm. Many adults weigh about 5–10kg, although healthy weight depends on build, sex, age and body condition.

Do Japanese Spitz shed a lot?

Japanese Spitz shed throughout the year and usually lose more undercoat during seasonal shedding periods. Brushing two to three times weekly helps manage loose fur. During heavier shedding, daily brushing can reduce loose hair around the home and keep the coat more comfortable.

Do Japanese Spitz bark a lot?

Japanese Spitz can be alert barkers. They may bark at visitors, unfamiliar sounds or movement outside the home. Early training, enough daily exercise and calm routines can help prevent barking from becoming excessive. Ongoing barking may also signal boredom, fear or separation stress.

Are Japanese Spitz good with children and other pets?

Japanese Spitz can be friendly family dogs when properly socialised. Their playful nature can suit respectful children, but all interactions should be supervised. Introduce them gradually to other pets and teach children not to pull fur, disturb the dog while resting or handle them roughly.

Are Japanese Spitz easy to train?

Japanese Spitz are generally intelligent and eager to engage with their people. They respond best to short, consistent training sessions using treats, praise, toys and clear routines. Start early with recall, lead walking, calm greetings, grooming handling and being comfortable spending short periods alone.

How long do Japanese Spitz live?

Japanese Spitz often live around 12–14 years, although lifespan varies. Regular veterinary care, dental hygiene, parasite prevention, healthy weight, suitable exercise and early attention to health concerns can support a longer and more comfortable life.

Can Japanese Spitz be left alone?

Japanese Spitz can manage short periods alone when gradually trained, but they are usually happiest in homes where they receive regular companionship. Build alone time slowly and provide a comfortable resting area, safe enrichment and a predictable routine. Read our dog anxiety guide if your dog shows distress when left alone.

Are brown Japanese Spitz dogs purebred?

Purebred Japanese Spitz are white under the recognised breed standard. A brown dog advertised as a Japanese Spitz may be a crossbreed or have a different breed background. Ask to see pedigree papers, health information and breeder registration details before making assumptions about breed or colour.