Japanese Spitz Picture Gallery

Japanese Spitz Breeders

Japanese Spitz Clubs/Associations

The Full Japanese Spitz Description

Indicative Breed Standard

General Appearance

Profuse, pure white, stand-off coat. Pointed muzzle, triangular shaped ears standing erect. Bushy tail curled over back. Overall quality of body firm and strong, full of flexibility. Ratio of height to length, 10:11.

Characteristics

Affectionate, companionable. Slightly chary at first meeting with strangers.

Temperament

Alert, intelligent, bold and lively.

Head and Skull

Head medium size, without coarseness; moderately broad, slightly rounded. Skull broadest at occiput; well defined stop; forehead not protruding. Muzzle pointed, neither too thick nor too long. Lips firm, tightly closed, black. Nose round, small and black.

Eyes

Dark, moderate size, oval-shaped, set rather obliquely and not too wide apart; black eye rims.

Ears

Small, angular, standing erect. Set high, facing forward, not too wide apart.

Mouth

Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck

Strong, arched and of moderate length.

Forequarters

Well proportioned and balanced. Shoulders well laid. Forelegs straight; elbows firm and tight; pasterns slightly sloping.

Body

Chest broad and deep. Ribs powerfully sprung; belly moderately firm with good tuck-up. Back straight and short. Loins broad and firm. Croup slightly arched.

Hindquarters

Well proportioned and balanced. Muscular, moderately angulated. Hindlegs parallel to each other viewed from rear.

Feet

Small round, cat-like and well cushioned. Pads black, nails preferably dark.

Tail

Moderate length, root set high, curled over back.

Gait/Movement

Light, nimble, active, energetic and very smooth.

Coat

Outer coat straight and stand-off. Profuse, short, dense undercoat, soft in texture. Shorter on face, ears, front of fore- and hindlegs and below hocks. Remainder of body covered with long coat. Mane on neck and shoulders reaching down to brisket. Tail profusely covered with long hair.

Size

Height at shoulders: dogs: 30-36 cms (12-14 ins); bitches slightly smaller.