Developed in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s, The first Japanese Spitz arrived in Australia in 1979. Although the Japanese Spitz is now well established it is still a relatively rare dog in Australia.
 

General Appearance:

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

Breed Characteristics:

Affectionate, companionable. Slightly chary at first meeting with strangers. The Japanese Spitz is a family dog and it thrives on human companionship. It is an intelligent breed always eager to please. In temperament, it is wary of complete strangers rushing up to it without formal introduction. It prefers a gentle approach, after that you have a friend for life. It is characterised by its great courage, intelligence and liveliness and is an affectionate, devoted companion. Alert, intelligent, bold and lively.

Breed Colour:

Pure white.

Breed Size:

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Height at shoulders:
Dogs 34-37 cms (13.5 – 14.5 ins)
Bitches 30-34 cms (12 – 13.5 ins)

 

Head And Skull:

Head medium size without coarseness. Wedge shaped when viewed from above. Moderately broad. Slightly rounded skull, broadest at occiput. Well defined stop, forehead not protruding. Muzzle in proportion to the head, tapering to a small, black, round nose. Lips black, firm and tight.

Eyes:

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

Ears:

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

Mouth:

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

Neck:

Strong, arched and of moderate length.
 

Forequarters:

Moderately sloping shoulder, upper arm of sufficient length to ensure elbow is vertically below point of withers. Forelegs straight, elbows firm and tight, pasterns slightly sloping.
 

Body:

Length from point of shoulder to point of buttock slightly greater than height at withers. Chest broad and deep. Ribs well sprung, belly firm with moderate tuck-up. Back straight and short, full of flexibility. Loins broad and firm, with a slight rise. Level croup with high set tail.
 

Hindquarters:

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

Feet:

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

Tail:

Moderate length, well plumed, high set, carried curved over the 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 hind legs 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.