JAPANESE SPITZ: MINIATURIZATION OF SAMOYED, FIVE TIMES SMALLER

The Japanese Spitz has been referred to as "a classic example of miniaturization," because it is five times smaller than the Samoyed, yet in many ways, five times tougher (Bruce Fogle, DVM, Dogalog). This rugged little dog, lively and bold, was popular in Japan during the 1950s, and is now gaining popularity in Europe and North America as a house protector and guard dog.

APPEARANCE

The Japanese Spitz has pointed erect ears, and a wedged face with a small nose at the end. It has dense feathering of hair, remarkably favoring a smaller version of the Samoyed. Its large oval eyes are slightly slanted.

BREED HISTORY

According to Bruce Fogle, DVM (Dogalog), everything about the Japanese Spitz points to its being merely a smaller version of the Samoyed. The nomadic Samoyed tribe introduced the Samoyed to Mongolia, and it could have easily reached Japan from there (Fogle, Dogalog).

BREED CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE

The Japanese Spitz is very good with children, and friendly with other dogs. It is well suited to urban living, is easily obedience trained, and serves as an excellent watchdog, though its former tendency to bark constantly has been somewhat curbed by breeders.