Japanese Spitz Breed Profile

Head: Mesaticephalic skull type, moderate in size, wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is the widest between the ears, being as wide (from one side to the other measured in front of the ears) as it is long (from occiput to stop). In profile or from the front, it appears slightly arched. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles.

Eyes: The eyes are moderately large in size, set well apart, and very dark in color. They may be almond or oval in shape with tight-fitting eye rims that are pigmented black. The eyes are set obliquely. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Dogs should not be penalized for tear stains unless tear stains are indicative of an underlying problem.

Ears: The ears are proportionate to the head, triangular in shape, forward facing, and firmly erect. They are set high and fairly close. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken.

Muzzle: Equal to or shorter than the top skull. The muzzle is full, deep, and broad, yet well-tapered towards a rounded end. The upper and lower jaws have good bone substance. The upper and lower jaws are strong and well-developed, never appearing snipy or weak.

Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black. The nostrils are well opened.

Neck: Moderate length to allow for proud head carriage, strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.

Chest: Long, well-sprung, well-laid back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.

Body: Compact, solid, and good substance. The body is never racy, refined, long, or cobby. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.

Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.

Tail: Set high on the croup, thick at the base, and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried over the back when moving or alert. The tail is of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down.

Movement: Movement is energetic, agile, effortless, and efficient. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: The Japanese Spitz breed’s endearing temperament makes them one of the most popular Spitz breeds. They are intelligent, keen, watchful, alert, and devoted to their family. They will sound an alarm bark at the sight or sound of any strange person. They are also capable of learning many tasks, tricks, and disciplines, including agility, obedience, and search and rescue. Adult individuals may become reserved or indifferent toward people outside of the family, but this should not be considered a fault. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.