Japanese and German spitzes are definitely more similar to each other than a Samoyed and a Japanese spitz. In terms of overall appearance, they share many common features: a fox-like muzzle and pointed ears.

The main differences include a shorter muzzle in German spitzes (especially in the miniature variety) and their more square and compact silhouette, while the Japanese spitz is more harmonious and resembles a rectangle. I have also noticed that German spitzes often have tear stains under their eyes (the so-called "tear marks"), although this may be an individual issue.

As for the coat color – the Japanese spitz is found exclusively in pure, snow-white color. The German spitz, on the other hand, offers a very wide range of colors – from white, through cream, orange, sable, to black, wolf-gray, and other shades.

In terms of character, both breeds share many traits – they are intelligent, friendly, and alert. However, the Japanese spitz is usually calmer and much less yappy than the German spitz, which is known for its vocal nature and tendency to alert at every movement.

Japanese Spitz vs German Spitz

First of all, the difference is evident in size: the Samoyed reaches a height of 48 to 60 cm at the withers, while the Japanese Spitz is significantly smaller, measuring from 30 to 38 cm. The Spitz is also decidedly more delicate in build – the Samoyed is a dog with a massive, strong physique and thick bone.

The features of the Samoyed are softer and rounder, whereas the Japanese Spitz is characterized by distinctly defined, pointed lines. From the tip of the nose, through the ears and head shape, to the paws – everything about the Spitz has more "sharp" and slender contours. The head of the Spitz is delicate and resembles that of a fox, while the Samoyed has a massive head, a thicker muzzle, and rounded ears.

The differences are also noticeable in the tail. The Japanese Spitz always carries its tail high over its back. The Samoyed, on the other hand, carries its tail more loosely – it may droop slightly to the side.

Another significant difference is the coat color. The Japanese Spitz is found exclusively in pure, snow-white coloration, while the Samoyed can have shades ranging from white to cream.

Although both breeds have some personality similarities and are both friendly, the Samoyed can be more carefree and easygoing, while the Japanese Spitz is usually more alert, cautious, and – as many owners often say – a bit "cat-like" in its behavior.

Japanese Spitz vs Samoyed

Pedigree... And then what?

Many people may think that if a dog has a pedigree, everything is fine. However, it is worth carefully checking what is hidden in the pedigree of our future pet! First of all, it is important to pay attention to whether the dog has at least four or more generations listed in the pedigree. A lack of such a number of generations may indicate uncertain origins and a lack of breed purity – especially since the Japanese spitz is neither a breed created from scratch nor one that is being rebuilt, so a complete pedigree is very important here.

The absence of a complete pedigree may result in a character or appearance of the dog that does not conform to the breed standard. Another important issue is to avoid too close a relationship in the pedigree (known as close inbreeding), which can lead to unforeseen health problems – and that is certainly something no one wants.

That is why we are very focused on importing dogs from healthy, multi-generational lines, with the correct temperament, which at the same time introduce new genes to Poland and enrich the breeding pool.

The Japanese Spitz is a relatively healthy dog breed. The most common health issue is loose kneecaps (dislocated patellas). This condition is often hereditary, which is why we examine all our dogs for this at a veterinary orthopedic specialist.

The coat of the Japanese Spitz requires responsible grooming: regular baths, brushing, especially during shedding periods.One should not shave or excessively shorten the coat of the Japanese Spitz, as this can damage its undercoat. Only gentle trimming of the fur on the paws and, if necessary, around the ears is allowed. It is also important to regularly trim the nails, as overly long nails can lead to walking problems, pain, and even deformities of the paws.

Japanese Spitz are very intelligent dogs, exceptionally receptive to training. If we start working with them from puppyhood, we will not only raise a smart and well-behaved dog, but we will also make learning new things easier and more enjoyable for them in the future.

Health, care, training

Japanese Spitz adapt well to both single-person homes and larger families. However, they usually choose one favorite person to whom they become particularly attached. They are active, cheerful, and friendly dogs. They love their owners' attention, enjoy being petted, picked up, and carried. They are perfect for an active lifestyle and eagerly participate in dog sports, but they also do well on lazy days spent on the couch.

Although Japanese Spitz are social dogs, they can initially be a bit wary of strangers. However, this breed is not overly yappy – among all Spitz, Japanese Spitz are considered the least noisy. It is worth remembering that they are still Spitz, so their natural alertness may occasionally surface.

Character

After many years, in June 2017, with our return from England to Poland, the Japanese spitz reappeared in Poland. Yuki (Snowflake Princess) came with us, and she was about a year and a half old at that time. Currently, Yuki is the oldest Japanese spitz in Poland, and her story has become an integral part of the beginnings of our breeding.

For several months, Yuki was the only Japanese spitz in Poland, until in December 2017, another female of this breed, Marymay Akira, arrived from Ukraine to the Active Team FCI breeding. Two years later, in August 2019, the first litter of Japanese spitzes in Poland was born in this breeding, with Akira as the mother. However, our Yuki had her first litter only in 2022.

The first Japanese spitz appeared in Europe in 1973, brought from Japan to Sweden. In Poland, the first pair of Japanese spitz was only introduced in 1998 – they were imported from Sweden (these were Rowleys Martini Bianco and Noidens Just White Magic) to the Nord-Stern kennel. Unfortunately, this pair never had any offspring.

I had the opportunity to personally speak with the then-owner of the Nord-Stern kennel. She did not want to publicly share documents or photos of her pair of spitz, so we will not find them in readily available materials today. However, I had the chance to see pictures of these dogs and I must admit they were really beautiful. She also mentioned that compared to the dogs of the breed we encounter today, her Japanese spitz were definitely a bit smaller.

Japanese Spitz in Poland

Although 14 years had passed since the end of the post-war period of unrest, the issue of public safety was still fresh in the public's memory. From a historical perspective, it is understandable that these dogs were seen as "guard dogs" and indeed often fulfilled that role. By the end of the 1950s, in just one year, Japanese spitzes accounted for about 40% of all registered dogs in Japan.

With the improvement of the security situation, most dog breeds began to take on the role of companions, and the purpose of breeding was adjusted to meet new needs. It goes without saying that the Japanese spitz excels as a companion dog—primarily due to its cleanliness, gentle temperament, and the fact that it does not emit the characteristic "dog smell." Today, this breed is recognized worldwide as a companion dog.

The Japanese Spitz belongs to the beautiful and primitive group of spitz-type dogs. Spitzes are one of the oldest groups of dogs, characterized by many common features, such as a triangular head, small, erect, pointed ears, and an elongated, pointed muzzle.

The breed was developed in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s and was named the "Japanese Spitz" in 1949. It descends from white spitzes that arrived from Canada, Manchuria, and Europe between the end of the Taishō period and the beginning of the Shōwa period (around 1926). No exact records exist regarding how the ancestors of this breed came to Japan. There are various theories about the origin of the Japanese spitz, but specific information is not known. Traditionally, the Japanese spitz was considered a "house dog and a watchdog for the home." In 1959, with the establishment of the NSA (Nippon Spitz Association), the official breed standard was established.

Origin and history of the breed

Japanese Spitz FCI/ZKwP Kennel

POLLY LAND FCI