Intoduction to the Japanese Spitz

History of The Japanese Spitz (Nihon Supittsu)

While the exact history of the Japanese Spitz is relatively unknown, we know that Japanese dog breeders created the Japanese Spitz by crossbreeding a number of spitz breeds including the white German Spitz. In the following years various small white Spitz breeds were imported from all over the world and were crossed into the breed, with the aim of improving it. The final standard for the breed was written after World War II, and was accepted by the Japanese Kennel Club (JKC).

The first Japanese Spitz imported into Europe from Japan came to Sweden in 1973. This dog was Andoleasson of Golden Meadow. Imports into other European countries followed: Norway in 1975, England in 1980, Italy and Denmark in 1985. By 1986, the breed was also represented in Austria, Germany, Holland and Switzerland. The first Japanese Spitz came to Ireland in the early 1990's. The breed enjoys a small but loyal following in most countries around the world and is recognized by most major kennel clubs in the English speaking world, such as the Irish Kennel Club, English Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, New Zealand Kennel Club, Australian National Kennel Council, and the United Kennel Club. It can be found under the Utility Group or the Non-Sporting Breeds. The Japanese Spitz is not recognized by the American Kennel Club due to its close resemblance to the American Eskimo Dog. However the breed is recognized by the American Rare Breed Association(ARBA), the Continental Kennel Club(CKC) and the National Kennel Club(NKC), all of which are smaller American Registries dedicated to rare breeds.