Japanese Spitz Overview
The Japanese Spitz is a small, strikingly beautiful dog with a pure white fluffy coat, alert expression, and compact build. Developed in Japan in the 1920s–1930s from Spitz-type dogs, Japanese Spitzes were bred as companion animals and have become increasingly popular in Australia as apartment-friendly family dogs. They resemble a miniature Samoyed or larger Pomeranian and are known for their cloud-like coat and charming, loyal personality.
Japanese Spitzes are characterised by their pure white colour, fluffy double coat, and toy-like proportions. Their distinctive coat sheds moderately year-round and requires regular brushing (3–4 times weekly) to prevent matting and manage shedding. They’re moderate-energy dogs with modest exercise needs (30 minutes daily) and adapt exceptionally well to apartment living and suburban homes. They’re highly social, affectionate, and eager to participate in family activities. They’re excellent with children and generally tolerant of other pets. Their main challenge is barking—they’re vocal dogs that can be excessive without training.
For Australian families, Japanese Spitzes are excellent choices for apartment dwellers, first-time owners, and families with children. Their small size makes them suitable for various living situations. They handle most Australian climates reasonably well due to their compact size and ability to stay indoors. They’re particularly popular in urban areas and among renters. With proper care, Japanese Spitzes live 12–16 years, rewarding their families with unsurpassed loyalty and affection.
Japanese Spitz Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Japanese Spitz temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
Japanese Spitzes are affectionate, loyal, and deeply people-oriented dogs with an almost constant desire for companionship. They're excellent with children, gentle and patient despite their small size. Barking is a defining trait—they're vocal and alert-bark frequently, sometimes to excess. They're intelligent and trainable but have independent streaks. They thrive on being included in family activities and dislike being excluded. They're generally friendly with other dogs and cats. Their defining traits are affection, loyalty, sociability, and vocal expressiveness—they're genuine lap dogs with big personalities.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Japanese Spitz scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Japanese Spitz Right for You?
✅
Apartment
Excellent—small size and moderate exercise suit apartments perfectly
✅
House with yard
Thrive in suburban homes and love garden access
✅
First-time owner
Excellent for first-timers; friendly, trainable, and forgiving
✅
Renters
Generally acceptable; small, low-damage dogs if exercise needs met
⚠️
Hot climate (QLD/NT/WA)
Moderate tolerance; small size helps, but provide shade and air conditioning
✅
Cold climate (VIC/TAS/ACT)
Thrive in cooler climates; coat suited to cool conditions
✅
Elderly/retired owners
Excellent for seniors; affectionate, moderate exercise, good size for handling
⚠️
Working owners (8hrs alone)
Moderate separation anxiety; manageable with routine and exercise
✅
Rural/acreage
Enjoy space but not essential; equally happy in suburban homes
⚠️
Active lifestyle
Moderate exercise only; suited to gentle, low-key lifestyle rather than high-energy pursuits
Separation Anxiety: Moderate — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Japanese Spitz Size & Appearance
Size
Small
Weight M
4–10 kg
Weight F
4–10 kg
Height
28–36 cm
Coat
double coat—long, straight, pure white outer coat and dense white undercoat
Colours
pure white only
Variations
None
Brachycephalic
No
Hypoallergenic
No
Japanese Spitz Health & Lifespan
13 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Kneecap dislocation causing rear limb lameness or abnormal gait; common in toy breeds. Mild cases managed with weight control; severe cases require surgery.
Est. treatment: $1,500–$3,500 for surgical correction
Toy breeds are prone to plaque, tartar, and tooth loss; signs include bad breath, difficulty eating, behaviour changes. Regular tooth brushing and professional cleaning are essential.
Est. treatment: $300–$800 per professional cleaning; $1,500–$3,000 for tooth extractions
Genetic eye disease causing progressive vision loss and blindness. Monitor for night blindness or bumping into objects. Genetic test available; responsible breeders screen.
Est. treatment: $800–$1,500 for ophthalmology evaluation
Thyroid dysfunction reducing hormone production; signs include weight gain, lethargy, coat dulling. Daily thyroid medication required.
Est. treatment: $300–$800 annually for medication
Common in toy breeds; progressive valve degeneration causes heart murmurs and heart failure. Regular cardiac ultrasounds monitor disease progression.
Est. treatment: $1,500–$3,000 for specialist cardiology assessment; $200–$400 monthly for medication
Compact build predisposes to knee and elbow problems. Weight management and appropriate exercise are essential for joint health.
Est. treatment: $1,500–$3,500 for surgical correction if required
Pet Insurance for Japanese Spitz
Avg Annual Insurance: $650
Monthly Estimate: $30–$70/month AUD; providers include PetSure, Medibank, NRMA
Recommended Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow
• PD Insurance
• Petinsurance.com.au
• Budget Direct
• Petcover
• NRMA
TIP: Insure before 6 months.
Compare insurance policies for your Japanese Spitz
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →
Japanese Spitz Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|
| PURCHASE |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
| Food |
$1,400 |
| Vet |
$450 |
| Grooming |
$300 |
| Insurance |
$650 |
| TOTAL/yr |
$2,024 |
| Monthly |
$102 |
| LIFETIME (13 yrs) |
$26,312 |
| FIRST-YEAR EXTRAS |
$1,200–$2,200 (desexing, vax, microchip, setup, puppy school) |
$26,312
Estimated lifetime cost (13 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Japanese Spitz Grooming Guide
Frequency
Every 6–8 weeks professional grooming; weekly home maintenance
Brushing
3–4× per week
Professional Cost
$50–$80
Coat
double coat—long, straight, pure white outer coat and dense white undercoat
Shedding
★★★★☆/5
Tools
Slicker/pin brush, deshedding tool, nail clippers
Nails
Every 4–6 weeks | Ears: Monthly | Teeth: 2–3×/week
Japanese Spitz Exercise Needs
Daily Exercise
30 minutes
Type
gentle walking, play, scent work, indoor play
Energy
★★★☆☆/5
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, 10min training/day
Sports
Agility, flyball, scent work, swimming (breed-dependent)
Training Your Japanese Spitz
Trainability: ★★★★☆/5
First-Time Owner: ★★★★★/5
Japanese Spitzes are intelligent, eager to please, and responsive to positive reinforcement. They're naturally friendly and social, making them excellent for first-time owners. Early socialisation is important for developing good manners. They respond well to reward-based training and are sensitive to harsh corrections. Their main training challenge is managing barking—Spitzes are vocal and can be excessive. Training to reduce barking is important, especially for apartment dwellers. They're generally adaptable and enjoy participating in family activities. Professional training is beneficial but not essential for most owners. Consistency and patience are more important than harsh corrections.
Tips: Positive reinforcement only | Puppy school 8–12 weeks
Short 5–10min sessions | Socialise early with dogs, people, sounds
Japanese Spitz Feeding Guide
Annual Food Cost: $1,400
Japanese Spitzes require high-quality dog food appropriate for toy-breed dogs. Feed 300–500 grams daily (split into two meals for smaller dogs), with portion adjustment based on activity level. Premium dry food costs $50–$100 monthly, whilst raw feeding runs $80–$150 monthly. Toy breeds are prone to obesity; careful portion control is essential. Dental health is also important—feeding appropriate kibble size and regular tooth brushing prevent dental disease. Consult your vet about caloric requirements based on individual metabolism.
Tips: Premium kibble + 2 meals/day | Monitor weight | Fresh water always
Avoid: grapes, onion, chocolate, xylitol, macadamias
Finding a Reputable Japanese Spitz Breeder
REGISTRIES:
• ANKC (ankc.org.au)
• RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au)
• Japanese Spitz Club of Australia
GREEN FLAGS: Health tests, ANKC/RPBA reg, visits allowed, health guarantee, screens buyers
RED FLAGS: Always available, multiple breeds, no health tests, Gumtree/social media sellers, pet shops
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:
ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF
Adopting a Japanese Spitz in Australia
RESCUE OPTIONS:
• Japanese Spitz rescue Australia
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA Australia
Adoption Cost: $250–$600 AUD
(includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest adoption platform
❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Japanese Spitz — Frequently Asked Questions
What's the average cost of a Japanese Spitz in Australia?
Reputable breeders charge $1,500–$2,800. Annual costs average $1,200–$2,000 including food ($400–$600), veterinary care ($400–$600), grooming ($300–$400), dental care ($200–$400), and routine care ($100–$300). Insurance is $30–$70 monthly.
How much do they shed?
Moderately and seasonally. Expect significant shedding during coat changes (spring/autumn); regular brushing (3–4 times weekly) manages shedding. They're unsuitable for people with severe allergies but manageable for those who brush regularly.
Are they suitable for apartments?
Excellent. Their small size, moderate exercise needs (30 minutes daily), and calm temperament suit apartments perfectly. Main challenge is barking—without training, they can be noisy neighbours.
Do they bark a lot?
Yes, they're vocal dogs by nature. Spitzes alert-bark frequently and can be excessive if not trained early. Training to manage barking is important, especially for apartment living.
Can they handle hot Australian climates?
Moderately. Their compact size and ability to stay indoors manage heat better than larger breeds. Still provide shade, water, and air conditioning during extreme heat. Not ideal for QLD/NT/WA peak heat, but their size is an advantage.
Are they good with children?
Yes, they're patient and gentle with children. Their small size means they can be injured if handled roughly by young children, so supervision is important.
What's the dental health concern?
Toy breeds are prone to dental disease. Regular tooth brushing and professional cleaning are essential to prevent tooth loss. Dental disease is painful and affects overall health.
How long do they live?
Typically 12–16 years, sometimes longer with excellent care. Small dog size often translates to longer lifespans. Health screening and proactive dental care extend longevity.
Are they good for first-time dog owners?
Excellent. They're friendly, trainable, affectionate, and forgiving. Their main challenges are barking management and dental care, both of which are manageable with commitment.
Can they be left alone during the day?
Moderately. They have moderate separation anxiety and prefer company, but most cope with 6–8 hours alone occasionally. Their size makes them suitable for various living situations, including apartments where owners have work-day routines.
