Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy often between 10 and 16 years, the Japanese Spitz is one of the small dogs that can accompany their family for a long time. This longevity depends on the quality of the breeding, veterinary prevention, weight control and daily activity.
Build
A robust breed?
Without being fragile, the Japanese Spitz is not a rustic dog in the strict sense either. Its constitution is generally healthy, but as with many small companion dogs, prevention, maintaining a stable weight and attention paid to the joints and the mouth remain important.
Watch points
What to watch for
The breed is generally healthy, but it is still useful to monitor small everyday signs such as locomotor discomfort, eyes that water repeatedly, or persistent bad breath. Simple and regular observation helps to intervene early if necessary.
Patellar luxation : As in many small dogs, patellar instability can sometimes be observed and warrants veterinary advice in case of limping or avoided jumps.
Tearing : Ocular discharge or marks under the eyes may appear in some individuals and require regular hygiene as well as monitoring if the phenomenon becomes pronounced.
Dental sensitivity : The breed's size requires good oral hygiene to limit tartar and its consequences on the gums in adulthood.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Japanese Spitz tolerates the cold rather well thanks to its double coat, but it generally lives better indoors than permanently outdoors. It also tolerates mild to moderate temperatures, provided it has fresh water, outings shifted in summer and is not asked to exert itself during the hottest hours.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Weight gain is not its main weak point, but a small active dog fed too generously can quickly lose its silhouette. Measured portions, counted treats and regular daily activity are generally enough to maintain good body condition.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Brush the coat several times a week and more during shedding periods.
- Monitor the eyes, ears and mouth regularly.
- Consult promptly in case of limping, discomfort during exertion or persistent tearing.
- Maintain a stable weight to preserve the joints and overall comfort.
Vaccination
Japanese Spitz vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Japanese Spitz? Like all cats, the Japanese Spitz receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Japanese Spitz is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Japanese Spitz vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Japanese Spitz?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Japanese Spitz
Before adoption, it is relevant to find out about the seriousness of the breeding and about the monitoring of the breeding dogs. Then, routine veterinary check-ups, dental monitoring and attention paid to locomotion and to the eyes are good bases for prevention.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
