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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Japanese Spitz need? Like all dogs, Japanese Spitzs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Japanese Spitz vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Japanese Spitz booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Japanese Spitz need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
