The Japanese Terrier: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The Japanese Terrier originates from Japan, where it was developed from the 17th century from smooth-haired Fox Terriers brought from the Netherlands, crossed with local dogs, notably in the Nagasaki region. Appreciated as a companion dog for its small size and its friendly temperament, it began to be the subject of better structured breeding in the 1920s, then its standard was set in the following decade. Like many breeds, its numbers fell sharply after the Second World War before being preserved.

The Japanese Terrier is a small harmonious dog, light and elegant, built in an almost square format. Its coat is very short, smooth, dense and shiny. The head is well proportioned, the ears are small, V-shaped and fall forward, the eyes are dark and oval, and the overall silhouette gives an impression of finesse, suppleness and distinction.

The Japanese Terrier is a pleasant, lively and affectionate companion dog. It likes being close to its humans, is playful and alert, and enjoys daily interactions. Its terrier background gives it a certain liveliness and a chasing instinct that requires caution with small domestic animals.

On a daily basis, the Japanese Terrier adapts quite well to different lifestyles provided it enjoys regular outings and varied stimulation. It likes to play, observe and share activities with its owner. Without being intrusive, it copes poorly with a life that is too passive and needs an environment attentive to its sensitivity to cold.

The Japanese Terrier learns rather well when the training is consistent, positive and regular. Its playful side and its liveliness are real assets for quickly establishing the basics. A calm firmness is generally enough, without harshness, in order to maintain its trust and its desire to cooperate.

The Japanese Terrier is a rare breed, which can influence its price depending on the availability of litters, the quality of the bloodlines and the seriousness of the breeding. The acquisition cost must always be assessed with the health guarantees and the breeding conditions.

The Japanese Terrier is generally a small, fairly healthy dog, with no major predisposition widely reported in the breed. Its main point of vigilance mainly concerns its very short coat, which offers little protection against cold, wind and humidity.

The Japanese Terrier needs good-quality food, adapted to its age, size and activity level. As it is a lively small dog, the ration must cover its needs without promoting overweight.

Despite its very explicit name, the Japanese Terrier remains a little-known breed outside Japan. Its slender appearance and very short coat make it easily recognizable among small companion terriers, and its historical development notably involved Smooth Fox Terriers imported into Japan.