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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+7
Dogs
# The Japanese Terrier: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Japan
A small lively, elegant terrier very attached to its family.
Size SmallLife expectancy 12–14 yearsBudget ≈ €81/monthPuppy €900 – €1,100
[Find a breeder 3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-japanese-terrier) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=japanese-terrier)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Good
First-time owners Very good
Other pets Fair
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Guarding instinct Limited
Strengths and weaknesses
- Pleasant companion dog: He is affectionate, friendly and close to his family on a daily basis.
- Practical size: His small size makes indoor life and travel easier.
- Moderate maintenance: His very short coat requires little grooming care.
- Sensitive to cold: Its short coat offers little protection from low temperatures and bad weather.
- Terrier instinct: Living with very small animals requires caution.
- Need for stimulation: It remains lively and playful, and is not suited to an overly inactive life.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active people: He enjoys daily outings and regular interactions with his human.
- Apartment living with outings: His small size is well suited to it if his exercise needs are met.
- Households looking for a lively small dog: His playful and affectionate temperament appeals to those who want a companion that is present.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary people: He needs daily activity and stimulation to stay balanced.
- Households with small rodents roaming free: His burrowing instinct can complicate living together with very small animals.
- Mostly outdoor living: His very short coat does not protect him enough against cold and humidity.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
33 cmJapanese Terrier
- Height at the withers
- 30–35 cm
- Weight
- 3–6 kg
- Coat
- Short, smooth and dense
- FCI group
- 3
- Origin
- Japan
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the Japanese Terrier in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
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.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
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.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
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.
Affectionate Playful
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
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.
Training
## Training and socialization
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.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Japanese Terrier
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.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/japanese-terrier/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
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.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/japanese-terrier/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
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.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/japanese-terrier/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
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.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Japanese Terrier
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Japanese Terrier suitable for apartment living?
Yes, it can live in an apartment if its needs for outings, play, and stimulation are met daily and if it is not exposed to cold for a prolonged period.
### Is the Japanese Terrier easy to train?
It is receptive to positive, consistent, and regular training. Its liveliness and desire to interact with its human are good assets, but you must remain consistent.
### Does the Japanese Terrier get along with other animals?
It can live with other dogs, but its terrier temperament calls for caution with small animals such as certain rodents.
## Find a Japanese Terrier breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Japanese Terrier breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Japanese Terrier breeders by country
[1 breeder of Japanese Terrier in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-japanese-terrier/austria) [1 breeder of Japanese Terrier in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-japanese-terrier/finland) [1 breeder of Japanese Terrier in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-japanese-terrier/germany)
[All breeders of Japanese Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-japanese-terrier)
## Ready to welcome a Japanese Terrier?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-japanese-terrier)
## Discover other breeds
[English Toy Terrier
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[Czech Terrier
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[Bedlington Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bedlington-terrier)
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](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/border-terrier)
[Cairn Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/cairn-terrier)
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