Japanese dog: breeds and guide 2026

A small Japanese dog is not a single breed: it is a size category (often under 10 kg) within the Japanese dog breeds listed on Pedibase — Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, Japanese Chin, Japanese Terrier — alongside medium and large sizes (Akita, Shikoku, Hokkaido…). Here are, with Pedibase data as of 04/10/2026, the origins, declared price ranges and numbers of breeders in France to choose a small Japanese dog (or a larger one) suited to your daily life, not just to a photo.

What is a Japanese dog on Pedibase?

On Pedibase, a breed is said to originate from Japan when that country appears in the origin field of the profile. This includes historic Japanese spitz breeds (Shiba Inu, Akita Inu, Shikoku, Kishu, Hokkaido ken, Kai), companion dogs (Japanese Chin, Japanese Spitz, Japanese Terrier) and a mastiff (Tosa). The American Akita also appears with Japan as its origin on the Pedibase profile: it is treated separately here, as a size cousin of the Akita Inu.

“Small”, “mini” or “dwarf” are not official labels on Pedibase: we refer to a small Japanese dog when the profile indicates a small size and a weight often around 2–10 kg (Shiba, Japanese Spitz, Japanese Chin, Japanese Terrier). A Shiba remains a lively and independent dog; a Japanese Chin is calmer in an apartment. Origin does not determine either temperament or exercise needs.

Overview: weight, price, life expectancy, breeders in France

Indicative list compiled from breed profiles and the number of breeders listed in France (Pedibase data as of 04/10/2026):

Shiba inu: 6–10 kg · 35–41 cm · declared price 1 000 € – 1 500 € · life expectancy 12–15 years · 83 breeders in France
Akita inu: 30–52 kg · 58–70 cm · 1 000 € – 1 500 € · 11–15 years · 58 breeders in France
American Akita: 35–60 kg · 61–71 cm · 1 500 € – 2 500 € · 10–12 years · 32 breeders in France
Japanese Spitz: 6–10 kg · 28–38 cm · 700 € – 1 200 € · 10–16 years · 14 breeders in France
Japanese Chin: 2–6 kg · 25–29 cm · 500 € – 700 € · 12–14 years · 7 breeders in France
Hokkaido ken: 18–25 kg · 45–52 cm · 1 200 € – 2 000 € · 11–13 years · 3 breeders in France
Shikoku: 16–26 kg · 44–55 cm · 1 500 € – 2 000 € · 10–12 years · 2 breeders in France
Kai: 24–27 kg · 45–56 cm · 1 000 € – 1 500 € · 12–14 years · 2 breeders in France
Kishu: 19–25 kg · 43–55 cm · 2 500 € – 3 000 € · 11–13 years · 1 breeder in France
Tosa: 30–65 kg · 55–80 cm · 1 000 € – 1 500 € · 10–12 years · 1 breeder in France
Japanese Terrier: 3–6 kg · 30–35 cm · 900 € – 1 100 € · 12–14 years · no breeders listed in France

Pedibase data as of 04/10/2026. Prices = ranges declared on the profiles. Numbers = breeders listed in France. Life expectancy = min/max from the breed profile. Breeds with 0–2 breeders in France remain very rare: patience and transparency about bloodlines are essential.

To compare budgets, also see the ranking of the least expensive breeds and the LOF puppy budget guide.

Small sizes: Shiba, Japanese Spitz, Japanese Chin, Japanese Terrier

The Shiba inu is the most represented small Japanese dog among Shiba inu breeders (83 listed in France). Compact size (around 6–10 kg), lively expression, double coat: it requires consistent training, careful socialization and real activity — it is not a “decorative” dog. Declared prices: 1 000 € to 1 500 €. See the price page. Any health question should be discussed with a veterinarian; Pedibase does not replace medical advice.

The Japanese Spitz (14 breeders in France) is another small Japanese dog (around 6–10 kg, 28–38 cm), often white, with an abundant coat. Grooming and choosing a calm bloodline matter as much as size. Declared prices: 700 € to 1 200 €. Directory: Japanese Spitz breeders; price page.

The Japanese Chin (Chin, 7 breeders in France) is the smallest on this list (around 2–6 kg, 25–29 cm) and among the most affordable ranges (500 € to 700 € declared). A household companion, with a more relaxed pace than the Shiba or Japanese Spitz. See Japanese Chin breeders and the price page. If you are looking for a mini Japanese dog or a Japanese dwarf dog in the common sense (very small size), this is often the breed that comes closest to that intention — without any promise of an official “toy” size.

The Japanese Terrier (3–6 kg, 900–1 100 €) remains without a breeder listed in France as of 04/10/2026: be upfront about it, the search will be long, possibly outside France, with enhanced verification of paperwork and breeding conditions. Profile: Japanese Terrier; price page.

Medium sizes: Shikoku, Kishu, Hokkaido, Kai

These Japanese spitz-type breeds (group 5 on the profiles) are medium-sized, hardy dogs, often less common in France than a Shiba or an Akita.

The Hokkaido ken has 3 breeders in France (the minimum threshold for a useful hub): around 18–25 kg, 45–52 cm, declared prices 1 200 € to 2 000 €. Directory: Hokkaido ken breeders; price page.

The Shikoku (2 breeders in France) and the Kai (2 breeders) remain very rare: 16–26 kg / 1 500–2 000 € for the Shikoku, 24–27 kg / 1 000–1 500 € for the Kai. Profiles and prices: Shikoku, Shikoku price page; Kai, Kai price page.

The Kishu (1 breeder in France) has one of the highest ranges on this list (2 500 € to 3 000 € declared). See the profile and the price page.

These medium sizes are not small Japanese dogs: they generally require more space, exercise and experience than a Chin or a companion Japanese Spitz.

Large sizes: Akita Inu, American Akita, Tosa

The Akita inu (58 breeders in France) is a large dog (around 30–52 kg, 58–70 cm), dignified and independent, far from a “small” size. Declared prices: 1 000 € to 1 500 €. Directory: Akita inu breeders; price page. In France, the Akita Inu is not a categorized dog within the meaning of Article L211-12 of the Rural Code. This does not remove the need for careful socialization and a consistent owner.

The American Akita (32 breeders in France) is even more imposing (around 35–60 kg; declared prices 1 500 € to 2 500 €). Pedibase profile: origin Japan. See American Akita breeders and the price page.

The Tosa (1 breeder in France) is a mastiff (around 30–65 kg). In France, the Tosa is a category 1 dog (attack dog) within the meaning of Article L211-12 of the Rural Code: strict ownership conditions, prohibitions and legal obligations. It is not a “cute Japanese dog” companion choice. Check the official text and consult a professional before taking any steps. Profile: Tosa; price page.

For a calmer profile among other breeds, also consult the ranking of the calmest breeds.

How to choose your small Japanese dog (or another breed from Japan)

Start with lifestyle, not aesthetics. A small Japanese dog can be a companion Chin or a very active Shiba; an Akita or a Shikoku does not fit this size category.
Look at the breeding availability in France. 83 breeders for the Shiba is a real choice; 0 for the Japanese Terrier is an exceptional search.
Require LOF registration and health screenings. Review what is LOF and health screenings for pedigree dogs.
Visit the breeding facility. The how to choose a dog breeder guide and the Pedibase ethical charter detail the right practices.
Plan the budget. Beyond the puppy price, allow for identification, vaccines, food, grooming (Spitz) and unexpected expenses — see the LOF puppy budget.
Respect the law for the Tosa (category 1): never confuse “Japanese breed” with “breed permitted without formalities”.

Still unsure? The choose your dog test combines lifestyle and breed profiles. How do you say “dog” in Japanese? Inu (犬) — hence Akita Inu, Shiba Inu — but it is not a selection criterion: size, temperament and breeder are.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular small Japanese dog in France?

On Pedibase, as of 04/10/2026, the Shiba inu clearly leads among small sizes with 83 breeders listed in France, ahead of the Japanese Spitz (14) and the Japanese Chin (7). “Popular” does not mean “easy”: the Shiba remains independent and energetic.

How much does a Japanese puppy cost in France?

According to Pedibase profiles as of 04/10/2026, declared prices often range from 500 € to 3 000 € depending on the breed (e.g. 500–700 € Japanese Chin, 700–1 200 € Japanese Spitz, 1 000–1 500 € Shiba or Akita Inu, 1 500–2 500 € American Akita, 2 500–3 000 € Kishu). Add identification, vaccines and unexpected expenses — see the LOF puppy budget.

Which mini Japanese dog is best suited to apartment living?

The Japanese Chin (2–6 kg) is most often mentioned for a calm household pace. The Japanese Spitz and Shiba can live in an apartment if you take on the exercise, training and (for the Spitz) grooming. An Akita, Shikoku or Tosa are not “mini” solutions.

Is there an official Japanese dwarf dog?

No, not in the sense of a single breed called “Japanese dwarf dog” on Pedibase. In practice, the search intent points toward the Japanese Chin, Japanese Terrier or, slightly larger, the Japanese Spitz and Shiba. Always check the declared adult weight on the profile, not just the word “small” in an ad.

Are Japanese breeds categorized dogs in France?

Among the breeds listed here, only the Tosa is a category 1 dog (Article L211-12 of the Rural Code). Shiba, Akita Inu, Japanese Spitz, Japanese Chin and medium spitz breeds are not classified in category 1 or 2. This does not remove the need for solid training. If in doubt, check the official text.

How can I find a Japanese dog breeder in France?

Use Pedibase hubs when the number in France is sufficient — Shiba, Akita Inu, Japanese Spitz, Japanese Chin, Hokkaido, American Akita — then apply the how to choose a breeder guide. For Shikoku, Kai, Kishu, Tosa or Japanese Terrier, availability is very limited: patience and maximum transparency.