They are an intelligent breed always eager to please, each dog developing its own personality. In temperament, they are wary of complete strangers rushing up to them without formal introduction. They prefer a gentle approach, after which you have a friend for life. Description
The long-haired coat of the Japanese Spitz has a thick under-layer that is always pure white. The tail is covered with lo
ng hair and is carried curled over the back. The coat is short on the bottom half of the legs, with breeches on the hind legs and feathering on the forelegs. The ears are small and pointed upright, and the muzzle tapers slightly. The large oval eyes are dark and slightly slanted, and the nose and lips are black. The face of the Japanese Spitz is wedge-shaped. Temperament
The Japanese Spitz is a high-spirited, intelligent, and playful dog, which is alert and obedient. This bold little dog is a good watchdog and will alert its owners when it feels it is necessary. The Japanese Spitz is not difficult to train as long as the owner is always consistent. This breed learns quickly and really enjoys agility and playing games of catch with balls or Frisbees. This happy dog is usually good with children and usually gets along well with other dogs and household pets. The Japanese Spitz is, in spirit, a big dog in a little dog's body. This tough little dog acts as a house protector and guardian. The Japanese Spitz can be an inveterate barker if you allow them to believe they are in charge. Be sure to tell your dog enough is enough and to quiet down if he starts barking obsessively. Cheerful, bold, proud and affectionate toward its masters. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems. When dogs are allowed to be pack leader to humans they can developed many types of behavior issues, including, but not limited to, being suspicious of and barking at strangers, guarding, separation anxiety, destructiveness, snapping, and even biting. These are not Spitz traits, but rather behaviors resulting in a lack of leadership on the humans part. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals. They need rules to follow, limits to what they are and are not allowed to do and a firm, consistent, confident pack leader, along with daily mental and physical exercise. Height, Weight
Height: 12-15 inches (30-38 cm.) Weight: 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg.) Health Problems
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Living Conditions
The Japanese Spitz is good for apartment life. This breed is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard as long as it gets plenty of outings and exercise. Exercise
This is a busy little dog who will adapt himself to your lifestyle so long as you take the dog for a long, daily walk. In addition, they will enjoy a regular chances to run off its lead in a safe area. Life Expectancy
About 12 years. Grooming
The Japanese Spitz should be combed and brushed regularly. This is a very tidy animal that should be bathed only when necessary. When the dog is shedding, use a comb with a double row of metal teeth to remove loose hairs from the under-layer. Origin
No one knows for sure of the origins of the Japanese Spitz, but some claim it is descended from the native Siberian Samoyed. This theory is controversial but those who believe it claim, Samoyeds were strictly bred for smallness, with the end result being the Japanese Spitz. Everything about the Japanese Spitz strongly suggests that it is simply a small version of the Samoyed. Creation of the breed commenced in the late 1800s. Very popular in Japan in the 1950s, and although numbers in the native land have declined, it has become increasingly popular in Europe and North America. Group
Northern
Recognition
Weight: Dogs 8-8.75 kg (18-20 1b); Bi***es slightly less. Despite its long pure white coat the Japanese Spitz is a low maintenance breed. Contrary to most people's expectations and belief their coat is very easy to look after. Because, due to its texture, mud and dirt fall off or can be brushed out very easily. While he loves to play in the dirt, this is a fastidious dog that does not like getting dirty and, like a cat, will lick itself clean. Provided they are kept well groomed they should only require a bath every couple of months. They have a major shedding of their coat once a year, but like most breeds do loose minimal amounts of coat all year round. The major shedding will usually only last about 10 days and the dead hair is easily combed out. Description KEESHOND
Keeshonden are compact little animals with a strong resemblance to its ancestor the Samoyed. Their eyes are medium sized and dark in color. The ears are erect, triangular in shape and set high on the head. The tail is medium in length carried over the back. The muzzle is medium in length and well proportioned to the skull. The feet are catlike, compact and well rounded. The dog has both a long, straight, harsh outer coat, which comes in shades of gray with black tips and a thick, downy undercoat, which is cream or pale gray. The coat stands away from the body. Temperament
An excellent children's companion, active, intelligent, very keen and outgoing. Keeshond are full of personality. They can be trained to perform. Affectionate and friendly, the Keeshond loves everyone and needs to be part of the family activities. A real character that is quick to learn if their owners are consistent. They should be trained using gentle, but firm, calm leadership. They are generally good with other pets. Socialize well to avoid them from becoming reserved or timid. They like to bark and are good watchdogs because of its notable gift for warning of danger. Teach them enough is enough, to stop barking after their first initial warning bark. Beware of overfeeding, for the Keeshond will gain weight easily. Be sure to take them for a daily pack walk to drain both mental and physical energy, to avoid over excitability, such as spinning in circles and other behavior issues. A Keeshond who spins in circles has excess energy he needs to burn, both physical and mental. Always be your dogs pack leader, remaining firm, confident and consistent. Give the dogs rules he must follow and limits to what he is and is not allowed to do. Dogs crave, and instinctually need this type of order in their lives. Height, Weight
Height: Dogs 17-19 inches (44-48cm.) Bi***es are 10% less. Weight: some sources say 55-66 pounds (25-30kg.) while others say 35-45 pounds (15-20 kg.) Ask your breeder which standard they follow. Health Problems
Prone to hip dysplasia, skin problems and heart disease. In some Keeshonden that have unsound stifles, very demanding exercise will cause trick knee to develop. Living conditions
Will be okay in an apartment although they should at least have an average-sized yard. Keeshonden prefer cool climates; they cannot withstand the heat well due to their thick coats. Exercise
This breed needs to be taken on a daily walk. In addition, they will also enjoy good run in a safe, open field each day. This breed is fairly active indoors. When a Keeshond spins in circles it is a sign he needs more stimulating exercise. See video clip of excited Keeshond spinning in circles. Life Expectancy
About 12-15 years
Grooming
Grooming is not as troublesome as you might expect, but daily brushing of the long coat with a stiff bristle brush is important. Brush with the grain first, then lift the hair with a comb, against the grain, lay it back in place. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. The dense undercoat is shed heavily twice a year in spring and fall. Origin
The Keeshond has an arctic origin. In the eighteenth century the Keeshond was known as "a dog of the people." In its veins runs the blood of the Samoyed, Chow Chow, Finnish Spitz, Norwegian Elkhound, and Pomeranian. At the beginning of the French Revolution, it became the symbol of the Dutch Patriot political party who were led by the patriot Kees de Gyselaer. Gyselaer owned a dog named Kees, which gave the breed its name. The breed then suffered a long period of neglect. They were first introduced into the UK by Mrs. Wingfield-Digby and did not become popular again until 1920, when it arrived in the US. It became known as the Dutch Barge Dog, as it worked as a watch and guarddog on riverboats, barges and on farms. The Keeshond was recognized by the AKC in 1930.
