AKA: Nihon Terrier, Nihon Teria, Nippon Terrier

Description: The Japanese Terrier is a small terrier that has a balanced and squarely proportional body. It has a short coat, which adds more emphasis on its muscular and well-boned physique. It has a slight stop and its muzzle is tapering. Its nose and lips are black, and its almond-shaped eyes. The ears are set high on the head, standing upright with the tips folding forward. Its tail is docked. The Japanese Terrier’s most distinctive feature is that its head is completely covered in black.

Dynamics: The Japanese Terrier is a cheerful dog and has a lively temperament.

Breed Group: Terrier

Color: The Japanese Terrier is tricolor, with majority of the coat white. The most common color for the patches is black. It is the head that is wholly covered in black.

Country of Origin: The Japanese Terrier is a native to Japan, where it became popular as a lap dog in ports.

Grooming: The Japanese Terrier has a low coat so taking care of it is easy. Wiping it with a damp cloth is enough. Check eyes and ears for infections.

Other Info: The Japanese Terrier does not do well in cold temperatures.

AKA: Nihon Supittsu

Description: The Japanese Spitz is a thick and long-haired dog that has its pure white long hair as its distinctive feature. Its whole body is covered with long hair, except on the bottom half of its legs. There are only breeches on the hind legs and feathering on the forelegs.

The ears of the Japanese Spitz are small and stand upright. The muzzle tapers slightly. The large oval eyes are dark and are almond-shaped. The nose and lips are black.

Dynamics: The Japanese Spitz is a very spirited and playful breed. It is always alert, and obedient to its owner. It is also fearless and intelligent. It makes a good watchdog. Training should be consistent, but generally the Japanese Spitz is easy to train as it learns quickly.

The Japanese Spitz is very good with children, and can get along with other dogs and household pets. It like so play, especially with balls and Frisbees. Its affectionate temperament is very evident. But it is also protective of its owner and family and can act as a guardian. It gets suspicious of strangers and will bark at people unless it knows them.

Breed Group: Northern

Weight: 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)

Height: 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)

Color: The coat and hair of the Japanese Spitz is purely white.

Country of Origin: There is no solid information as to the origins of the Japanese Spitz, although it was claimed to have been descended from the Siberian Samoyed. The creation of the Japanese Spitz started in the late 1800s and became popular in Japan in the 1950s.

Activities: The Japanese Spitz loves to play and needs a daily walk. This breed is mostly used as a companion dog, but it can also be a watchdog and guard dog.

Grooming: Combing and brushing the Japanese Spitz should be done everyday. Bathe only when necessary. Remove loose hair from the under layer by using a comb with a double row of teeth.

Other Info: The Japanese Spitz has a life expectancy of 12 years. This breed will be fine living in an apartment as long as it is taken outdoors form time to time.

AKA: Japanese Chin, Chin

Description: The Japanese Spaniel is a small spaniel-type breed that has a distinctive short broad face. Its forehead is round and there is a defined stop. The Japanese Spaniel also has a very short nasal canal. The nose is wide, the color matching the markings of its coat. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The teeth forms a either a level or undershot bite. The ears, usually hanging, are covered heavily with hair.

The Japanese Spaniel’s body is squarely proportional. The legs are well-boned, with the front legs straight. The tail is feathered and is curled up over the back. Its soft and feathered coat also adds to its distinguishing features, especially its thick ruff around the neck and on the chest.

Dynamics: The Japanese Spaniel is a lively, playful and cheerful breed. It has a very pleasant personality and affectionate temperament. It is extremely loyal and devoted to its owner. It is very loving to those it knows. It is careful and reserved around strangers. It may not be tolerant to children who are more playful and teasing than it is. It is good with other dogs and pets, however.

The Japanese Spaniel likes to be the center of attention. It is very obedient and eager to please. It is mild-mannered, and is not a barker.

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 4-15 pounds (2-7 kg)

Height: 7-11 inches (18-28 cm)

Color: The coat of the Japanese Spaniel is mainly white with colored patches, which is most often black. Other colors for the patches are red, lemon, orange, sable, and brindle.

Country of Origin: The Japanese Spaniel is considered to be a native of Korea. But it was developed in Japan and became a favorite of the Japanese Court. A pair was given by Commodore Perry to Queen Victoria as a gift, and it became popular in Europe.

Activities: There is no need to exercise the Japanese Spaniel, although it needs to be walked regularly because of a dog’s innate need to exercise its legs. The Japanese Spaniel can be used as a watch dog, and is good at performing tricks. It is mostly favored as a companion dog.

Grooming: Comb and brush the feathering hair everyday to avoid tangles and remove dead hair. Clean the eyes and check the ears for any signs of infection. Bathe and dry shampoo occasionally.

Other Info: The Japanese Spaniel has an average life expectancy of under 10 years. This breed tends to wheeze and snore because of its short face. It is prone to respiratory problems and heat prostration. It is sensitive to extreme temperatures. The Japanese Spaniel is okay living in an apartment.

Photo by Trysha

AKA: Ainu Dog, Hokkaidoken, Ainu-ken, Ainu Inu, Seta, Shita

Description: The Hokkaido Dog a muscular dog with a sturdy body. It has small erect ears that face forward are set high on the head. The eyes are small and dark brown. It has solid strong teeth that form a scissors bite. Some of the breed has black spots on the tongue, and others have the blue black tongue distinctive to the Chow Chow and the Shar Pei. The lips have dark pigmentation. The forelegs are straight. The back is lean and solid. The tail is curled in a Spitz fashion, carried high above or over the back.

Dynamics: The Hokkaido Dog is a fearless and loyal dog breed that has a good-natured temperament. It is intelligent and is quick to earn, with a natural sense of direction, always returning to its master. It is a determined hunter, as well as a guard and watch dog.

It is gentle and obedient to its owner and family. But it can be aggressive and stubborn with other dogs. It should not be free around other animals, too, because it might unleash its hunter instincts. It gets along with children well if raised with them since puppyhood.

Breed Group: Northern

Weight: 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg)

Height: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm)

Color: The Hokkaido Dog’s coat comes in sesame, brindle, wolf gray, red, brown, or white.

Country of Origin: The Hokkaido Dog is a Japanese Spitz breed, and is rarely seen outside Japan. It was named after the Ainu tribe that came to Japan thousands of years ago.

Activities: The Hokkaido Dog requires a moderate amount of exercise to keep fit. This breed is used in big-game hunting (especially in hunting bears), as a guard dog of a property, and as a draft animal pulling sleds.

Grooming: The straight double coat of the Hokkaido Dog should be brushed and combed regularly.

Other Info: The Hokkaido Dog is not fit for the city or apartment life. It prefers to be outdoors. It has a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years.

AKA: Akita Inu, Japanese Akita

Description: A Spitz type kind of breed. which is also known as the Akita Inu, meaning “large dog”.

A noble dog, strong and muscular possessing flat, heavy head and strong, short muzzle. The Akita is a little longer compared to that of his height with a wide, deep chest and level back. Their head is broad too and shaped like a blunt triangle. Their ears are also carried erect, forward and in line with its neck. They have a dark brown, small, and triangular shaped eyes. but, their nose is black but on white akitas, brown is the color with black lips and pink tongue. The teeth should meet in a scissors, or level bite. The tail is carried high and curled over the back. The Akita has a cat-like feet & makes them a fine swimmer. The double coat is composed of a harsh, waterproof outer coat insulated with a thick, soft undercoat. Coat colors are pure white, red, sesame and brindle. No clear borders on the colors and a black mask is forbidden. T

Temperament: They are clam, smart, thoughtful and friendly breeds. Moreover, akitas are obedient, and have good hunting instincts. That is why they are powerful and protective pet that makes them a great watchdog. But they don’t bark too much and they can also be independent and could also dominate. Its good for them to become friends with their family but not a slave. They should have a complete training also, a complete and proper socialization.  They are a very stable, patient,firm and kind breed. Harsh trainings is not recommended for this kind of breed therefore, an experienced owner is required.

Activity: They enjoy playing as part of their daily exercise. But, they needed daily walk and exercise too but be on their leash always to prevent them attacking other dogs.

Grooming: No heavy grooming is needed for them. They shed a little in a year. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary to remove the  waterproof of the coat.

Health Problems: Their Life span is around 10 – 13 years. Most health problems to look out would be: luxating patella, thyroid problems, lupus, cancer, vWD, PRA, skin conditions, and autoimmune problems.

Breed Group: Group Northern, AKC Working Group
Color: any color, including white, pinto, or brindle
Height: male: 25-28, female: 23-26 inches
Weight: male: 85-130, female: 65-110 lbs
Country Of Origin: Japan

Dynamics: They are moderately energetic, a genius breed and moderately calm. They are also very affectionate breed and playful.

AKA: Hokkaido Dog, Hokkaïdo

Description: The Ainu dog came from a large dog breed family. It has a body that is rightly built, which means that its head, legs, torso, and tail, are built in proportion. Their head is triangular in shape, foxlike. They have wide, flat skull and forehead. Its nose bridge is straight. The muzzle is in Wedge-shaped and has black nose that has tight lips. Their ears are also triangular, small stand tall and straight and wide set, dark brown in color. Its body is has strong built, very powerful neck without dewlap, pronounced withers and moderately wide loin with prominent Deep chest. Belly is well tucked up. Straight, strong back. Their tail is set high, thick and carried over the back and curled on end. They have a short, harsh, straight hair, slightly longer on the tail and a soft, compact undercoat.

Temperament: The Ainu dog breed is a very active dog. It enjoys hunting, fishing, running, swimming, and guarding. It is loyal, well-mannered, athletic, playful, and a great guardian. Sometimes this breed does not get along well with small children, unless they are well trained for socialization. The attitude your Ainu dog has with children will depend on the dogs’ inner personality.

Activity: Ainu dogs is not for indoors because they prefer to be in large yards. They require long walk daily and needs moderate but regular exercise everyday.

Grooming: Ainu dogs have longer fur that requires daily brushing and should be regularly combed.

Health Problems: the breed has no known health problems. Sometimes the Ainu can experience hip dysplacia, but this can happen to all animals.

Breed Group: Northern
Color: red, white, black, tiger, sesame, and wolf-gray.
Height: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm) tall.
Weight: 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg.)
Country Of Origin: Japan

Dynamics: They are active dogs and intelligent, very friendly especially with children they are very playful that’s why they require a large yard and are active outdoors.

AKA: Akita Inu, Japanese Akita

Description: One of three Spitz type dogs from Japan currently recognized by The Kennel Club, also known as the Akita Inu, meaning “large dog”. They are a very dignified and devoted dog, strong and muscular with a flat, heavy head and strong, short muzzle. The Akita is slightly longer than he is tall with a broad, deep chest and level back. Their head is broad and shaped like a blunt triangle. Also,The stop is well-defined and there is a shallow groove going up the center of the forehead. The erected ears are small and carried forward and in line with its neck. They have a dark brown, small, and triangular eyes. But generally, their nose is black but on white akitas, brown is permitted with black lips and pink tongue. The teeth should meet in a scissors, or level bite. The tail is carried high and curled over the back. The Akita has webbed, cat-like feet that makes them a fine swimmer. The double coat is composed of a harsh, waterproof outer coat insulated with a thick, soft undercoat. Coat colors are pure white, red, sesame and brindle. No clear borders on the colors and a black mask is forbidden. They are clam, intelligent, thoughtful and friendly breeds. Moreover, akitas are obedient, and have a strong hunting instincts. That is why they are powerful and protective pet that makes them a great watchdog. But they don’t bark too much and they can also be independent and try to dominate. Its good for them to become friends with their family but never a slave. For trainings, they need intensive and extensive socialization also obedience. They should be trained to know who their master is. They are a very consistent, firm and fair and is very patient and kind. They should not be trained harshly because they are easier to be trained compared to other breeds.

Dynamics: The Akita Inu is described as a first class guard dog. It is a serious, loyal, and protective breed. It is moderately energetic, not an excessive barker, careful, and willful. It is capable of ferocity and can be possessive at times. While it is a good guardian, it may not be tolerant to teases and may bite. It is good with its family’s children but do not accept other children easily. It is only affectionate with its owner and family.

With proper and firm training, the Akita Inu makes a fine pet. It is an intelligent breed but handling it will take patience and tolerance. The Akita Inu needs to be treated with kindness. It needs to be supervised when it’s with other household pets and children. It can be food-possessive. It gets bored quickly, and can be very fearless. But within this tough personality, the Akita Inu is actually people-oriented. It has a need to be with its family, is extremely faithful, and thrives on companionship.

Breed Group: Group Northern, AKC Working Group

Weight: males 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), females 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)

Height: males 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), females 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)

Color: The Akita Inu can come in any color, including white, pinto, or brindle.

Country of Origin: The Akita Inu comes from Japan, native to the island of Honshu in the region of Akita. It is the national dog of Japan. It was first brought to the United States by Hellen Keller.

Activities: The Akita Inu does not need a lot of exercise. They are moderately active in indoors and they always enjoy playing sessions with their family or others family activities but if left alone, they will be bored and destructive. Like other breeds, they also like daily walking but it is very important that they are securely leashed and keep them away from encountering other dogs. They are not suitable for apartments they should be in a secured large yard.

Grooming: They are easily to be cared of. Usually they have a brief period of shedding in about twice yearly. The coarse, stiff, short-haired coat needs significant grooming. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when absolutely necessary as bathing removes the natural waterproofing of the coat.

Other Info: Their Life span is around 10 – 13 years. Most health problems to look out would be: luxating patella, thyroid problems, lupus, cancer, vWD, PRA, skin conditions, and autoimmune problems.