Purebred Japanese Spitz dogs have specific and consistent height and weight standards. You can also discern their breed purity by feeling the strength of their bone structure. A purebred Japanese Spitz will have robust and powerful limbs, thick paw pads, and black toes. Additionally, the coat of a purebred will be much denser, looser, and glossier than that of a mixed-breed.
Identifying a Purebred Japanese Spitz
Here are several key characteristics to consider when determining if a Japanese Spitz is purebred:
Body Structure
Purebred Japanese Spitz adhere to standardized height and weight ranges. Typically, male Japanese Spitz can reach a maximum height of 38cm and a weight of up to 10kg, while females usually reach around 30cm in height and share the same maximum weight of 10kg. When evaluating, feel their paws to assess the strength of their bone structure, as this can help identify a purebred. A robust and well-built frame is indicative of purity, whereas a weaker or less substantial frame may suggest the dog is mixed.
Head Appearance
The head of a purebred Japanese Spitz is relatively large and fox-like. The ears are erect, the eyes are large, round, and black, and the nose is small, pointed, and black. The muzzle is narrow and pointed, which has led to the breed being nicknamed the "Japanese pointed-muzzled dog."
Limb Characteristics
A purebred Japanese Spitz possesses strong and powerful limbs. Their gait is uniform, with the forelegs being very straight, and connecting with tightly knit elbows. The hind legs are more muscular than the forelegs, and their joints are flexible. The paw pads are thick, and the toes are black.
Coat Quality
The coat of a purebred Japanese Spitz is dense, fluffy, and glossy. It has a snow-white color that appears lustrous, reflecting light and resisting dryness and breakage. If a Japanese Spitz has a thin, dull coat, it may not be a purebred.
How Much Does a Japanese Spitz Cost?
The price of a Japanese Spitz typically ranges from $1200 to $3000.
Japanese Spitz are small dogs, with adults reaching a height of 30-38cm and a weight of 6-10kg. The average lifespan is 11-14 years. Originating in Japan and primarily kept as companion dogs, their current market price typically sits between $1200 and $3000.
These dogs are not only beautiful and elegant but also highly intelligent. Originally bred as herding dogs, their long history of training has made them very alert and responsive. They tend to bark when strangers approach, which serves to ward off potential threats and alert their owners. Even today, family-raised Japanese Spitz can serve as guard dogs, protecting their owner's safety.