This is the Japanese version of the popular small spitz dogs that are found in many parts of the world, acting as lively household companions and show dogs.
This is a typical spitz dog with an up-curled tail, a foxy face, a pointed muzzle, pricked ears and a dense, pure white coat with an impressive ruff. In appearance it looks remarkably like a dwarf Samoyed, its height being only 12-14 in (30-35 cm) and its weight only II13 lb (5-6 kg).
Although some authors refer to this as an ancient breed it is, in reality, quite recent, and appears to have several sources. If we are to believe all the different reports on its history, its ancestors arrived in Japan in several stages. First, in about 1900, came some small Samoyeds, via Mongolia. Then, in about 1920, white-coated German Spitz dogs were brought to Japan (some say from Poland, others via Siberia and China). They were exhibited in Tokyo in 1921. Then, in 1923, more white spitz dogs arrived, this time from Canada. It is believed that these may have been American Eskimo dogs. In the 1930s still more came, this time from Canada, the United States, Australia and Chin. a. They were joined by Russian Spitz dogs from Manchuria. The gradual mixing together of all these spitz dogs continued through the 1930s and 1940s, and the type was eventually stabilized. In 1948 the Japan Kennel Club unified the breed standard and made it permanent.
Needless to say, since detailed facts are scarce, this ‘blending of breeds’ scenario has given rise to much argument. Some feel that the Samoyed was vitally important, others that it was not involved at all. Some are convinced that the white German Spitz played the key role in the foundation of the breed. Some are doubtful as to whether the American Eskimo played a serious part. Until DNA testing on the various breeds has been carried out, we cannot be sure.
One thing is certain, however this is a glamorous little dog, and one that has made many friends in recent years. In personality, it is bold, lively and intelligent. The offspring of some that had been exported to Sweden were an immediate success when they arrived in England in the 1970s, and from there they spread in many directions. The Kennel Club in London recognized the breed in 1977.
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