The Japanese Spitz is a breed of dog that originates from Japan.  They are a spitz type of dog, and it is believed they were originally bred as companion dogs.  The Japanese Spitz is becoming increasingly less common in its homeland; however it is now being recognized in Europe and Australia.
   
    A Japanese Spitz normally stands between 11-13 inches and weigh between 15-20 pounds.  They look very much like the miniature size of the American Eskimo Dog.  They have pricked ears and a tail that curls over the back.  Their coat is thick and always white.  The Japanese Spitz is often thought of as a small Samoyed.
   
    The origin of the Japanese Spitz is unknown and greatly debated.  Some say that they are simply the Samoyed, bred down to a smaller sized, other say the same only the original breed was the German Spitz.  The Samoyed theory tends to be more widely accepted, and the locations would make it more probable.  Whichever breed was used the result was a dog that was bred strictly as a companion for the Japanese.  The breed, like most Japanese dogs became almost extinct after WWII, but survived due to dedicated breeders.  Not as favorable as the native Shiba Inu, numbers inside Japan are not favorable, but the breed is becoming increasingly popular elsewhere.  Even though the Japanese Spitz has found fanciers outside of Japan it is unlikely that it will ever find a true following in the United States, due to its similarities with the American Eskimo.
   
    The Japanese Spitz is an intelligent breed, easy to train, and affectionate.  They generally do well with children as well as other dogs and household pets.  Sometimes reserved and suspicious around strangers, which makes them a good watchdog; however once they know the person they become quite friendly.  They are playful and eager to please, which adds to their training abilities.