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Japanese Spitz Owners


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So, I'm thinking about getting another puppy (or an older dog.. but I'll ask about that later on). Still researching and I'm at the stage where I'm going to ask A LOT of questions... so please bare with me :thumbsup: I've been reading so much about them, that my head hurts... :thumbsup:

I just want to hear owners personal view and experience with this breed. The good, the bad and the ugly. What are they like as puppies? Health problem? Are they picky eaters? Hard to train? (I've had 2 huskies in the past, so I know how stubborn, independent and wilfull spitz breed are) Are they yappers? Good with other dogs? Are they placid?

I've gone to a lot of website, but they mostly say how sweet, cuddlely they are and how they want to be with their human family. But, most puppies/dogs are all like that, right?

Aside from Cavalier or Shih Tzu, I'm not a fan of much other small breed dogs. But, if I want to get a puppy, I will probably want a smaller dog and I've always been interested in Japanese Spitz. Just in case anyone say get another Cav or Shih Tzu, the boyfriend and I are interested in getting another breed of dog.

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I am not an owner of one but have trained 3 quite recently, all from different litters. Early socialisation is key as is very good leadership- i would not describe them as cruisy laid back dogs- they certainly have some edge and spunk to them and without good leadership and socialisation, this causes problems.

2 out of the 3 i saw did not have the above and had issues- barking in both, timidity in one, hyper activity in the other. The well socialised one was very intelligent and i thought quite good to train- clear training is a must and there has to be something great in it for them. I think they are great little dogs for people who are willing to train and socialise like they would a bigger dog, but need a smaller package!

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I am not an owner of one but have trained 3 quite recently, all from different litters. Early socialisation is key as is very good leadership- i would not describe them as cruisy laid back dogs- they certainly have some edge and spunk to them and without good leadership and socialisation, this causes problems.

2 out of the 3 i saw did not have the above and had issues- barking in both, timidity in one, hyper activity in the other. The well socialised one was very intelligent and i thought quite good to train- clear training is a must and there has to be something great in it for them. I think they are great little dogs for people who are willing to train and socialise like they would a bigger dog, but need a smaller package!

Thanks Comolo!

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What do people reckon they'd be like for an agility prospect? Enough drive to be really competitive?

I was thinking exactly the same questions... i haven't seen jap spitz in any agility or any dog sports.

how would they go in flyball?

i definitely do want my next dog to go into some kind of dog sport.

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I've seen one or two Jap Spitz's in agility in Sydney. They seemed to go OK.

I think because agility is quite self rewarding for the dogs, it's an easier ask than obedience.

The general impression I get of Jap and German Spitz (based on limited observation) is that they seem a little more trainable than some other spitz breeds. Or maybe I've just seen some damn good trainers with them. :laugh:

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What do people reckon they'd be like for an agility prospect? Enough drive to be really competitive?

I was thinking exactly the same questions... i haven't seen jap spitz in any agility or any dog sports.

how would they go in flyball?

i definitely do want my next dog to go into some kind of dog sport.

They are fabulous in agility. I have also seen a few make it to the highest levels in obedience. They are very "busy" dogs that that don't really have an off switch unless they are asleep. They bond closely to their owner and do need a lot of early socialisation (from 8 weeks). If they don't get the early socialisation they tend to be timid, if they are socialised correctly they are delightful dogs.

Some are chronic yappers and others only bark to sound a warning. The barking level is a very individual thing and varies from dog to dog. They are very alert watchdogs.

I don't own one yet but will probably get one in the next few years but it won't be a yappy one. I will be picking the temperament carefully. They are much less demanding as puppies than my Border Collies and the smaller size appeals. I have helped to show them occassionally over the past 6 or 7 years so have got to know a lot of Jap Spitz in that time.

Be very careful where you buy one from as they are favoured by puppy farmers just breeding large numbers for profit. Healthwise they need to be checked by a vet for luxating patellas before being sold but other than that health problems are rare. I can highly recommend Daesdaemar or Mannerking in NSW as having high quality, healthy dogs with great temperaments.

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You've always got to remember that they are a spitz breed - yes, they will learn fast and they're spunky little dogs but at times you will have the equivalent of them giving you the finger! :laugh:

That being said, I've seen a lot of videos of them competing in all kinds of dog sports so if that's what you want, they're definitely capable!

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Thanks everyone..!!

I'm a strong believer in socialisation and training dogs.. no matter what breed it is.. :laugh: I'm guilty of training Charlie like he is a big dog :laugh::laugh:

Thanks dancinbcs for naming some breeders, but I will definitely going through a breeder... IF I end up getting one, I'll be looking for a medium - low energy puppy, with an awesome temperment, but very importantly, I'm looking for a HEALTHY one!

*going away to read up on shibas*

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All I know about the breed is that we had 2 in our Obedience Club, both owned by the same couple, and they were EXTREMELY dog aggressive. I don't know if they were from the same litter, all I know is that the owners didn't do much about the aggression (amazing how some people seem to think a smallish dog being DA is all right). I'm afraid that really put me off the breed. I know it's stupid to make a generalization from 2 dogs, but that's how I feel - whenever I see a Japaese Spitz, I give it a wide berth!

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Actually I do remember another 2 German Spitzes at Canine Fun Sports as well. From what I have seen they can be feisty towards other dogs (both German and Jap Spitzes) - I wouldn't say they are an easy going off lead park type dog.

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I just want to hear owners personal view and experience with this breed. The good, the bad and the ugly. What are they like as puppies? Health problem? Are they picky eaters? Hard to train? (I've had 2 huskies in the past, so I know how stubborn, independent and wilfull spitz breed are) Are they yappers? Good with other dogs? Are they placid?

They are a Spitz breed, so you have to take that into account (although you've owned Sibes so I think you're well prepared! :laugh:). They are very intelligent but can definately have an independant streak. My boy (he is 13 months old) was great as a puppy, took to crate training like a duck to water, was not particularly difficult to house train. He is not a fussy eater at all. He is a very hyperactive little energiser bunny and unfortunately he can be a bit noisy!! Having said that I know quite a few JS and the 'yappy' ones are definately in the minority. My boy loves other dogs and people. They should not be timid, they are a bold and confident little dog. As others have said though, early socialisation is very important with this breed and you do need to be firm with them. If you want a big Spitz personality in a small body, Jap Spitz is perfect :laugh:

I was thinking exactly the same questions... i haven't seen jap spitz in any agility or any dog sports.

how would they go in flyball?

i definitely do want my next dog to go into some kind of dog sport.

I know there are a few who are doing (or have done) obedience and agility, I'm not aware of any competing in flyball. I'm hoping to have a go at Lure Coursing with my boy this year.

The general impression I get of Jap and German Spitz (based on limited observation) is that they seem a little more trainable than some other spitz breeds. Or maybe I've just seen some damn good trainers with them. :laugh:

I've got 2 Sibes and I would definately rate my JS as more trainable than my Sibes :laugh:

They are very "busy" dogs that that don't really have an off switch unless they are asleep. They bond closely to their owner and do need a lot of early socialisation (from 8 weeks). If they don't get the early socialisation they tend to be timid, if they are socialised correctly they are delightful dogs.

Some are chronic yappers and others only bark to sound a warning. The barking level is a very individual thing and varies from dog to dog. They are very alert watchdogs.

I agree :D

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