^© The Kennel Club - Unauthorised Reproduction of Text and Images Prohibited

The Kennel Club Picture Library - © David Dalton

General Appearance
Profuse, pure white, stand-off coat. Overall quality of body firm and strong. Pointed muzzle, triangular shaped ears standing erect. Well plumed tail carried over back. Ratio of height to length 10:11.

Characteristics
Affectionate, companionable. Slightly chary at first meeting with strangers.

Temperament
Alert, intelligent, bold and lively.

Head and Skull

Head medium size without coarseness. Wedge shaped when viewed from above. Moderately broad. Slightly rounded skull, broadest at occiput. Well defined stop, forehead not protruding. Muzzle in proportion to the head, tapering to a small, black, round nose. Lips black, firm and tight.

Eyes
Dark, moderate size, oval-shaped, set rather obliquely and not too wide apart; black eye rims.

Ears
Small, triangular, standing erect. Set high, facing forward, not too wide apart.

Mouth
Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck
Strong, arched and of moderate length.

Forequarters
Moderately sloping shoulder; upper arm of sufficient length to ensure elbow is vertically below point of withers. Forelegs straight, elbow firm and tight; pasterns slightly sloping.

Body
Length from point of shoulder to point of buttock slightly greater than height at withers. Chest broad and deep. Ribs well sprung, belly firm with moderate tuck-up. Back straight and short, full of flexibility. Loins broad and firm, with a slight rise. Level croup with high set tail.

Hindquarters
Well proportioned and balanced. Muscular, moderately angulated. Hindlegs parallel to each other viewed from rear.

Feet
Small round, cat-like and well cushioned. Pads black, nails preferably dark.

Tail
Moderate length, well plumed, high set, carried curved over the back.

Gait/Movement
Light, nimble, active, energetic and very smooth.

Coat
Outer coat straight and stand-off. Profuse, short, dense undercoat, soft in texture. Shorter on face, ears, front of fore- and hindlegs and below hocks. Remainder of body covered with long coat. Mane on neck and shoulders reaching down to brisket. Tail profusely covered with long hair.

Colour

Pure white.

Size
Height at shoulders: dogs: 34-37 cms (13½-14½ ins); bitches 30-34 cms (12 - 13½ ins).

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - April 2008

Glossary of Canine Terms

Health Information

The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations.  Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.

The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.

Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available.  Individual summaries are only available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available to order from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

• JAPANESE SPITZ CLUB. Sec. Mrs. J Moody Tel No: 01628 548813

Date:

Last updated on:

Categories:

Discover Dogs, Utility Group 

This article has been read 13863 times.