Japanese Spitz E-Book

Michael P. Rule

• Herausgeber: CompanionHouse Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Serie: Comprehensive Owner's Guide
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 206

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2012

Beschreibung

This Special Rare-Breed Edition, written by British Japanese Spitz breeder Michael P. Rule, proves a vital resource for dog lovers interested in this spectacular Nordic breed. Colorful and comprehensive in its scope, this book discusses breed history, accompanied by many important historical photographs, plus breed characteristics and standard as well as health care, grooming, obedience and house-training, puppy selection and everyday care.

Leseprobe

Physical Characteristics of the Japanese Spitz

(from the Fédération Cynologique Internationale breed standard)

Head: Size in harmony with body and moderately broad and rounded.

Eyes: Moderately large, almond-shaped, set slightly oblique, dark in color. Black eyerims.

Ears: Set on high, small, triangular, pricked, facing forward, and not too far apart.

Nose: Small, round and black.

Neck: Moderately long, muscles well developed.

Muzzle: Pointed, the tip slightly round, and well balanced. Lips tight and preferably black.

Teeth: White and strong with scissors bite.

Forequarters: Shoulders well sloping, forearms straight, elbows tight.

Coat: Outer coat straight and stand-off. Undercoat short, soft and dense. The foreface, ears, front of forearms and parts below hocks are short-haired, and the rest covered with abundant long hair, especially from neck to shoulders and forechest covered with beautiful frill, and the tail also has long, profuse feathering.

Color: Pure white.

Tail: Set on high, moderately long, carried over back.

Body:Withers: High. Back: Straight and short. Loins: Broad. Chest: Wide and deep, ribs well sprung. Belly: Well drawn up.

Hindquarters: Muscular, stifle and hock moderately bent.

Size:Height at withers: Dogs 30–38 cm; bitches slightly smaller than dogs.

Feet: Cat feet. Pads thick, and desirably black as well as the nails.

Contents

History of the Japanese Spitz

Trace the origins of Japan’s contribution to the spitz family. Explore the Japanese Spitz’s likely ancestry in European spitz-type dogs and accompany the breed to Japan, where it was established and still enjoys popularity. From there, follow this delightful white spitz’s spread to a small yet devoted band of fanciers worldwide.

Characteristics of the Japanese Spitz

An intelligent, alert dog with a lively nature and a “smile” that can melt anyone’s heart, the Japanese Spitz is a wonderful combination of beauty and personality in a mediumsized dog. Learn all about the breed’s looks and temperament, as well as owner responsibilities and the breed’s special care requirements and specific health concerns.

Breed Standard for the Japanese Spitz

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Japanese Spitz by studying the description of the breed set forth in the official standard of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Your Puppy Japanese Spitz

Be advised about choosing a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, typical puppy. Understand the responsibilities of ownership, including home preparation, acclimatization, visiting the vet and prevention of common puppy problems.

Everyday Care of Your Japanese Spitz

Enter into a sensible discussion of dietary and feeding considerations, exercise, grooming, traveling and identification of your dog. This chapter discusses Japanese Spitz care for all stages of development.

Training Your Japanese Spitz

By Charlotte Schwartz

Be informed about the importance of training your Japanese Spitz from the basics of house-training and understanding the development of a young dog to executing obedience commands (sit, stay, down, etc.).

Health Care of Your Japanese Spitz

Discover how to select a qualified vet and care for your dog at all stages of life. Topics include vaccinations, skin problems, dealing with external and internal parasites and common medical and behavioral conditions.

Your Senior Japanese Spitz

Consider the care of your senior Japanese Spitz, including the proper diet for a senior. Recognize the signs of an aging dog, both behavioral and medical; implement a special-care program with your vet and become comfortable with making the final decisions and arrangements for your Japanese Spitz.

Showing Your Japanese Spitz

Enter the dog-show world and acquaint yourself with the basic organization of shows and ring procedure. Meet the FCI, the “world kennel club,” and also explore competitive events outside the conformation ring.

Behavior of Your Japanese Spitz

Learn to recognize and handle common behavioral problems in your Japanese Spitz, including barking, jumping up, aggression with people and other dogs, chewing, digging, separation anxiety, etc.

KENNEL CLUB BOOKS®JAPANESE SPITZ

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-360-0

eISBN 13: 978-1-62187-073-9

Copyright © 2009 • Kennel Club Books® • A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC™

3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618 USA

Cover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 • Printed in South Korea

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

Photographs by Carol Ann Johnson and Michael P. Rule, with additional photos by:

Malcolm Baird, Norvia Behling, Bernd Brinkmann, T.J. Calhoun, Doskocil, Isabelle Francais, RBP, Bill Jonas, Mikki Pet Products, Alice van Kempen and R. Wilbie.

Illustrations by Patricia Peters, Michael P. Rule and H. R. Spira, BVSc, MRCVS, MACVS, HAD.

The publisher would like to thank all of the owners of the dogs featured in this book, including the Henerasky family, C. Holmstedt, Bill & Pat Moran and Mr. & Mrs. M. P. Rule.

A striking representative of the breed is Eng. Ch. LuSofia Lilac Serenade of Sunset.

As with the origins of so many intriguing breeds of dog, there is no exact information about the origins of the Japanese Spitz. The breed belongs to the family of Nordic-type spitz dogs represented by many breeds throughout the world. One of the oldest groups of dogs, the spitz breeds share many characteristics, including triangular-shaped heads with small, erect, forward-facing pointed ears, and pointed fox-like muzzles. They have medium or long coats and medium-length tails, carried over their backs. The Japanese Spitz, with its plush, wintry white coat, is often referred to as “like an Arctic fox.”

Compared to many other spitz breeds, like the Samoyed or Japanese Shiba Inu, the Japanese Spitz is a relatively new creation, and not a “spinoff” of the larger Samoyed, as some false information might lead people to believe. We know that the Japanese Spitz is reported to have been in Japan as recently as 1920, and the first member of the breed was exhibited at a Tokyo dog show in 1921. Other spitz breed types trace their origins back thousands of years, or make such impressive claims.

Germany is the home of many of the spitz dogs, including the ever-popular Pomeranian as well as the five colorful German Spitz breeds. One excellent theory about the origin of the Japanese Spitz is that the breed descended from white examples of the German Spitz. Several lines of German Spitz were imported into Japan from 1910–1918, via Russia and China. These dogs were referred to as “White Russian Spitz” (a confusing nomenclature that may have been associated with the Samoyed or the Nenets Herding Laika).

Another interesting theory is that the American Eskimo Dog, one of the most popular companion dogs in the US and also a relative of the German Spitz dogs, was brought to Japan on a Canadian rescue cargo ship at the time of the Great Earthquake in Tokyo in 1923. Like the Japanese Spitz, the American Eskimo Dog is solid white and classically spitz in type, and is of a similar size.

Ms. Tomiko Kubota of the Japanese Spitz Association in Japan sent information about the breed’s origins to the Japanese Spitz Club of England. Ms. Kubota states, “The history of the Japanese Spitz is relatively short…in the 1930s there was another ‘inflow’ into Japan of Russian Spitz from Manchuria which could have been due to the Japanese military involvement in the area.”

GENUS CANIS

Dogs and wolves are members of the genus Canis. Wolves are known scientifically as Canis lupus while dogs are known as Canis domesticus. Dogs and wolves are known to interbreed. The term “canine” derives from the Latin word Canis. The term “dog” has no scientific basis but has been used for thousands of years. The origin of the word “dog” has never been authoritatively ascertained.

For years, the Japanese called all dogs with long white coats “Samo.” This changed in 1935 when the dogs were divided by size, and all larger-type dogs were called “Samo” and the smaller-type dogs were called “Spitz.”

This group of German Spitz Klein gives an idea of the rainbow of colors seen in this small member of the German Spitz family.

The American Eskimo Dog is one of the most popular companion dogs in the US.

Regardless of which theory is correct, we can at least conclude that today’s Japanese Spitz was created and developed in Japan by dedicated fanciers between 1920 and 1950.

Although the two breeds are members of the spitz family and do resemble each other closely, the Japanese Spitz is not merely an offshoot of the larger Samoyed, shown here, as is often misconceived.

ORIGINAL SPITZ DOGS

One theory that has been stated is that the Japanese Spitz was created from two varieties of dog: the American Eskimo Dog and the White Russian Spitz, possibly a Siberian-laika-type, imported to Japan via Manchuria.

A great many records were lost or destroyed during or just after World War II. There were many clubs, all of which kept records of dogs and owners. Examples are the Japan Kennel Club (JKC), founded in 1949; the Nippon Spitz Association (NSA), founded in 1959; and others. It has been stated that the Japanese Spitz was very popular with the Japanese Emperor in the late 1950s.

Gainsborough’s painting of the actress Mrs. Robinson with her white Pomeranian. The dog in the painting is much larger than the Pomeranian we know today.

JAPANESE LANGUAGE LESSON

Yuki means “snow.”

Hoshi means “star.”

Hana means “flower.”

Ureshii means “happy.”

Akarui means “bright.”

Ogamu means “worship.”

Kanzenna means “complete.”

The first Japanese Spitz registered by the Japan Kennel Club was Hakuryu-go (White Dragon), sired by Koma-go out of Shinju-go and whelped August 6, 1947. In the NSA Album of 1979, there appears a picture of Hakuou-Boy (White King), whelped in 1951. Other early registrations were King of Kinsen, whelped June 28, 1951; Rurshey of Musashiland, whelped February 2, 1953 and Lucky of Shinko-Saw, whelped July 5, 1953.

SPREAD OF THE JAPANESE SPITZ

There are records of a bitch named Sabina of Moonlight living in Norway in 1967, but there is no official import documentation for her. The first import into Europe from Japan came to Sweden in 1973; this dog was Andoleasson of Golden Meadow. Imports into other European countries followed: Norway in 1975; England in 1980; Italy and Denmark in 1985.

In 1976, litter brothers Ch. Hawk of Kagetsuland and Ch. Hover of Kagetsuland, sired by NSA Ch. Floyd Excel of Tokyo Kashusow out of NSA Ch. Animete of Makiesow, arrived in Sweden from Japan. These two dogs proved to be of great influence on the breed in Britain, and either Hawk or Hover appears on most British pedigrees. NSA Ch. Hardery of Kashusow, their litter brother in Japan, whelped November 5, 1975, was a great example of the breed.

Japanese Spitzen being exhibited at a show in the breed’s homeland.

Owing to the fact that there was no reciprocal agreement between the English and the Japan Kennel Clubs, the British were unable to import directly from Japan. Records show that the first of the breed to be imported into England came from Sweden. This was a bitch named Alvretens Jicho of Norsken, owned by Mrs. D. Kenyon and registered in November 1977. She was followed soon after by a dog, Alvretens of Namik, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Rodwell and registered in July 1977. He was registered before Jicho, although Jicho was the first to be shown.

The situation changed in 1980 when Miss H. Collins imported the first two dogs directly from Japan. These were the dog Fuji of Oyama Yamamotosow, sired by Abroad of Nakada out of Acacia of Oyama Yoshizawa Kennels, and the bitch Shirayuki of Tokyo Seizansow, sired by Fujimiland 11 Montblanc out of Yuki of Charm Mamy Kennels.

THE BREED IN ENGLAND

The English Kennel Club recognized the Japanese Spitz and registered the first one on July 5, 1977. Registration of the Japanese Spitz Club was passed by the English Kennel Club on January 22, 1981. The club had 40 members, and membership increased to 150 by 1989. The club held its first Open Show within the Southern Counties Championship Show in 1982. The Kennel Club granted championship status to the Japanese Spitz Club in 1988 with 10 sets of Challenge Certificates (CCs); it now has 16 sets per year.

No. 1 Hakuryu-go, born in 1947, was the first Japanese Spitz registered with the Japan Kennel Club.

Eng. Ch. Yonala Tiger Lilly at LuSofia was the first British champion.

The 1988 Crufts show saw the first set of Challenge Certificates for the breed. The dog winner was Sherivale Osaka of Valdonic, sired by Oldway Prince Charming of Sherivale out of Genza of Sherivale and owned by Mrs. V. Brookes. The bitch winner was Yonala Tiger Lilly at LuSofia, sired by Ridgecross Choshi at Onoyoko out of Oldway Yuki Tama of Helpeton. This bitch, owned by Mrs. V. Stripe, went on to become the breed’s first British champion. The breed’s first Junior Warrant was won in 1986 by Alkola Yamabuki, sired by Foskars Aki Hinode of Rosedyke out of Astutus Kurakumo of Alkola and owned by Mrs. L. Robson.

Shirayuki of Tokyo Seizansow, born February 4, 1983, was the first Japanese Spitz bitch imported to England directly from Japan. She is the grandmother of Eng. Ch. LuSofia Lilac Serenade of Swanset.

JAPANESE BREED NAME

The Japanese Spitz in its country of origin is called the Nihon Supittsu, a classic medium-sized spitz. The name translates literally to the English name.

The breed record-holder is Ch. Snowisp of Ice Berg, with 32 CCs, owned by Mrs. J. Coram and sired by Lowerpark Kuniaki out of Allbeam Coco Nut Nice Mattpapp.

THE BREED ON THE CONTINENT

The first Japanese Spitzen were imported from Japan to Finland around the time of the breed’s emergence in the UK. The first two Japanese Spitzen in Italy were imported directly from Japan in 1985. One was the bitch Agree of Ooka Hiyoshisow, sired by Darling of Usui out of Alice of Senbon Matsubarasow. She unfortunately died at eight months of age. The other was the dog Take-Maru of Yokohama Takada, sired by Alcyon of Port Masuda out of Asa-Giku of Mischief Queen. Following these two was another bitch, Fujiko of White Kodamasow, sired by Twinkle Jupiter of Lilac Spring out Akane of Wakakusa Land.

Int. Nord. Ch. Hawk of Kagetsu Lana, owned by C. Holmstedt of Sweden, was born May 11, 1975.

BREED CLUB IN THE UK

Mrs. Margo Emerson of the UK conceived the idea of forming Britain’s Japanese Spitz Club. The founding members had an inaugural meeting in the YMCA off the Tottenham Court Road in London on August 3, 1980. In attendance were 27 people, 12 of whom owned Japanese Spitzen.

By 1986, the breed also was represented in Austria, Germany, Holland and Switzerland. Today, the breed in each of these countries enjoys a small but loyal following.

JAPANESE SPITZEN TODAY

Australia imported its first two Japanese Spitzen from England in 1980: a dog, Norsken Amida, sired by Alvretens Omonzuru of Norsken out of Alvretens Jicho of Norsken; and a bitch, Norsken Daibutsu, sired by Alvretens Omonzuru of Norsken out of Alvretens Richiigi of Norsken.

There are no AKC-registered Japanese Spitzen in America, as the breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. The breed is recognized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA), the Continental Kennel Club (CKC) and the National Kennel Club (NKC), all of which are smaller American registries dedicated to rare breeds, as well as by the Canadian Kennel Club.

Yonala Tiger Lilly at LuSofia (bitch) and Sherivale Osaka of Valdonic (dog) were the first two Challenge Certificate winners in England.

At the height of the breed’s popularity in Japan in 1958, 4,912 Japanese Spitzen were registered. This figure dropped to 356 in 1976, which was an all-time low. The breed then started to make a comeback and, by 1994, registrations were up to 1,803. Registration numbers continue to rise and, at the present time, the Japanese Spitz is in the top 20 most popular breeds in Japan.

Eng. Ch. Alkola Yamabuki, the UK’s first Junior Warrant winner.

A SHINING RARE-BREED SHOW DOG

To show how well the breed was doing in the UK during the early 1980s, a Japanese Spitz won the Any Variety Not Separately Classified Utility at the Crufts Dog Show in 1982, 1983 and 1984.

A modern Japanese Spitz, illustrating the breed’s beautiful abundant white coat.

The alert, lively, happy nature that makes the Japanese Spitz a wonderful companion is evident just by looking at him.

LOOKS AND PERSONALITY

The Japanese Spitz makes a delightful pet dog for his many positive attributes. He is an alert, intelligent, lively, happy, mediumsized dog who always is happy to be with people, including children of most ages, and other animals. Very affectionate and a real companion, the dog is slightly chary upon first meeting strangers.

The Japanese Spitz has a pure white double coat (meaning a harsher longer outer coat and a plush thicker undercoat), contrasted by his excellent black pigment on the eyerims, nose pad, lips, nails and footpads. His dark expressive eyes will worm their way into any dog lover’s heart. The eye shape is described as that of a Gingko nut, an ancient Chinese nut. The ears are small, triangular in shape, erect and facing forward. The tail is of moderate length, profusely coated with long hair and carried over the center of the back, never hanging down to the side. The teeth should be strong, with jaws close and a regular scissors bite.

A Japanese Spitz should be considered an adult at 12 months or older, although some mature much earlier than others. Bitches can have their first season as young as six months old, but they should not be bred from until they are fully mature. Dogs to be used at stud, likewise, need to know what a bitch in season is “all about” and should not breed until around 12 months of age.

FROM THE GERMAN, SPITZ…

The name of the breed originates from spitz, a German word meaning “something pointed,” referring to the breed’s pointed muzzle that forms a wedge shape.

Japanese Spitzen love to share their joy with others. This Red Cross mascot is eager to spread happiness and goodwill.

Always prepared to join in with the family activities, the Japanese Spitz makes a handsome addition to the “family portrait.” Owners find that the only thing that looks more lovely than a Japanese Spitz is a pack of several of these snow-white beauties, stepping out in the sun with their glistening white coats, the silver tips of their hair shining as a gentle breeze blows through the coats to highlight this shimmering effect.

HELP WANTED: THERAPY DOG

Many owners take advantage of their Japanese Spitzen’s affinity for people by using them as therapy dogs. Many facilities welcome therapy dogs to visit the elderly, disabled or sick. With little encouragement, the dogs enjoy making friends as long as their owners are by their sides when meeting patients in hospitals or residents in nursing homes or retirement centers. If you are interested in getting involved with therapy-dog work, contact Therapy Dogs International, Inc., online at www.tdi-dog.org.

The Japanese Spitz breed was used at its peak in Japan as a watchdog. Though he should never be considered a noisy dog, he has a loud bark that he uses to let you know when someone is about or something is going on. The Japanese Spitz does not tend to be a biter nor is he aggressive toward people or other animals. Nevertheless, he keeps a careful watch on his home, using his voice with discretion, a trait not found in some other “barky” spitz breeds.

Today, the Japanese Spitz is mainly a companion dog, appealing because of his affectionate nature and striking appearance. Japanese Spitzen are very sensitive dogs who respond well to training if approached with love and kindness. They will not appreciate or accept harsh treatment, either physical or verbal. The breed is also prized for its sense of humor, a trait that leads owners to share many delightful anecdotes about their Japanese Spitzen’s near-human responses to situations or ingenious solutions to puzzling problems.

A DOG OF CHARACTER

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) translation of the breed standard of the Japan Dog Federation states, “Character: The temperamental quality should be of sagacity, cheerfulness and bravery, keen, sharp and high strung, having firmness of mind not to be an easy prey to temptation in addition to an alert watchfulness.”

Despite claims that the breed was devised by breeding small Samoyeds, we know that this is not true. The Japanese Spitz is not a “small Samoyed” and does not act like a Samoyed. Where the Samoyed is bounding with power and pull, the Japanese Spitz is all sprint, spin and run. Owners will find it really quite amazing how fast and agile these dogs are.

Note also that the Japanese Spitz does not carry his tail in the fashion of the Samoyed. The Japanese Spitz carries his well-plumed tail in the center of his back, unlike the Samoyed that carries his plume to the side. Another difference is in coloration: The Japanese Spitz is pure white, while the Samoyed can be exhibited in white, cream and biscuit. In Russia, Samoyeds can also be seen in a variety of other colors; sometimes these are referred to as Nenets Herding Laikas. Of course, the Japanese Spitz and Samoyed, two perfectly coated beauties, are both beloved for their ability to bond closely with their humans, yet with the Japanese Spitz there’s a bit of a twist!

Although the Japanese Spitz is certainly very devoted to his owner and family, it is surprising how fickle he can be. This characteristic has pluses and minuses. While no owner wants to think of his dog as not truly loyal to him, it is a definite plus when the dog can adjust if his owner has to be away for long trips. Likewise, should Japanese Spitzen need to be rehomed for any reason, they appear to have no problems bonding to their new homes and owners very quickly. This is true even for the older dogs, 11 years plus.

The Japanese Spitz is a real home companion who thrives on human company and is happiest when he’s around his people. He is not suited to life in a kennel. Japanese Spitzen make ideal family pets and are very tolerant of children, with the exception of very young children who unknowingly “maul” the dog. Toddlers, therefore, should be supervised whenever in the company of the dog, so that the children do not grab at his coat and tail or otherwise abuse the dog, albeit unintentionally. Most children get along terrifically with the breed, as long as the child treats the dog gently, never too roughly or aggressively. The Japanese Spitz is an ideal breed for teenage owners, who seem to set up a rapport very quickly with their active, ready-to-go canine friend.

Biscuit markings, shown here, are unacceptable in the breed. The Japanese Spitz’s coat must be pure white with no shadings.

The Japanese Spitz eye (top) is compared with the shape of the Gingko nut (bottom).

Tear stains, often seen on light-colored dogs, can be removed with a special cleanser made just for this purpose. If tear staining is excessive, you should discuss the problem with your veterinarian.

THAT AMAZING SPITZ COAT

Having come to Japan from the Arctic region, Japanese Spitzen are as much at home in the snow as they are in the tropics. Due to their well-insulated coats, neither heat nor cold bothers them. No matter how good your intentions of keeping your dog cool in the summer or your house “fur-free,” never shave your dog’s coat. You will cause irreparable damage to the coat. If you want a non-shedding dog, get a Poodle!

Note that most people do not have allergic reactions to the breed’s hair, as they would with that of most other double-coated breeds. And better yet, the Japanese Spitz is one of the few breeds of dog that does not have a “doggy odor”—when dry or wet!

Japanese Spitz hair is good for spinning into clothing, including scarves, hats, sweaters and the like. A pair of Japanese Spitzen poses by a loom on which this cardigan made of the breed’s hair has been spun.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

The Japanese Spitz is generally a healthy little dog, but, as in most breeds, certain health problems arise and new owners should be aware of these before committing to owning the breed.

KNEE PROBLEMS