Japanese Spitz

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.

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

Alert, intelligent, bold and lively.

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.

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

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

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

Strong, arched and of moderate length.

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

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.

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

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

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

Light, nimble, active, energetic and very smooth.

Outer coat straight and stand-off. Profuse, short, dense undercoat, soft in texture. Shorter on face, ears, front of fore and hind legs 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.

Pure white.

Height at shoulders:
Dogs 34-37 cms (13.5 - 14.5 ins)
Bitches 30-34 cms (12 - 13.5 ins)

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.

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