Group 5 · Spitz & primitive types
Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is a medium-sized, snow-white spitz with a cheerful, alert character and a dark, smiling expression. It is playful, affectionate and fits well into a family, as long as its thick coat is brushed regularly.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Japanse Spitz (Nihon supittsu) by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 1 examination:
- 1 DNA test
The breeding programme also recommends 2 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (1)
-
Factor VII deficiency (F7def)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- F7: c.407G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (2)
-
Hip dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Patellar luxation
Kneecap examination once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- palpation of the kneecap
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Japanse Spitz (Nihon supittsu), Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 10/04/2025.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Factor VII deficiency (F7def). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Hip dysplasia and Patellar luxation. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Japanese Spitz needs varied daily walks and play. Its thick, stand-off coat needs a thorough brush right down to the undercoat a few times a week, and a daily one when moulting.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Hip dysplasia?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
This spitz is cheerful, watchful and strongly attached to its family. It likes to announce who is coming; consistent training keeps the barking within limits. It does not like being left alone for long.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
