Japanese Pomeranian

History of the Japanese Spitz breed

Japanese spitz was presented to the world by the Land of the Rising Sun between 20-30 years of the XX century. The East is a delicate matter, so it is still not possible to get information from Asian breeders about which particular breed gave these charming fuzzies a start in life. It is only known that in 1921, the first snow-white "Japanese", whose ancestor, most likely, was a German spitz imported from China, already "lit up" at the exhibition in Tokyo.

Starting from the 30s and up to the 40s of the XX century, breeders intensively pumped the breed, alternately adding the genes of spitz-like dogs of Canadian, Australian and American origin to it. It is to them that the Japanese pomeranian owes its emphatically glamorous, with a slight bias in orientation, appearance. At the same time, the official recognition of animals by cynological associations went gradually and not always smoothly. For example, in Japan, the breed standardization procedure was carried out already in 1948. The International Cynological Association dragged on to the last, but in 1964 it still lost ground and offered its own version of the breed standard. There were also those who remained steadfast in their decision. In particular, the specialists of the American Kennel Club categorically refused to standardize Japanese spitz, classifying the animals to a fairly well-known and numerous at that time clan of American Eskimo dogs.

Japanese spitz arrived in Russia after the collapse of the USSR together with circus trainer Nikolai Pavlenko. The artist was not going to engage in breeding activities, and he needed dogs exclusively for performances in the arena. However, after a couple of successful numbers, the trainer had to reconsider his views. Thus, a replenishment from several purebred producers arrived in the family of circus spitz, who subsequently gave life to most of the domestic "Japanese".

Interesting information: after the appearance of photos of Philip Kirkorov in an embrace with a Japanese pomeranian on the web, rumors began that the king of the domestic pop scene got a pet from Pavlenko's troupe. The trainers allegedly did not want to part with their ward for a long time, stubbornly rejecting the generous offers of the star, but in the end they gave in.

Video: Japanese Pomeranian

Appearance of a Japanese pomeranian

This smiling "Asian", although it seems to be an exact copy of the German and Florentine Spitz, still has some exterior features. For example, in comparison with European relatives, he has a more elongated trunk (the ratio of height to body length is 10:11), not to mention the emphasized oriental eye section, atypical for spitz–like dogs. The snow-white coat of the "Japanese" is another identifying feature of the breed. No yellowness and transitions to milk or cream variants are allowed, otherwise it will not be a Japanese pomeranian, but an unsuccessful parody of it.

Head

The Japanese pomeranian has a small, rounded head, somewhat expanding to the occipital part. The stop is clearly outlined, the muzzle is wedge-shaped.

Teeth and bite

The teeth of representatives of this breed are not large, but strong enough. Bite – "scissors".

Nose

The miniature nose lobe looks emphatically rounded and is painted black.

Eyes

The eyes of the Japanese pomeranian are small, dark, somewhat sloping, with a contrasting outline.

Ears

The dog's tiny ears have a triangular shape. They are placed at a fairly close distance from each other and look straight ahead.

Neck

The Japanese pomeranian has a moderately long, strong neck with a graceful curve.

Housing

The body of the Japanese pomeranian is slightly elongated, with a straight, short back, a convex lumbar region and a wide chest. The dog's belly is well matched.

Limbs

The shoulders are set at an angle, the forearms are straight with the elbows touching the body. The hind legs of the "Japanese" are muscular, with normally developed hock joints. Paws with hard black pads and claws of the same color resemble those of a cat.

Tail

The tail of the Japanese pomeranian is decorated with a long fringed hair and thrown on its back. The tail set is high, the length is average.

Wool

The snow-white "mantos" of Japanese spitz are formed by a dense, soft undercoat and a stiff outer hair standing upright and giving the appearance of the animal a pleasant airiness. Areas of the body with a relatively short coat: pasterns, metatarsals, muzzle, ears, the frontal part of the forearms.

Color

Japanese pomeranians can only be pure white.

Photo of a Japanese pomeranian

Defects and disqualifying defects of the breed

Any discrepancies with the standard are considered defects affecting the exhibition career of the Japanese Pomeranian. However, most often the score is reduced for deviations from the reference bite, too twisted tails, excessive cowardice or vice versa – a tendency to make noise for no reason. Complete disqualification usually threatens individuals with their ears down and a tail that does not carry on their back.

Character of the Japanese pomeranian

It cannot be said that these snow–white fuzzies are Japanese to the core, but they still got a piece of the Asian mentality. In particular, Japanese pomeranians are able to correctly dose their own emotions, although the signature smile from ear to ear literally does not come off the dog's muzzle. Empty–mindedness and fuss among the representatives of this breed is an exceptional phenomenon and is not welcomed by exhibition commissions. Moreover, a nervous, cowardly and barking animal is a classic plembrak, which has no place in the honorary ranks of Japanese spitz.

At first glance, this elegant "Asian" is the epitome of friendliness. In reality, Japanese spitz trust only members of the family in which they live, and are not at all enthusiastic about strangers. However, this does not mean that the dog will demonstrate his own dislike to everyone. The right "Japanese" masterfully hides his dark essence and the negative feelings that overwhelm him. In relations with the owner, the pet is usually patient and never transgresses the cherished line. Do you want to play with fluffy? – You are always welcome, Spitz will be happy to support the company! Tired and want to retire? – No problem, it's not in the rules of this breed to impose and molest.

Japanese spitz easily get along in a dog team, especially if the team consists of the same spitz. With other pets, dogs also have no friction. This "bundle of fluffiness" effortlessly finds an approach to both cats and hamsters, without trying to encroach on their life and health. Dogs have a fairly even relationship with children, but do not perceive them as wordless nannies. The fact that the animal steadfastly tolerates uncomfortable hugs and other not the most pleasant manifestations of children's feelings does not oblige him to dissolve in every two-legged creature.

Many Japanese pomeranians are excellent actors (the circus genes of the first Russian "Japanese" will remind you of themselves) and even more wonderful companions who are ready to follow the owner to the ends of the world. By the way, if you are not too lazy to instill guard habits in your ward, he will also not let you down and will notify you in time about the impending "robbery of the century".

An important point: no matter how universal a charming pet is, get ready for the fact that from time to time he will "put on a crown" to prove to the world that the spirit of a majestic samurai can hide in a small body. It looks funny, but you definitely shouldn't condone such behavior: there should be only one leader in the house, and this is a person, not a dog.

Education training

The main thing in raising a Japanese pomeranian is the ability to quickly establish emotional contact. If the dog loves the owner and trusts him, there are no difficulties in training. And vice versa: if the "Japanese" failed to find his niche in a new family, even a dog handler with experience will not be able to turn him into an obedient companion. So as soon as a four-legged friend has moved into your house, look for a special key to his heart, because then it will be too late.

Don't confuse a warm, trusting relationship with connivance. Undoubtedly, the Japanese pomeranian is cute and charming, but not everything is allowed to him in this world. And since punishments with these Asian cunning people do not pass, try to put pressure on them with the seriousness of the tone and the persuasiveness of the requirements. In particular, the doggie must clearly understand that picking up any objects from the ground and accepting treats from strangers is taboo. By the way, do not expect that the pet will demonstrate the standard obedience in all life situations without exception. The Japanese pomeranian is too smart to enjoy the role of a blind performer: he agrees to be friends with you, but not to run for "your majesty" for slippers and chips.

The performance of the "Japanese" is phenomenal, which was clearly confirmed by the wards of Nikolai Pavlenko, so do not be afraid to overwork the shaggy pupil. It's worse if he loses interest in training, so include the good old game in the training process more often so that the tiny student does not get bored. Usually a two-month-old puppy is already ready to respond to the nickname and knows how to use a diaper or tray correctly. The third-fourth months of life is the period of familiarity with the rules of etiquette and the commands "Fu!", "Place!", "To me!". By the age of six months, Japanese spitz become more diligent, they are already familiar with the street and understand what is expected of them. Therefore, this is the optimal time to master obedience commands ("Sit!", "Next!", "Lie down!").

As for socialization, the principle common to all breeds works here: model situations more often that force the pet to adapt to changed environmental conditions. Take him for a walk in busy places, arrange meetings with other dogs, ride on public transport. The more new unusual locations, the more useful it is for the "Japanese".

Maintenance and care

The white coat of the Japanese pomeranian clearly hints that its owner's place is in the house and only in it. Of course, a good walk will be required, since these dogs are energetic guys, and constant sitting locked up only harms them. But leaving a Japanese pomeranian in the yard or aviary is a form of mockery.

A four-legged friend should have his own place in the apartment, that is, the corner where the couch is located. If there is a need to limit the movement of the Japanese pomeranian around the house, you can purchase a special playpen and periodically close the shaggy fidget in it, after moving his bed, a bowl of food and a tray there. And be sure to buy latex toys for the dog, they are safer than rubber-plastic balls and squeakers.

The Japanese pomeranian has a thick, dense undercoat, so even during winter excursions it does not freeze and, in fact, does not need warming clothes. Another thing is the off–season period, when the dog risks being sprayed with mud from a puddle every minute. To keep the animal's fur in its original form, breeders stock up on walking overalls for autumn and spring: they are light, do not restrict movements and do not allow moisture to the body. Nursing bitches in windy weather, veterinarians recommend wearing tight blankets that help fluffy mothers not to catch cold nipples.

Hygiene

Japanese spitz have a unique coat: it almost does not smell like a dog, repels dust and debris from itself and is practically not subject to dumping. Therefore, you will not have to "rinse" the fluffy in the bathroom as often as it seems at first glance (4-5 times a year is quite enough). Daily combing of the breed is also not required, except during the molting period. Puppies begin to shed their fur for the first time at 7-11 months. Until that time, they have fluff growing, which must be periodically worked out with a fluffer and necessarily "on dry".

Before washing, the Japanese pomeranian is combed: so the wool gets tangled less during bathing. If the glamorous gulen managed to get thoroughly dirty, immediately carrying him into the bath is an unforgivable mistake. Allow the prankster to dry first, and then comb out the litter and crumpled dirt with a comb with long teeth. Choosing caring cosmetics for the Japanese pomeranian, give preference to professional products from the grooming salon. By the way, the abuse of balms and conditioners to facilitate combing does not affect the structure of the coat in the best way, so if you have an ordinary household shaggy, it is more reasonable to refuse such products.

It will take longer to tinker with the fur of the exhibition specimens. For example, it is possible to dry the hair of Japanese show-class pomeranians only with a compressor and in no case with an ordinary hair dryer. The option of simply blotting the animal with a towel, allowing "Mr. Nihon supitsu" to dry naturally, will not work either. Wet wool is an extremely attractive object for fungus and parasites. So while the dog is drying up, he risks getting invisible tenants, which will then take a long time to get rid of. A few words about the exhibition hairstyle: during the drying of the "Japanese" hair, it should be lifted with a comb to create the most airy, dandelion-like image (styling sprays to help).

An important point: Japanese pomeranians are famous for their pathological dislike of hygienic procedures, but they are quite capable of suffering if they have been accustomed to bathing and combing since early childhood.

It is not supposed to cut the "Japanese", but sometimes circumstances force. For example, for greater neatness, it is useful to shorten the hair in the anus area. It is also better to cut the hairs on the paws and between the fingers so that they do not interfere with walking. Speaking of paws. They are sensitive in representatives of this family and suffer from the action of reagents in winter. So before walking, it is recommended to lubricate the skin of the pads with a protective cream (sold in pet stores), and after returning home, thoroughly rinse the paws with warm water. Some owners prefer not to bother with protective cosmetics, packing the legs of a shaggy pupil in oilskin boots. This is an extreme, since a shod dog immediately becomes clumsy, easily slips in the snow and, accordingly, is injured.

Claw care may be absent as such if the Japanese pomeranian walks a lot and the claw is worn off when rubbing against the ground. In other cases, the claws are cut or sawed off with a nail file – the second option is more labor-intensive, but less traumatic. We also do not forget about the dewclaws. Their claws do not come into contact with hard surfaces, which means they are not erased.

A healthy Japanese pomeranian has pink, well-smelling ears, and breeders do not recommend getting carried away with their preventive cleaning. It is possible to climb with a cotton swab inside the ear funnel only when obvious contamination has been found there. But an unpleasant smell from the ears is already an alarm signal that requires consultation, or even a veterinarian's examination. Teeth are cleaned with a bandage wrapped around a finger, soaked in chlorhexidine, unless, of course, the Japanese pomeranian is accustomed to open his mouth on command and not close it until the owner allows it. It is better not to remove the tartar yourself, otherwise it is easy to damage the enamel. It's easier to take the dog to the veterinary office.

Starting from the first months of life, Japanese spitz have excessive lacrimation, which can be provoked by wind, kitchen steam, and anything else. As a result, ugly dark grooves appear on the fur under the lower eyelids. You can avoid the problem by systematically wiping the hairs and the area around the pet's eyes with a napkin. It takes time, but if you have a show dog, you will have to put up with difficulties, since individuals with such a "war paint" will not be welcome in the ring. When the animal matures, and his body gets stronger, tear tracks can be tried to etch bleaching concentrates and lotions.

Feeding

Feeding a Japanese pomeranian is a pleasure, because it is not prone to allergic reactions and smartly eats everything that is given.

Permitted products:

• lean beef and lamb;
• boiled chicken without skin (if it does not provoke the appearance of brown spots under the eyes);
• heat-treated fillet of sea fish;
• rice and buckwheat groats;
• vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, broccoli, green pepper);
• egg or omelet;

Fruits (apples, pears) are allowed exclusively as treats, that is, occasionally and a little bit. The same goes with bones (not tubular) and crackers. They are treated with a specific purpose: solid particles of bone tissue and dried bread cope well with plaque. Orange and red vegetables and fruits should be treated with caution: the natural pigment contained in them colors the dog's "fur coat" in a yellowish shade. This is not fatal, and after a couple of months, the wool again acquires a snow-white color. However, if the embarrassment occurred on the eve of the insertion, the chances of winning are zero.

From dry feeds, Japanese spitz are suitable for super-premium varieties for miniature breeds. Just make sure that the meat in the selected "drying" is at least 25%, and cereals and vegetables are not more than 30%. Ambitious owners of show fuzzies are recommended to look for varieties designed specifically for white dogs. No one forces you to feed your pet with them all your life, but before the exhibition it makes sense to hedge and switch to discolored "drying".

Japanese spitz are accustomed to two meals a day at the age of one and a half to two years. Before that, puppies are fed in this mode:

• 1-3 months – 5 times a day;
• 3-6 months – 4 times a day;
• from 6 months – 3 times a day.

In the process of feeding, it is advisable to use an adjustable stand: it is useful for posture, and it is convenient for the pet.

Health and diseases of Japanese spitz

There are no terrible fatal ailments inherited by the breed, but this does not mean that the animal is not able to get sick with anything at all. For example, Japanese pomeranians often experience vision problems. Atrophy and degeneration of the retina, cataracts and glaucoma, inversion and inversion of the eyelids – among the representatives of this canine family are not such rare phenomena. Patella (dislocation of the kneecap) is a disease that, although not so often, can still be found in Japanese spitz. As for acquired diseases, the most to be feared are piroplasmosis and otodectosis, which various drugs from ticks will help protect against.

How to choose a puppy

• Japanese Pomeranian males look bigger and more elegant than "girls" due to a more lush coat. If the external attractiveness of a four-legged companion plays an important role for you, choose a "boy".
• Do not be lazy to attend exhibitions. Random "divorcees" usually don't hang out on them, which means you have every chance to get acquainted with an experienced specialist and negotiate the sale of a puppy with a good pedigree.
• Everything is learned in comparison, so even if the "specimen" offered by the breeder suits you completely, do not stop insisting on examining the rest of the puppies from the litter.
• It makes no sense to buy a baby younger than 1.5-2 months simply because at a young age the pedigree "chips" are not pronounced enough. So if you hurry, there is a risk of getting an animal with a defect in appearance or even a half-breed.
• The conditions of detention are what you should focus on in the nursery. If the dogs are sitting in cages and look untidy, there is nothing to do in such a place.
• Do not confuse aggression with courage and do not take puppies growling at you at the first acquaintance. Such behavior indicates mental instability and innate malice, which is unacceptable for this breed.

The price of a Japanese pomeranian

In Russia, the Japanese spitz is not the most common breed, which explains the decent price tag for it. So, for example, a puppy born in a registered kennel, from a couple with champion diplomas, will cost $350 - $500, or even more.