WEIGHT: 13 pounds
HEIGHT: 10-16 inches (English standard); often about 15 inches
COAT: Thick, long, and stand-off
COLOR: White only
Breed: Northern
The Japanese Spitz is a miniature lap spitz, descended from longer haired Nordic dogs brought to Japan in the early part of this century. The most likely type is the Siberian native Samoyed, which was bred smaller and smaller in size after arrival in Japan. 
This breed does not enjoy the wide acceptance of the Shiba, but has been exported into the Scandinavian countries. There these spitz were happily adopted and are shown. In the 1970s, Dorothy Kenyon brought some from Sweden into England. They immediately became popular, and are allowed to compete for championships in British dog shows. They are very similar in size and appearance to the Miniature variety of the American Eskimo, which probably will preclude their ever developing any following in the USA.
Intelligent, bold, and lively, they have all of the character of the other spitz breeds. Their coat is self-cleaning, and they enjoy pleasing their owners. They are less suspicious in nature than some of their Nordic cousins, making them a true companion dog.
Their natural hunting instincts surface when they sight a squirrel or rabbit. Small enough to be a lap dog and large enough to enjoy a romp, the Japanese Spitz is an ideal choice for children or adults.