The main Foundation of the breed is Standard
The Japanese Spitz Breed standard is renowned for its refinement, lively personality, and people-oriented nature. Over the decades, its breed standard has been carefully shaped to preserve these defining qualities while ensuring structural soundness and a consistent temperament. By examining historical records and Japanese Spitz breed standards from organisations including the, Nippon Spitz Association (NSA), Japan Kennel Club (JKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), Nippon Spitz Club (NSC) and The Kennel Club (KC UK), we can trace the breed’s progression and the dedication to maintaining its ideal form and function.
In the immediate postwar years, Japan saw a resurgence of national pride and a desire for stability. As outlined in historical references, the Japanese Spitz became a symbol of domestic harmony and security, with many families favoring them as alert yet affectionate companions.
Before formal registries like the Japan Kennel Club (JKC) and dedicated Japanese Spitz single-breed clubs were established, breeders relied on community standards and local exhibitions to guide their breeding practices. Early breeders assessed their dogs using traits inspired by native Japanese breeds—such as erect ears shaped like cut reeds and a tail carried over the back, common features in many local dogs. However, they placed particular emphasis on the pure white coat, which soon became the defining hallmark of the Japanese Spitz.
Japanese Spitz breed standard in Japan : Foundation
The history of breed clubs in Japan, as in any other country, is quite fascinating in itself. These clubs experience highs and lows with a drama comparable to the rise and fall of empires, yet this process is largely unstudied. Perhaps one day we will delve into it, but for now, let’s just list the facts that we’ve managed to gather.
The Japan Kennel Club – JKC (ジャパンケネルクラブ)
I think it makes sense to start our story with the official organization that is a member of the FCI – The Japan Kennel Club (ジャパンケネルクラブ), now the primary registry body for purebred dog pedigrees in Japan.
In 1948 (Showa 23), as Japan moved towards a new era with post-war democratic reforms, key figures, including the president of the Tokyo Dog Commercial Association who became its first president, founded the Japan Guard Dog Association (全日本警備犬協会, Zen Nihon Keibi Ken Kyokai). This organization was officially approved by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry in 1949 (Showa 24). The first major event, a headquarters exhibition held in Ueno Park on November 3, 1950 (Showa 25), drew approximately 300 dogs from across the nation, shortly after the war’s end. In 1952 (Showa 27), the organization adopted the name Japan Kennel Club (JKC) (ジャパン・ケンネル・クラブ, Japan Kenneru Kurabu). Over the past 50 years, the JKC has played a crucial role in the breeding of skilled purebred dogs, fostering a culture of coexistence between humans and dogs. Through dog shows, newsletters, and various educational and promotional activities, it has significantly contributed to the enrichment of dog lovers throughout Japan. The club became a member of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1979.
According JKC site a unified standard was established by the Japan Kennel Club in 1948, and it has reached this day (https://www.jkc.or.jp/archives/world_dogs/2559) which sound quite interesting taking into account story above. However, this provided a critical reference point that after the war the breed was officially established as a breed at 1948 with defined standard somewhere between 1948 – 1955 and below it will be explained why.
the Japanese Spitz Association (日本スピッツ協会)
First time in archive it is appeared as
Founded: March 19, 1943 (Showa 18)
Office: [大阪市西成区岸松通] (Kishimatsu-dori, Nishinari Ward, Osaka)
Business Content: Registration and promotion of Spitz.
On the night of March 19, 1943 ceremony was held at [紅蘭亭] (Kourantei) on [堺筋] (Sakaisuji), [大阪平野町] (Osaka Hiranocho). This association was initiated by authorities in Spitz breeding, including Mr. Mizuno Shouichi (水野昇一), Mr. Miyamoto Toji (宮本都司), and Mr.Tanaka Ibei (田中伊兵衛). Mr.Takahama Heishirou (高浜兵四郎) was in charge of administration.
According records, that evening, Mr.Miyamot (宮本) traveled all the way from Shizuoka to participate, along with over a dozen leading dog traders from Osaka. They agreed to hold an exhibition in Osaka soon and called upon comrades across the country to promote and advance the popularity of the Japanese Spitz breed.
For me it was a remarkable discovery— a Spitz organization established during wartime. With the launch of this organization, the development of the Japanese Spitz world should have begun… But, since it was already Showa 18 (1943), that was unlikely to happen. The war situation had already worsened, and keeping pet dogs was only possible until 1943. Two years after the launch of the Japanese Spitz Association (日本スピッツ協会), on March 13, 1945 Osaka was hit by a massive air raid. Nevertheless the first registered Japanese Spitz was whelped on August 6, 1947
It looks like that due these tragical circumstances it was forgotten for a while and than reborn at the end of 1954 (Showa 29), when the JKC formally decided to designate the breed as “Japanese Spitz.” Simultaneously, a system of dig purity was introduced, issuing a directive that only dogs with pedigrees clearly documented up to three generations back would be recognized. Around this time, an organization dedicated to this single breed was also established, and several foundational dogs were initially placed on a planned breeding program. However, the reality of a long period without clear pedigrees weighed heavily, and the genetic impact of these dogs could only be fully understood after waiting for the outcomes of several generations. During this surge of interest, there emerged strong advocacy for establishing the Spitz as a distinct Japanese breed, necessitating the formation of a single-breed organization, leading to the establishment of the Japanese Spitz Association – JSS (日本スピッツ協会 – JSS)) in 1954
The Japanese Spitz Association (JSS) was founded around 1954 by Seiichiro Ito (伊藤誠一郎) in Chiba Prefecture. By the end of 1955 (the Showa 30s), the first breed standard (Standard Body Type Rules) was finally established. Although it focused on establishing breed standards and literary activities, it did not undertake operations typical of a canine organization.
Later, after confirming the de facto dissolution of the original JSS, Mr. Hoshiai (星合) and his colleagues founded a new organization under the same name, the NSA – Japanese Spitz Association (日本スピッツ協会):
Founded: 1956 (Showa 34)
HQ Office: Tokyo
Business Content: Establishing the breed and improving dog quality
Names behind NSA
- Chairman of the Japanese Spitz Association: Mr. Koya Okudaira (賀屋興宣)
- Judge of the Japan Spitz Association and JKC: Mr. Seiji Kishida (岸田誠司)
Notably, the NSA established their version of breed standard: October 25, 1959 and introduced updates in November 25, 1961 and June 25, 1972, focusing on creating a short, well-balanced body, a luxurious coat, and expressive black eyes, nose, and lips that conveyed alertness and intelligence.
As we can learn from the NSA anniversary album’s 2000 standard emphasized preserving the breed’s Japanese identity amid growing international interest. The standard called for:
- A compact, short-bodied frame with strong yet fine limbs.
- A luxurious, pure white coat with harmonious feathering.
- Expressive, dark almond-shaped eyes.
- Small, triangular erect ears.
- A tail set high and arching gently over the back.
According NSA president essay, the NSA’s standard resisted trends toward miniaturization and exaggerated features, aiming instead for a balanced, harmonious dog true to its Japanese roots.
The NSA’s influence was profound. As chronicled in The Spitz Bible by Miwako Okada, postwar Japanese breeders sought to transform the imported dogs—many of which carried Samoyed-like traits—into what they envisioned as the ideal “white friend”, a companion dog suited for urban Japanese life.
It’s important to understand that the Samoyeds in Japan at that time were quite different from the modern breed we know today. A striking example can be seen in a photograph of the Akizuki Dog Breeding Department, which shows a group of Samoyeds from the Taisho era, featured in a 1927 catalogue. These dogs exhibit distinct characteristics that reflect the early stages of breed development in Japan.
and other breeding Japanese spitz at the same period
“Japanese Spitz Club” [日本スピッツクラブ]
Founded: January 20, 2002 (Showa 34)
Office: Yokohama, Hakugaryo [博雅楼]
Business Content: Registration and popularization of Spitz.
NSC Establishment Meeting was January 20, 2002 (Sunday), 13:00 – 15:00 in Yokohama, Hakugaryo [博雅楼] . The club was established as the “Japanese Spitz Fan Club” (abbreviated as “Japanese Spitz Club” [日本スピッツクラブ] through the initiative of Mr. Shiba Atsushi [柴稠] and Mr. Watanabe Saburou [渡辺三朗] , with the participation of 17 members.
More members behind of NSC
- President of the Japan Spitz Club, judge of the NSA and NSC: Mr. Saburou Ikura (伊倉三郎)
- Judges of the Japan Spitz Club: Shigeru Shiba (柴稠)、Eiko Toyoshi (豊吉映子)
According to the Club Establishment Prospectus [クラブ設立趣意書], the club’s goal is to create a friendly, informal group without the need for strict rules. Everyone at the meeting agreed to this plan. The club is dedicated to supporting the healthy development of the Japanese Spitz by sharing information and offering training on breeding and raising the breed. It also aims to strengthen connections and friendship among its members through exhibitions and other activities.
The Nippon Spitz Club Standard of the Japanese Spitz was officially enacted on January 26, 2003, during a meeting held in Yokohama at Hakugaryou [博雅楼]. Several key topics were discussed at the meeting, including:
- The general assembly, which covered activity and financial reports, current plans, and budget explanations.
- The renaming of the organization to Nippon Spitz Club [日本スピッツクラブ]).
- The establishment of the NSC Spitz Standard [NSCスピッツ標準書] along with official judging regulations.
- The creation of certification criteria for Champion and Grand Champion titles.
- The development of a system for issuing pedigree certificates and related documents.
- A report on the participation of Mr. and Mrs. Hayami [速水] and Mr. Maruko [マルコ] at the June 2003 Sweden Japanese Spitz Dog Show.
- Other general matters.
and has since undergone several revisions:
- Revised on January 25, 2004 on the 2nd NSC General Meeting
- Revised on June 17, 2007 on 9th NSC Board Meeting and Breeding Workshop
- Revised on September 23, 2008 on 10th Board Meeting and Sweden Exhibition Report, specifically the changes to height range
On September 4, 2006, a significant meeting took place involving top officials from the Japan Kennel Club (JKC) and the Japanese Spitz Club (NSC). In attendance were NSC Chairman Mr. Shiba (柴) and JKC Chairman Mr. Nagamura (永村). The meeting concluded with a decision for the NSC to actively cooperate and collaborate with the JKC in organizing dog shows, participating in international exchanges, and engaging in various activities related to the Japanese Spitz breed.
We need to mention that last public known official meeting of NSC was help January 28, 2012 and show November 9, 2014. It seems that NSC was inactive since 2024 since Mr. Shiba Atsushi [柴稠] , who served as the chairman of the NSC and was a judge at the JKC for many years, passed away a few years ago
This is a great loss for all of us, as the NSC played a significant role in developing international relations, exchanging experience and knowledge. The organization also helped the global community to recognize the magnificent representatives of the breed bred in Japan, who have become the foundation of modern lines.
Japanese Spitz breed standard by FCI: Global Recognition
The breed’s recognition extended beyond Japan when the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) accepted on a definitive basis in 4/22/1964. The first Japanese Spitz breed standard was issued in 1982 which was converted to official Japanese spitz breed standard in 1987, and later has undergone clarifications in 1982 and the current version of standard as we know was published in 1999
Group : n°5 – Spitz and primitive types
| Date of publication of the standard | Links | ||
| English | JAPANESE SPITZ | 6/16/1999 |  |
| Français | SPITZ JAPONAIS | 6/16/1999 | |
| Deutsch | JAPAN SPITZ | 6/16/1999 | |
| Español | SPITZ JAPONÉS | 6/16/1999 | |
| Section | Asian Spitz and related breeds |
| Date of acceptance on a definitive basis by the FCI | 4/22/1964 |
| Official authentic language | English |
| Date of publication of the official valid standard | 1/1/1987 |
| Breed status | Recognized on a definitive basis |
| Country of origin of the breed | JAPAN |
| Working trial | Not subject to a working trial according to the FCI breeds nomenclature |
Summary of Key Changes Over Time:
- Temperament: Increasing focus on eliminating shyness and noisiness.
- Size: Height range expanded in 1992 and kept in 1999.
- Faults/Disqualifications: More specific and strict in 1999, particularly regarding temperament and physical soundness
- Body and Coat Descriptions: Expanded and clarified over time with more structured language by 1992.
- Standard Formalization: Clearer language and formatting improved from 1982 to 1999.
The Kennel Club Japanese Spitz Standard: British Influence
The Kennel Club (UK) released its Japanese Spitz standard in 1994 and revised it in 1997 and 2008. While respecting the breed’s origins, these standards adjusted height ranges, emphasized black pigmentation, and cautioned against traits like overly short muzzles or round eyes.
The UK’s influence coincided with the Japanese Spitz’s increasing popularity in Scandinavia.
Current Challenges and Preservation Efforts
Today, breeders face new challenges. As noted in discussions on japanesespitz.org, there is concern about “low-set” dogs with poor balance and “brown” eyes, and a loss of black nails. Breeders are increasingly focused on preserving proper height (favoring males at 38 cm), maintaining pigmentation, and resisting trends toward shorter, wider muzzles that stray from the breed’s original fox-like expression.
Conclusion
The Japanese Spitz breed standard has undergone decades of refinement, balancing traditional Japanese breeding ideals with international standards. Through the efforts of organizations like the NSA, NSC, JKC, FCI, and The Kennel Club, the breed has retained its elegance, intelligence, and structural integrity.
However, maintaining this standard requires ongoing diligence to preserve its unique identity while adapting to modern expectations. By ensuring responsible breeding practices, the Japanese Spitz will continue to thrive as one of Japan’s most beloved companion breeds.
References
Classification and standards by major animal dog organizations
Japan Kennel Club (JKC) Standards
1. Japan Kennel Club (JKC). Japanese Spitz Breed Standard (1948).
2. Japan Kennel Club (JKC). Revised Japanese Spitz Standard (Year Unknown – Likely Post-1970s). Tokyo, Japan: JKC Records.
Nippon Spitz Association (NSA) Standards
3. Nippon Spitz Association (NSA). Japanese Spitz Standard (1959). NSA Document, Japan.
4. Nippon Spitz Association (NSA). Revised Japanese Spitz Standard (1961). NSA Document, Japan.
5. Nippon Spitz Association (NSA). Updated Japanese Spitz Standard (1972). NSA Document, Japan.
6. Nippon Spitz Association (NSA). Japanese Spitz Standard (2000). NSA Publication, Japan.
Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) Standards
7. Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Original Japanese Spitz Breed Standard (1982). FCI Standard No. 262.
Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Official Valid Japanese Spitz Breed Standard (1987). FCI Standard No. 262.
8. Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Revised Japanese Spitz Breed Standard (1992). FCI Standard No. 262, Belgium.
9. Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Updated Japanese Spitz Standard (1999). FCI Standard No. 262, Belgium.
The Kennel Club (UK) Standards
10. The Kennel Club (UK). Japanese Spitz Breed Standard (1994). London, United Kingdom.
11. The Kennel Club (UK). Updated Japanese Spitz Breed Standard (1997). London, United Kingdom.
12. The Kennel Club (UK). Revised Japanese Spitz Standard. London, United Kingdom.
Nippon Spitz Club (NSC) Standards
13. Nippon Spitz Club (NSC). Japanese Spitz Standard (1997). NSC Official Document, Japan.
14. Nippon Spitz Club (NSC). Updated Japanese Spitz Standard (2008). NSC Official Page, Japan.
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) Standards
15. Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC). Japanese Spitz Breed Standard (2009). Sydney, Australia.
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC)
16. New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC) Japanese Spitz Breed Standard
Books
17. Miwako Okada. Spitz Bible published by Seibundo Shinkosha Co., Ltd, 2023