Japanese Spitz Reading List: Books & Historical Sources

The Japanese Spitz is a fascinating breed with a mystery history. For those who want to deepen their knowledge, there is a Japanese Spitz reading list dedicated to the breed. Below is a curated list of essential books. These books cover topics like history, breeding, care, and appreciation of this elegant and loyal companion.

Japanese Spitz Reading List: Dorothy Kenyon ‘The Japanese Spitz’

This book is a small breeder-historian memoir rather than a modern technical handbook. Dorothy Kenyon frames it through her own search for a smaller white spitz after keeping other Nordic breeds, then follows how she identified the Japanese Spitz as the dog she had been looking for, traced its route into Europe via Sweden, imported foundation stock, and helped push for recognition in England. The table of contents shows that the book is organised around that story: seeking a breed, discovering the Japanese Spitz, Kennel Club recognition, show debut, comparison with other spitz breeds, first imports, whelping, a chapter on Alvretens Omonzuru of Norsken, and standards.

Japanese Spitz Reading List: Marco G Piasentin ‘The Japanese Spitz’

This comprehensive manual is a cornerstone for Japanese Spitz enthusiasts. Written by Marco G. Piasentin, the first person to import the breed to Italy. The book draws on three years of research. It also draws on over a decade of experience. It includes ten chapters with around 200 photos, over 50 drawings and diagrams, and detailed genealogies. It covers the breed’s origins, characteristics, and practical advice for breeding and care. A must-read for breeders and anyone passionate about the breed.

Due to the high number of requests I’ve received, I’ve created a Google Form to collect all the necessary details. Please take a moment to fill it out using the link: https://forms.gle/LMkHQdTQbspDsBkD9 

This will help me organize the orders more efficiently and keep everyone updated as we progress. If you have any questions or need assistance filling out the form, feel free to let me know.

Michael P. Rule ‘ Japanese Spitz’

This Special Rare-Breed Edition, written by British Japanese Spitz breeder Michael P. Rule, proves a vital resource for dog lovers interested in this spectacular Nordic breed. Colorful and comprehensive in its scope, this book discusses breed history, accompanied by many important historical photographs, plus breed characteristics and standard as well as health care, grooming, obedience and house-training, puppy choice and everyday care

Japanese Spitz Reading List: Spitz Handbook 1956

June 25, 1956 marked the first publication of the Spitz Handbook, later followed by a second edition. This comprehensive guide explores the history of the Japanese Spitz. It discusses the care and management of this beloved breed. Known for its elegant appearance, the Japanese Spitz is also cherished for its loyal nature. With over 20,000 dogs registered in Japan, the breed has flourished thanks to dedicated breeders and enthusiasts. This book features valuable research on the breed’s development, including its health, temperament, and breeding practices. Rich with insights from top experts, it aims to be the definitive resource for understanding and preserving the Japanese Spitz.

• Contributors:
  • The Charm of the Spitz: Mr. Murata (村田氏)
  • The Future and Development Plans of the Spitz: Mr. Hata (秦氏)
  • The Current Situation of the Spitz World: Mr. Ito (伊藤氏)
  • The Path to Creating the Japanese Spitz: Mr. Inoue (井上氏)
  • Japan Spitz Club Standard Body Regulations: Japan Spitz Club (日本スピッツクラブ)
  • Explanation of the Japan Spitz Club Standard Body Type: Mr. Inoue (井上氏)
  • How to Read and Interpret Pedigrees: Editorial Team (編集部 )
  • Standard Body Type of the Spitz: Mr. Ito (伊藤氏)
  • Differences Between the Spitz and Samoyed: Mr. Ito (伊藤氏) (A)
  • Lineage of Modern Famous Spitz Dogs: Mr. Shimizu (清水氏)
  • Issues with Selecting Stud Dogs: Mr. Mizuno (水野氏)
  • Knowledge on Breeding, Pregnancy, and Delivery of Spitz: Mr. Kaneko (金子氏)
  • Caring for Puppies and Their Hygiene During Early Stages: Mr. Adachi (足立氏)
  • Raising and Managing Spitz: Mr. Ito (伊藤氏) (A)
  • Training and Obedience of Spitz: Mr. Izumiya (泉谷氏)
  • How to Select and Buy a Puppy: Mr. Sawabe (沢辺氏)
  • How to Evaluate Puppies and Adult Dogs: Mr. Takahasu (高薄氏)
  • Common Diseases and Treatments: Mr. Adachi (安達氏) (A)
  • Breeding Fees and Prices of Puppies: Mr. Harada ( 原田氏)
  • Profitable Ways to Keep Spitz as a Side Business: Mr. Ishimaru (石丸氏)
  • Drying Method After Washing the Spitz: Mr. Tamaoki (玉置氏)
  • The Significance of Dog Shows: Mr. Shigekawa (重川氏)
  • The Brave Lily (Running the Raiders): Editorial Team (編集部 )
• Spitz status across regions in Japan:
  • Hokkaido: Mr. Takahasu氏 (高薄氏)
  • Aomori: Mr. Akiya氏 (秋谷氏)
  • Tokyo: Mr. Makino氏 (牧野氏)
  • Tochigi: Mr. Ikeda氏 (池田氏)
  • Gunma: Mr. Uehara氏 (植原氏)
  • Kanazawa: Mr. Kosaka氏 (小坂氏)
  • Tokai: Mr. Kosaka氏 (向坂氏)
  • Chukyo: Mr. Kato氏 (加藤氏)
  • Kyoto: Mr. Nagano氏 (永野氏)
  • Osaka: Mr. Uno氏 (鵜野氏)
  • Chugoku and Kyushu: Mr. Tamaki氏 (玉置氏)

Japanese Spitz Reading List: Latest Spitz Handbook 1960

The Handbook (Second Edition) is edited and published by the Japanese Spitz Association. It aims to enhance the qualities of the Japanese Spitz breed. It also promotes the advancement of Japan’s dog-keeping culture. This revised edition includes updated content on proper care. It also features training guides, making it a valuable resource for both breeders and pet owners. Drawing on the latest materials from domestic and international experts, it provides in-depth insights into the breed’s management and development. This book is the result of the collective efforts of dedicated authors, organizations, and enthusiasts. It has solidified its place as an essential reference for those passionate about the Japanese Spitz.

Rose-Marie Emery. The International Japanese Spitz.

Japanese Spitz Reading List: Miwako Okada. Spitz Bible

NSA Anniversary Album

Japan Spitz Association (NSA) . Spitz album. National Diet Library Digital Collections.

First published in 1959 by the Kanagawa Prefecture Branch, this album gathered contributions from branches nationwide and showcased 120 distinguished Japanese Spitz of that era. Now, it stands not only as a collection of notable dogs — many of whom have since passed — but as an important historical record charting the breed’s development over a full decade.

The album reflects the steady, thoughtful progress made by the Association in improving the Japanese Spitz. It also honours the dedication of the officers and volunteers across both headquarters and regional branches whose careful work made this publication possible