We are a small, home based breeder of quality Japanese Spitz, bred for temperament as well as beauty. Puppies (available occasionally) are carefully socialized in a home environment - extremely important to a well-rounded personality as a puppy and adult dog.


The Japanese Spitz is still quite rare in the United States.  They are typically registered under the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) as they are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).   This may, at least in part, be due to the obscurity of their history which makes it difficult to prove that the Japanese Spitz is in fact a distinct breed separate from all others.  

 There are numerous hypotheses about their origins.  Some believe the JS descended from the German Spitz.  Others believe the JS is a small version of the Samoyed bred down in size.  There are some (though not Japanese Spitz breeders) who feel the JS is simply an American Eskimo with a different name—even though there are distinct differences in structure and personality traits.   Some attention has also been given to the theory that a white long-haired spitz has been native to Japan since olden times.  Others believe several breeds were combined to generate the Japanese Spitz as it is known today.

 We frankly do not know the answer—nor does anyone else.  There currently is DNA research in progress that may be able to shed some light on this issue.  Regardless of their origin, we are very thankful to the Japanese for developing this breed which—in our opinion—is about as perfect a companion dog as anyone could desire.

 


How do you describe a Japanese Spitz? 
Here are some typical, and very accurate, examples:

  • “Beautiful, affectionate companion”

  • “Wonderful with children”

  • “Great courage, intelligence and liveliness”

  • “Easy to train” 

  • “Small to medium size” 

  • “Strong and healthy constitution”

  • “Adaptable” 

  • “Almost always smiling”

  • “Independent and non-servile but at the same time anxious to please”

  • “Off-standing white coat that is surprisingly easy to care for”

  • “Thrive on human companionship”

 

A male Japanese Spitz will average about 13 ½ to 14 ½ inches in height and weigh about 18 to 20 pounds.  Females will be an inch or two shorter and a couple pounds lighter.  Caring for their beautiful coat is actually simple.  Because of its texture, dirt falls off or can be brushed out very easily.  In addition, they are quite fastidious and will lick themselves clean—much like a cat.

 The Japanese Spitz does not require a lot of exercise, but will love a daily walk.  They are surprisingly fast and can jump very high for their size, and this should be taken into consideration when choosing fence heights.

 


Our dogs are first and foremost our family companions.   We will never have a very large number as we feel the personality of the Japanese Spitz requires that it not be bred on a large scale.  The Japanese Spitz, in order to be happy, needs to be a significant part of its owners’ daily lives.  This could not occur if they were kept in enclosures required for large scale breeding (as is done for many other breeds.)

We currently have three dogs: 

 

“Meeko” is the A-1 Master Champion.  He was the first JS to achieve the Champion title in America.  He has won “Best in Show” and several group firsts.  Meeko is gentle, funny, loves everyone and likes to cuddle.


 

 

“Keesha” is also a Champion and she has also won first and placed well in group.  Keesha is our princess—she is very sweet, loving and a great mom who takes an active role in the care and training of her pups.   She also likes to cuddle.


 (at 7 months old)

 

“Gazoo” our male pup from Meeko and Keesha was born in late 2005 and has not yet started his show career.  Gazoo is super gentle – especially with little children – and eager to please.  He also likes to cuddle.  (See a trend here?)


We expect to add a female puppy in early 2007. 

While our bloodlines include numerous champions from several countries, all our dogs have been bred and raised in the United States, so we are truly an All American breeder.


We currently have only one litter per year, and most puppies are reserved well in advance.  Our goal is to produce puppies with great temperaments as well as beauty, and of course structure that adheres to the standard—pups that will make their new owners very happy to have chosen a Japanese Spitz. 

We take great care in the socialization process to ensure that our puppies have the best start in life, and we want to know that their new owners will be able to continue to do so.  We hope the families who adopt our puppies will stay in touch and (ideally) send pictures periodically to let us know how they are doing.  

LITTER BORN OCTOBER 30, 2005 (at 8 weeks)

 Symba  (Male)

  

Gazoo   (Male)

Kiba  (Female)

  

Lucky  (Female)

 Sasha  (Female)

  

    Sake  (Female)

 

To view more photos  of our beautiful Japanese Spitz,
please visit the gallery page.

Gallery

For further information, please contact:
Midwest Japanese Spitz
Wheaton, Illinois 
Midwestjs@comcast.net