Japanese Terrier

Quick Take

• Their loyalty sounds like a selling point, but it can tip into something most owners never see coming. See the loyalty details →
• A tiny dog with a surprisingly demanding exercise requirement, one that causes real problems when skipped. Check the exercise needs →
• The breed's name is Japanese, but its true origin story starts on a completely different continent. Explore the true origins →
• Japanese Terriers are called great family dogs, though there is a specific household situation where that reputation breaks down fast. See the family fit →

Japanese Terriers are also known as Nippon Terriers. They are very lovable and affectionate, making them excellent additions to any family. Japanese Terrier dogs are small-sized dogs with short coats. These dogs are clean-cut and have a smart appearance and a compact outline.

Japanese terriers are cheerful dogs and are very intelligent in nature. They are gentle and can also be cautious sometimes. However, while chasing squirrels, they can get intense.

These dogs were bred with small pointers and native dogs after the smooth fox terrier was imported from the Netherlands to Japan in the seventeenth century. Japanese Terriers are not hypoallergenic.

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Japanese Terrier

Every pet comes with its own set of pros and cons, but having a realistic idea of their personality and behavior makes a big difference. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from a Japanese Terrier.

History Of The Breed

The smooth-haired fox terrier was imported to Japan in the 17th century by Dutch merchant ships and bred with small pointers as well as native-type dogs, which eventually brought about the Japanese terrier. The early mix of the breeds was called Kobe terriers, and the planned breeding did not begin until the 1920s. The current breed type was defined around 1930, which is when it was recognized by the Japanese Kennel Club. Although they were originally bred to hunt small game, they were, and still are, mainly kept as lap dogs.

Size and Weight

The Japanese Terrier is a small-sized dog. They are about 8 to 13 inches tall, weighing just about 5 to 12 pounds.

Common Health Issues

As small as the Japanese terrier is, you still need to watch out for potentially harmful conditions that impact them. Most of these health conditions are not life-threatening, but they still need medical attention.

Eye and ear infections are relatively common for the Japanese terrier, including pink eye (inflammation that impacts the conjunctiva). They can also get an infection in the ear with scratches or scabs that do not heal properly.

Patellar luxation is also a common problem, which is essentially a dislocated knee. The terrier will show that they have experienced this dislocation by limping, avoiding putting pressure on the affected limb.

Temperament

Japanese Terrier dogs are known to be cheerful, active, and lively. They are good-spirited dogs that exhibit incredible intelligence and provide great love and affection to their owners. With some cuddling and affection in return, the Japanese terrier can be quite the happy pup. They love attention and do not like being left alone for long periods of time.

This species is incredibly loyal and devoted to any family that they bond with. They tend to become attached to one person over the others in a family and can eventually turn possessive of that person. Sometimes, the possessiveness can escalate so much that they will grow impatient and annoyed if their chosen loved one gives another person or pet attention.

These dogs are generally gentle, though they can also become cautious and nervous around others. Their sensitive temperament may not be suited for homes with a lot of arguments or stress. They are cautious as well as mindful of strangers but rarely turn aggressive toward them. Once these dogs get to know a stranger, they will turn loving towards them.

These dogs also love their toys and can usually be found lying in the middle of the room with their toys spread around them.

How To Take Care Of A Japanese Terrier

Before bringing any new animal home, make sure to understand the pup’s needs to keep them happy, healthy, and thriving. Here are a few tips for caring for a Japanese terrier.

The Best Dog Food

Always feed your Japanese Terrier high-quality dry dog food. These dogs would need anywhere from half to one and a half cups of this food every day since their small stomach can only fit so much food at once. It is easy to divide the food into two meals daily. Keep a steady supply of fresh water available at all times to prevent dehydration.

Maintenance And Grooming

Grooming Japanese Terriers is usually not very demanding. Their grooming needs are low to moderate, though they shed throughout every season. Expect to brush them consistently to prevent fur around the home. Brushing once or twice weekly is enough to make a big difference. Plus, it eliminates any dirt and debris that builds up in the coat.

These dogs should be bathed on an as-needed basis, and owners should exclusively use a shampoo appropriate for a dog’s coat. Bathing too frequently can lead to dryness in their hair and skin. Check their ears at least once a week for any possible infections or abrasions. To wipe them clean, use a damp cloth and water or a cotton ball with an ear-cleaning solution.

Make sure to brush the teeth of your Japanese Terrier about 2 to 3 times per week, and trim their nails periodically.

Training

Training a Japanese terrier is not a difficult job. Remember to stay positive and gentle with the dog during training without forgoing a firm tone. Consistency is key with these dogs. They also love to learn new tricks to please their owner. If you want them to maintain good and healthy habits, introduce them to other dogs in the home or your area to socialize them.

Exercise

Even though these dogs are small in size, they are very active and would need a lot of exercise. Take your Japanese terrier out for multiple short walks or let it play in the yard. If you’re up for the challenge, go for a good run a couple of times per week.

While indoors, these dogs can also manage to entertain themselves sufficiently, and can also be good apartment dogs. A small yard would always be a bonus for them. Extreme temperatures are not appropriate for the Japanese terrier’s health, so take them out when the temperature is moderate to protect their feet and immune system.

Puppies

Japanese Terrier puppies need much of the same care as adults. Puppies will also need their food divided into far more portions than the adult does. This is because their small stomachs cannot take in and digest large quantities of food at once.

Japanese Terriers And Children

Japanese Terriers are great with the children of the family. However, due to their tiny size, they can easily get hurt and could pose a risk around smaller children in the house. As long as your kids are old enough to be careful around the dog, this dog should be very playful and affectionate towards them.

Dogs Similar To Japanese Terriers

As wonderful as the Japanese Terrier is, this pup may not be the right animal for every household. If you are still set on having a dog, these breeds are similar to the terrier.

• Akita: These dogs are large and powerful. They are loyal and affectionate towards their owners and are known to be courageous.
• Shiba Inu: One of the native dogs from Japan, Shiba Inus are playful and make great family pets.
• Cairn Terrier: Another small dog breed, these dogs make excellent watchdogs and do not shed too much.