Japanese Terrier

Temperament:

Inquisitive, affectionate, cuddly
Size: Small
Height: 20-33 cm
Weight: 2,3-4,1 kg
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Coat: Shorthair
Colors: Black, tan, white
FCI Group: Terriers

The Japanese Terrier, also known as the Nippon Terrier, is a bright and cheerful contemporary. Its character is very similar to that of the Jack Russell Terrier. Despite the outward resemblance, however, it comes from completely different breeds. As a playful and intelligent dog, it is not only suitable for singles. It is also a loyal companion as a family dog. Sporty seniors will also have a lot of fun with him.

Japanese Terrier
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Characteristics

The breed was recognized in 1964 and assigned to Group 3 by the FCI. The coloration is fairly strictly defined as black, tan and white. The head is black or black and tan. The body is often completely white or white with black and/or tan patches.

The Japanese Terrier is very eager to please. He is curious, eager to learn and wants one thing above all - your attention! On the other hand, he is very cuddly and the perfect lap dog! He is often fixated on one person in the household, but likes to enjoy everyone's attention.

He learns commands very quickly. He wants to be constantly challenged and enjoys new tasks. Dog training is recommended, but not absolutely necessary. He is an excellent retriever. Hours of exercise are not necessary, but he does need to be kept busy. He can quickly become enthusiastic with educational games, agility exercises or treadmill training.

He gets on well with other dogs and small animals such as cats. As he was bred as a lap dog, his hunting instinct is hardly pronounced. This makes cuddles with his owner all the more important to him. His affection makes him a popular companion. However, his curiosity and openness also allow him to cross boundaries. If you let him, he will sleep under your comforter and lovingly claim his place.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.

Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.

Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.

Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.

Health & Care

Your Japanese Terrier's coat is very easy to groom as it is only about 2 cm long. Although it sheds very little, it is fun to remove loose hair with a silicone glove. Dandruff can also be removed in this way and the blood circulation in the skin is stimulated.

Your terrier's coat does not grow very thick. It is therefore advisable to put a coat on him in the cold months. Protect his belly and nose with sun cream if he spends long periods outdoors.

When caring for the teeth, make sure that no sugary foods are given. These damage the teeth and can lead to severe digestive disorders.

Suitable accessories

Your furry friend particularly enjoys playing with balls and ropes, as he loves to fetch. Dummies and toys that can be filled with food are also very popular. As the Japanese Terrier can also be kept well in small apartments, brain games for dogs are ideal.

The Japanese Terrier has very well-developed muscles, but its bone structure is rather fine. A harness is therefore recommended instead of a collar. If he is left alone at home for a longer period of time, chew bones of a suitable size are suitable as toys.

Other accessories that are part of every dog's basic equipment: dog basket or dog mat as a place to retreat, water and food bowl, tick tweezers, claw clippers, mild dog shampoo, brush and comb, toothbrush and toothpaste for the dog, transport box for transportation in the car and a first aid kit. Ask your vet what belongs in the first aid kit.

Japanese Terrier History

Origin & History

The Japanese Terrier is rarely found in Europe. However, they are becoming increasingly popular due to their cheerful nature. Its population was severely decimated during the Second World War, but is now considered to be secure.

It is assumed that short-haired Fox Terriers came to Japan on merchant ships from Holland in the 17th century. There they were crossed with native pointing dogs. The Japanese Terrier was bred specifically as a lap dog, but was also used to catch mice.

A small black dog called "Kuro" from the Noda district is considered to be the father of today's Japanese Terrier. This in turn was the result of a cross between the English Toy Terrier and the Toy Bull Terrier. A very short-haired Kobe Terrier bitch was mated with "Kuro" and the puppies became known as "Japan Terriers".