Japanese Terrier

Breed Description

One of the rarest and most valuable breeds in the world, originating from Japan, it is relatively unknown even there. However, this does not diminish its popularity, and acquiring a puppy from a kennel, while challenging, is still a goal for true admirers of Japanese culture. The price of a purebred show-class puppy in the land of the rising sun exceeds the equivalent of 3000 euros, but for families with children, such a puppy is the best choice.

Imported from Holland and England, smooth-haired terriers bred with Manchester terriers, Italian greyhounds, and local mixed-breed dogs contributed to the development of Japanese terriers as early as the 17th century. At that time, they were called nihon-teria, mikado-teria, kobe-teria, and only later did the breed take on its current name: Japanese terrier.

They began to be consciously bred between 1900 and 1905. The main objective was to improve the breed in all aspects. A quarter-century later, this was achieved: in 1932, the first Japanese terrier club was established, and the first breed standard was developed. Nearly ten years later, the first publications began to appear in the country’s printed media.

One of the most significant events in the history of Japanese terriers was the breed’s recognition by the international canine federation. This event occurred in early April 1964. Additionally, the national dog breeders’ club of Japan considered the mikado-teria (*teria means terrier) a separate breed, allowing these small dogs to thrive in cramped apartments in Kobe and Yokohama. Other coastal port cities also began to promote their dogs, leading to the spread of Japanese terriers to other countries.

Key dates for the kobe-teria:

– 1930 – a female named Jacky, closely resembling the ideal exterior of the nihon (kobe)-teria, appeared in the Tamura KikujirЕЌ kennel;- 1932 – the Nihon teria kennel club was established;- 1948 – establishment of JKC (Japanese Kennel Club);- 1964 – JKC recognized Nihon terriers as a separate dog breed with classification;- 1973 – the Japanese Kennel Club sent an English-translated breed standard to FCI;- 1979 – the year of recognition of Japanese breeds by FCI.Unfortunately, Japanese terriers struggled to compete with English hunting dogs and those from France or Spain. Nonetheless, Japanese breeders still queue to choose puppies from kennels. Emphasizing the uniqueness of their dogs, they compare them to sculptures carved from marble for their ability to freeze in place. Elegant, low-maintenance, and extremely clean dogs are highly valued even beyond Japan. In Russia, advertisements for Japanese terrier puppies are practically nonexistent, even online. Puppies can only be purchased through Zooinika. The best selection of kennels in Russia where Japanese dog breeds are represented can be found on our website.

Appearance

The official standard describes the Japanese terrier as a small dog with very short hair, no longer than 2 mm. This concise description reflects the true Japanese minimalism in everything. At the same time, beneath this description lies the immense potential of the breed. A wonderful family companion, whose graceful movements and ability to freeze like a porcelain figurine are simply mesmerizing. It is such a rare breed that not everyone in Japan is aware of it. For our dog breeders, buying a puppy from a kennel is very challenging.

The Mikado terrier embodies the most characteristic traits of all the dogs that contributed to the formation of the breed: fox terriers and Italian greyhounds. However, there is one clarification: its silhouette is lighter, more elegant, and refined. A square body, a delicate muzzle, a complete absence of fat, yet at the same time, a muscular and strong creature – this characterizes the Japanese terrier. The height at the withers of an adult male does not exceed 35 cm, and the average weight ranges from 2.5 to 3.8 kg. With proper care, the dog can bring joy to its owners for about 14 years. Unfortunately, the population of the breed is extremely low, making any assumptions about increasing these figures difficult.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The skull is quite narrow, with a flat top. The transition from the forehead to the snout is very smooth. The brow ridges are not prominently defined, and the forehead is narrow. The skin on the head is wrinkle-free, and the hair length is the same as on other parts of the body. It does not appear powerful, but rather delicate.

Морда

Elongated and thin, with a straight nose. When viewed in profile, it resembles the snout of a Doberman. Thin, tightly pressed lips, with the nose tip being only black in color, not very large, with small nostrils. A bump can be considered a flaw.

Уши

The ears are set high, small even compared to the size of the dog, triangular in shape, with a thin cartilage. The ears of the Mikado Terrier can either hang down at the sides of the muzzle or fold forward - this is not considered a fault. The inner part of the ears is almost hairless.

Глаза

Small to medium-sized, olive-shaped, with thin black eyelids. They have a direct gaze, and the iris should be as dark as possible, almost black. On the black muzzle, they are nearly invisible, and from the front, even the whites of the eyes are not noticeable.

Зубы

Strong white teeth, large sharp canines. A complete set of teeth, with a proper or scissor bite. Thin lips pressed against the jaws. Cheekbones are quite pronounced. Slight overbites or underbites are acceptable, as long as they are not too noticeable.

Корпус

From a side view, closer to square. The back is straight and short, with a clearly defined withers. The loin is slightly rounded, and the chest is not wide but quite deep. The abdomen is not sagging; it is toned. The ribs are strongly curved. Deviations from these requirements are unacceptable.

Конечности

Characteristic stance: one hind leg slightly behind the other. The front legs are straight, with strong bones that don't appear heavy. They are parallel when viewed from the front. The hind legs have excellent muscle definition in the thighs, and the calves are also noticeably developed. A distinctive feature is the "pants" on the thighs made of longer hair. The paw pads are round, the claws are black, and the toes are arched.

Хвост

Of medium thickness, usually closer to thin. In Japan, it is generally customary to dock tails, but concern for animal welfare has made this procedure no longer mandatory. Slightly tapered towards the end, with a slightly curved shape, similar to a saber.

Шерсть

Describing the coat of the Japanese terrier, the standard is formulated as follows: it is thick, shiny, and closely fitting to the body. Any variations suggesting that a slightly longer coat is acceptable at the withers or in other areas are falsifications, having nothing to do with purebred Nihon terriers.

Окрас

Only tricolor is allowed. Moreover, the tricolor may feature a black-and-white head with hints of red. The main body color is white with black specks or small marks of red. A two-color coat is considered a disadvantage.

Characteristics

Japanese terriers, sometimes called fox terriers, remain very active into their senior years. These good-natured hunting dogs, though bred for work, have taken on the role of wonderful family companions. They bond well with owners of all ages and can be greatly beneficial to older individuals leading a more isolated lifestyle.

Mikado terriers, or Japanese foxes, love active games, running, and physical exercise. They need regular physical and mental stimulation to remain happy and balanced. Meeting this need is quite simple: a favorite toy and a walk of about an hour in a location without aggressive dogs is all a four-legged companion requires.

Initially, owners may be surprised by their pet’s intelligence and cleverness. This helps transform a puppy into a capable learner, able to master essential commands in a short period. However, they can sometimes show stubbornness, which will require patience and positive reinforcement for successful training. It’s also important not to extend training sessions too long.

Japanese terriers are very attached to their owners and show loyalty and love toward all family members. They typically get along well with children and other dogs, but, like all dogs, it’s necessary to introduce them to other animals early on to prevent socialization issues. Choosing a puppy from a kennel is considered the preferred option, as these dogs usually have already gone through initial socialization stages.

Japanese foxes may show caution towards unfamiliar people and situations. This character trait makes them excellent guardians. Despite their small size, terriers possess a gene of fearlessness, and the size of a threat does not deter them from protecting their loved ones. However, this characteristic needs to be managed to avoid excessive caution.

These traits form the foundation of the typical temperament of the Japanese terrier, but, like any dog, individual personality traits can vary. For example, some individuals may have a pathological dislike for cats, even with proper upbringing. Owners have noticed that the first sign of negative mood in a dog often manifests as raised hair along the spine.

Care and Maintenance

The Japanese Terrier is a small dog breed with an active and easygoing nature. It is relatively easy to care for and does not require special attention. However, there are some specific care needs for such compact dogs.

Firstly, Japanese terriers enjoy good, tasty food. They are not gluttonous but require a balanced diet and attention to the quality of their food. It is recommended to choose pet food developed specifically for small breeds, taking into account their nutritional needs. Controlling portion size is important to avoid weight gain, to which they may be prone. Holistic dry foods are perfect for this, as they provide all essential vitamins and include only ingredients that improve your pet’s digestion. You can recognize such a dog from a distance: its coat shines, it is always energetic, and it does not suffer from allergies or gastrointestinal issues. These foods may be slightly more expensive, but the difference quickly pays off: there’s no need to add vitamins, the likelihood of dental plaque decreases, and the dog’s nervous system stays healthy. It’s also beneficial to communicate with the breeder if you decide to choose a puppy from a kennel rather than through sales ads. Puppies are fed according to veterinarians’ recommendations, and premium food usually indicates the recommended portion size.

Despite their compact size, mikado terriers heavily depend on physical activity. Unlike larger breeds, they don’t need to carry heavy loads or run in the woods behind their owner on a bicycle. Regular walks and playtime with their favorite porcelain toys are sufficient.

For them, not only is it important to have enough outdoor exercise, but also a comfortable space in the apartment. Ideally, the dog should have a designated area for its bed. Ensure there’s enough room for the dog to feel comfortable and cozy. Providing toys and other intellectual stimulation is also critical, as even in an apartment, this energetic breed needs various activities. Consider these factors before purchasing a puppy from a kennel.

Japanese terriers do not tolerate harsh cold well. Even during autumn chills or early spring, their short coats make them susceptible to the cold and frequent illnesses if not assisted with special insulated dog suits. In winter, more serious protection from the cold is needed. For instance, shorten walk times but increase their frequency until the outside temperature stabilizes. Additional warmth accessories are necessary during the winter. These can include dog jackets, sweaters, booties, and even special shoes to protect their paws from snow and road salt. It’s essential to choose accessories that provide cold protection while ensuring the dog’s comfort and allowing for free movement.

Overall, their care is simple and nearly identical to that of any other dog. Ears should be regularly checked and cleaned with cotton pads. Nails are trimmed as they grow, usually once every 10 to 14 days. Eyes should be cleaned with cotton pads to remove dried discharge from the corners. If there is excessive discharge, consult a veterinarian immediately.Of course, it’s important to consider the individual needs of each dog.

Training and Education

Training a Japanese Terrier, like any other dog, requires patience, consistency, and the right approach. Here are some key principles and specific examples for training a Mikado Terrier:

Always use positive reinforcement: Rewards, praise, and treats are the most effective methods for training a Japanese Terrier. For example, when you ask your dog to perform a command like “sit” or “lie down,” and it does so, reinforce the action with praise or a treat. This helps the dog associate following the command with a positive experience and strengthens the bond between you.

Be consistent: All family members should be consistent in training the dog. For instance, if one member allows the dog to jump on the sofa while another forbids it, the dog may become confused. Therefore, it’s important to discuss and establish common rules and commands for the dog. What is forbidden today should always be forbidden. This rule should be followed from the moment you decide to buy a puppy from a kennel for the rest of its life.

Use short training sessions: Like many other breeds, Japanese Terriers can quickly become tired of long training sessions. Therefore, conduct short but regular training sessions to maintain their attention and motivation. Generally, a duration of 20-25 minutes is well-received by the pet.

Example: If you want to teach your Japanese Terrier the command “sit,” you can follow these steps:

– Take a treat in your hand and show it to the dog;- Hold the treat above the pet’s head to make it follow it;- Slowly move the treat back, prompting the dog to take a sitting position, and then give the command “sit”;- As soon as the dog sits, immediately praise it and give the treat.Remember that successful training requires patience, encouragement, and love. Be patient and consistent in training your Terrier – it will yield great results! At ZoРѕnika, they offer puppies with paperwork and health guarantees.

How to Choose a Puppy

We offer several steps to help you in your selection:

Before you go for a puppy, research the breed standards. This will help you understand the characteristics and behavior they should possess.

Find an experienced and responsible breeder who cares about the health and well-being of their dogs. Ask for recommendations from Japanese Terrier owners or look for breeder reviews online. It is not safe to acquire a pet through puppy sale advertisements.

Visit the kennel to see the conditions in which the puppies and their parents are kept. A good kennel is clean, comfortable for the animals, and conducts socialization for their dogs.

Discuss health and temperament with the breeder. Inquire about genetic diseases and ensure the breeder has health information on working dogs.

If possible, try to see the puppy’s parents to assess their temperament and physical traits. This can give you an idea of what your Mikado Terrier will be like as it grows.Ensure the puppy shows no signs of illness. Check the condition of its coat, skin, eyes, ears, and teeth.Spend time with the puppy to see how it behaves. Make sure it is trusting, active, and cheerful, but not overly aggressive.Learn how to navigate Zoonika and get an excellent pet.

Health and Diseases

Generally, it is a fairly healthy breed. However, it cannot be said that the Japanese Terrier has a robust immune system; due to its rarity, hereditary diseases are relatively common. To avoid future problems, it is recommended to request the dog’s screening results from the breeder. Breeding is only conducted after official approval from the kennel club. The most common health issues are colds, allergic reactions, and retinal problems. It should be noted that the best choice of kennels is found on Zooinika. In Russia, Japanese Terriers are most often neutered or spayed since promoting and developing this breed can be extremely costly due to the lack of mating partners.

Diseases such as hip dysplasia or undescended testicles in Japanese Terriers are regularly diagnosed, occurring slightly more often than other genetic disorders.

If you pay proper attention to their eyes, cataracts and retinal inflammation can be avoided for your loyal dog. Don’t forget to visit the veterinary clinic regularly for preventive check-ups. It’s not difficult, but very important, and significantly helps improve your pet’s quality of life. Considering it? There’s a wide selection of ads on the Zooinika map by city.