Japanese Terrier

The Japanese Terrier is a small terrier breed, native to Japan with a lineage inherited from old European dogs brought to Nagasaki by merchants. This Japanese breed of dog originally bred for their terrier hunting prowess, particularly for small game like rats and mice, but they were also commonly kept as lapdogs and companions too.

They are an intelligent breed, but very self-willing and with a classical terrier temperament this can present challenges with training for a novice. As a watchdog they are exceptional, with hearing that beggars belief, but they don’t tend to be nippy or vocal dogs, barking only to alert.

The Japanese Terrier is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the Japanese Kennel Club (JKC) in Group 3 for ‘Terriers‘, Section 2 for ‘Small sized Terriers
Without working trial.’ As of 2020 the breed has also been registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) Foundation Stock, which is a precursor to full recognition of the breed in the states.

History & Origins Of The Japanese Terrier

The Japanese Terrier (Nihon Teria), also known as the Nippon Terrier, originated in Japan in the 17th to early 18th Century. Dutch traders brought Smooth Fox Terriers to Nagasaki, where they were bred with small native dogs, creating what would become the foundation for the breed. The resulting dogs, known as Kobe Terriers, were then further refined in the early 20th Century, by out breeding with English Toy Terriers and a Toy Bull Terrier. From careful breeding of these offspring with Kobe Terriers over generations, the Japanese Terrier we recognize today was born.

The goal in breeding the Japanese Terrier was to create a small, agile dog suited to Japan’s urban environments. Planned breeding began in the 1920’s and by the 1930’s, the breed had gained recognition from the Japanese Kennel Club, who created the first breed standard at that time. By the 1940’s the breed had become popular and widespread in Japan, but as with many breeds faced extinction during WWII and with the boom in trade with the west after the war that saw an increase in the importation of foreign breeds. 

Needless to say, the breed bounced back and has reached international recognition with the United Kennel Club, The American Rare Breed Association, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and more recently, the American Kennel Club as Foundation Stock.

Quick Facts About The Japanese Terrier

• Lively and Playful – Japanese Terriers are full of energy and have a playful nature. They love a good game when they are in the mood, and are great companions for active families or single owners.

• Loving and Devoted – This breed is known for its affectionate nature and strong attachment to its family. They do tend to have a ‘favorite’ though that they will see as their boss and will become particularly devoted to that person in the family. This is quite a strong terrier trait seen in other breeds like the Tibetan terrier. To their owner, they are always eager to be by their side, offering endless love and loyalty.

• Bright and Trainable – Highly intelligent, Japanese Terriers are bright but very strong willed. They can be challenging to train but they are very capable. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods and you need to have a lot of patience.

• Vigilant Watchdog – Despite their small size, Japanese Terriers are alert and make excellent watchdogs. They have exceptional hearing and a keen sense of their surroundings. They will bark to alert their owners of any unusual activity, but thankfully they don’t tend to be too vocal other than to alert.

• Adaptable and Easy to Groom – This breed adapts well to various living environments, including apartments, as long as they receive sufficient exercise. Their short, smooth coat is low-maintenance, requiring minimal grooming to keep them looking their best.

Characteristics Of The Japanese Terrier

The Japanese Terrier is often compared to breeds like the Toy Fox Terrier and the Rat Terrier due to its small size and lively, affectionate nature. They do however, have their own distinct characteristics that make them stand out among terrier breeds.

In its native Japan, the breed is commonly known as the ‘Nihon Teria,’ which is where the name Japanese Terrier is translated from into English. Internationally, it is usually referred to by the English translation ‘Japanese Terrier’, but you might also hear it go by Mikado Terrier, the Oyuki (snowy) Terrier. Despite its growing popularity outside Japan, the breed remains mostly a rare, unique breed internationally.

Japanese Terrier Puppies

Japanese Terrier puppies are lively and curious, typically born in litters of three to five. It’s crucial, as with all new-born pups, for them to stay with their mother and littermates for at least eight weeks to develop proper social behaviors. This early period is essential for their emotional and social development, and any training without this is always more difficult.

Once ready for their new home, early socialization and training should also begin. Japanese Terriers are intelligent and eager to learn, but very self governing. Keep them interested or lose them in a world of their own direction. 

For those considering adding a Japanese Terrier to their family, the cost can vary significantly. In the United States, prices typically range from $600 to $1500, depending on the breeder, lineage, and demand. While they are still a very rare breed in the states, they are not the most expensive, but this may change once they reach full acceptance with the AKC if popularity increases. 

In Europe, prices generally range from €800 to €2,000, where these dogs are also quite uncommon and often come with a waiting list. In the UK, a price between £700 and £1,500 can be expected.

Appearance

The Japanese Terrier is small, with a sleek and agile appearance. They have a compact frame, both muscular and agile, always ready to spring to life at a moments notice. Their head is narrow with a flat skull and a slight stop, complemented by a slender muzzle and a keen black nose.

The eyes are dark, oval-shaped and set wide apart. Their V-shaped ears are set high and fold forward, enhancing their alert appearance. The tail is typically docked in some regions, but when grown, it is set high and carried straight or in a slight curve.

Males and females both stand between 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 10 to 12 pounds. The ideal height in the FCI breed standard, is more strict, to between 12 to 13 inches (30-33cm). There is no real sexual dimorphism between males and females when it comes to height, but males may tend to be a little heavier. 

Coat

The Japanese Terrier’s coat is short, smooth, and lies close to the body. This breed has minimal grooming needs, but regular brushing helps keep the dense coat healthy and glossy. It does shed a fair amount though so expect to find hair around the house. 

Color

Japanese Terriers typically have a tri-color coat consisting of white, black, and tan on the head (sometimes the white is absent). The distinctive coloring often features a predominantly white body with black and/or tan patches, or black spots. The AKC also list solid White as a registered color, but this is not listed by the JKC or the FCI.

Temperament

Japanese Terriers are known for being cheerful and affectionate, with a sweet nature. But they also display many of the typical terrier temperaments. Intelligent but self willed, they love human companionship and can become very attached to their owners. They can be somewhat reserved around strangers, particularly those that live with a single owner. Ideally, they will be socialized early so that even if they live with just one person, having more people or animals around them is not ‘strange’ and they can accept others in their space.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Japanese Terrier is between 12 and 15 years in good health.

Known Health Issues

Though usually healthy, Japanese Terriers can be affected by several health issues. Some of the most notable are:

Patellar Luxation – A common condition where the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal position, causing pain and difficulty in movement.

• Treatment: Mild cases can be managed with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases may need surgical intervention to resolve.

Hip Dysplasia – A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together perfectly, potentially leading to arthritis or lameness.

• Treatment: Management includes weight control, controlled exercise, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Severe cases might require surgery.

Ear Infections – Common in breeds with folded ears, leading to discomfort and potential hearing issues.

• Treatment: Regular ear cleaning, veterinary-prescribed ear drops, and, in severe cases, antibiotics or surgery.

Eye Problems – Conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy can affect vision and cause discomfort.

• Treatment: Depending on the condition, treatments range from medications to surgical intervention to manage symptoms and prevent further deterioration.

Daily Life

Food and Diet

These small, energetic dogs typically need about 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality foods, like a nutrient rich dry kibble per day. The food should be divided into two meals to help manage their metabolism and prevent overeating.

Japanese Terriers benefit from a diet rich in proteins and fats to support their active lifestyle. Look for a premium dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient and contains minimal fillers. A high-protein diet helps maintain their muscle mass and energy levels, while healthy fats support their skin and coat health.

For puppies, who are growing rapidly and have higher energy needs, feeding three to four smaller meals per day is ideal. This routine supports their developmental needs and keeps their energy levels steady throughout the day. As they transition to adulthood, gradually reduce the frequency of meals to twice a day. If they prefer three meals into adulthood then stick with that. There’s no harm to it.

Adjust the food quantity based on the dog’s age, activity level, and metabolism. Older dogs will need a senior blend as they move into advanced stages of their life, to adjust the nutritional balance for their ageing bodies.

Exercise

The Japanese Terrier, though small in size, is very alert and lively, needing regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks and playtime are essential, some will behave well off the leash and others won’t. They have a terriers independent streak and a tendency to make their own minds up about things. So if they are likely to abscond and not recall well, then you will really need to keep them on the leash. A secure yard is ideal for letting them explore and burn off energy, but they also adapt well to apartment living if given sufficient exercise opportunities.

Japanese Terriers enjoy interactive play, and activities like fetch or agility training can be very satisfying for them. They might not play for long though, and when they tire of a game they will just simply move on to whatever has caught their attention. Their intelligent and curious nature means they appreciate games that challenge their problem-solving skills. Training sessions that incorporate positive reinforcement techniques can be both mentally and physically rewarding for them.

While they are energetic, Japanese Terriers also know how to conserve their energy indoors. They are quite adaptable and will often match their activity level to that of their owners. 

Family Compatability

Japanese Terriers are very adaptable, and can adjust to most types of home. From apartment living with an attentive owner, to family life with other pets and children. Whatever the family dynamic, they are best suited to a household that can provide an active and loving environment. They are incredibly loyal to their owner, with a burstiness and lively attitude balanced out with a sweet nature. Their devotion can however, become a bit possessive and this should not be encouraged, especially in families with other pets and kids. In these homes, they tend to choose one member of the family that they consider to be ‘theirs’, and they will be the centre of their world and target for their loyalty above all others.

Training & Socializing

Training a Japanese Terrier can be both rewarding and challenging due to their intelligence and lively nature. These dogs are quick learners but are very self willed and independent. If you want to get the best results, they need consistent but varied training sessions, and a degree of patience when their attention wanes. Positive reinforcement works well, particularly if they feel unsure about a command or request. If they get bored or confused, they are likely to switch off and do something else instead. ​Regular, short training sessions are more effective than long, repetitive ones, keeping the dog’s interest and reinforcing learning without frustration.

Proper socialization from a young age is essential for Japanese Terriers to ensure they are well-mannered and comfortable around other pets and strangers. If they are going to be members of a house with other pets and children, they its particularly important, but this should also give them plenty of opportunity to learn the family hierarchy and their place in it. For single owners, taking your Japanese Terrier to puppy classes, parks, and introducing them to new experiences regularly will help them become more comfortable and well-behaved.

Grooming

Grooming a Japanese Terrier is straightforward enough, with their short, dense coat. They do shed a fair amount though, so regular brushing perhaps once per week is advised. You don’t have to worry about matting and tangles though so brushing is a breeze.

Occasional baths and routine ear cleaning should also be part of a regular routine, with varying frequency depending on how active or smelly they become. Dental hygiene is also important as is regular nail clipping as and when required.

Breed Traits

Breed FAQs

Summary

The Japanese Terrier is a very charming breed known for its cheerful disposition and affectionate nature. These intelligent and adaptable dogs make excellent companions for a variety of different types of household. From large, rural homes to urban apartments. They do have a terriers temperament, and strong independent streak, but they are small and easy enough to control, with a trusting owner to whom they will be eternally loyal. Though widely found in Japan, they are still a rare breed internationally. Their size and adaptability makes them suitable for most owners, experienced or not, as long as they get adequate training and lots of attention. 

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