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Dog breed

Japanese Terrier

Small, compact terrier with distinctive short, smooth coat and lively, alert disposition. Characterized by its clean-cut, smart appearance and cheerful character, this breed combines typical terrier alertness with a friendly companion nature.

Life span
12–15 years
Origin
Japan
Japanese Terrier dog breed

Profile

Important information

Species / Genre
Dog
Life span
12–15 years
Temperament
Lively, alert, intelligent, playful, affectionate
Origin
Japan
Breed group
Terrier
Weight
2.5–4 kg
Height
30–33 cm

About

Japanese Terrier

Description

Small, compact terrier with distinctive short, smooth coat and lively, alert disposition. Characterized by its clean-cut, smart appearance and cheerful character, this breed combines typical terrier alertness with a friendly companion nature.

History

Descended from Smooth Fox Terriers brought to Japan by Dutch traders in the 17th century, crossed with native Japanese dogs. Refined as companions in port cities like Kobe and Yokohama with planned breeding beginning around 1920 and official recognition by Japan Kennel Club in 1930.

Temperament

Personality traits

Lively alert intelligent playful affectionate

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Related content

Care and training for Japanese Terrier

Health general

Dog Weekly Checkup Health General Guide

weekly checkup can help you notice changes in your dog's normal patterns. Track appetite, water, energy, bathr...

This is general information only and is not a veterinary diagnosis. Do not give medicine or change treatment without consulting a veterinarian.
Health general

Dog Travel Preparation Health General Guide

travel preparation can help you notice changes in your dog's normal patterns. Track appetite, water, energy, b...

This is general information only and is not a veterinary diagnosis. Do not give medicine or change treatment without consulting a veterinarian.
Health general

Dog Cold Weather Plan Health General Guide

cold weather plan can help you notice changes in your dog's normal patterns. Track appetite, water, energy, ba...

This is general information only and is not a veterinary diagnosis. Do not give medicine or change treatment without consulting a veterinarian.
Health general

Dog Rainy Day Plan Health General Guide

rainy day plan can help you notice changes in your dog's normal patterns. Track appetite, water, energy, bathr...

This is general information only and is not a veterinary diagnosis. Do not give medicine or change treatment without consulting a veterinarian.
safety

Dog Weekly Checkup Safety Guide

Use weekly checkup to reduce avoidable risk for your dog. Check the home setup, storage, weather, travel gear,...

behavior

Dog Hot Weather Plan Behavior Guide

hot weather plan works best when your dog has predictable routines, enough rest, and reward-based guidance. No...

grooming

Dog Hot Weather Plan Grooming Guide

Make hot weather plan part of a calm grooming rhythm for your dog. Keep sessions short, reward relaxed behavio...

feeding

Dog Hot Weather Plan Feeding Guide

Use hot weather plan as a simple feeding checkpoint for your dog. Keep meals predictable, provide fresh water,...

advanced

Dog Advanced Sit

A advanced dog lesson for sit using short, reward-based practice.

advanced

Dog Advanced Stay

A advanced dog lesson for stay using short, reward-based practice.

advanced

Dog Advanced Recall

A advanced dog lesson for recall using short, reward-based practice.

advanced

Dog Advanced Leash Walking

A advanced dog lesson for leash walking using short, reward-based practice.