How to Groom a Japanese Spitz

The Japanese Spitz is always entirely white.

The pure white Japanese Spitz is a small dog that is descended from the Arctic Spitz family, though some claim it is a miniaturized version of the Samoyed. This intelligent dog, though active and playful, is also fastidious and tidy about its silky double coat and sometimes will clean itself like a cat; by licking itself. The straight outer coat stands away from the body while the inner is dense and quite soft. While most of the hair is long and feathered, the hair on the bottom half of the legs is shorter. Despite the thickness of the coat, it is very easy to maintain, requiring only weekly brushing and combing.

Things You'll Need

• Metal Comb
• Pin Brush
• Slicker Brush
• Spray Water Bottle
• Blunt-ended Scissors
• Nail Clippers
• Styptic Pencil
• Fur-Whitening Shampoo (available at pet stores)
• Cotton Balls

Instructions

1. Spray the dog's coat with water before combing. The hair of the Japanese Spitz is fragile and may break if combed while dry. Like all double-coated dogs, the undercoat may become matted if not combed regularly.

2. 

   The pin brush is essential for combing out the thick undercoat.

   Using the pin brush, start at the tail and comb through the hair, working your way up toward the head. Switch to the slicker brush to comb out the legs. Roll the dog onto its belly and use the slicker brush to comb out this area.

3. 

   Use only blunt-ended scissors when grooming your dog.

   Clip the hair between the pads on the bottom of the dog's feet, using the blunt-ended scissors. Shorten the nails, if required, taking care not to cut into the "quick". If this occurs, use the styptic pencil to staunch any bleeding.

4. Check the dog's eyes, using a cotton ball dipped in warm water to clean away any mucus. Using the blunt-ended scissors, remove any long hairs surrounding the dog's eyes. Tears or mucus can discolor the white fur around the eyes. If this occurs it can be corrected using a whitening shampoo. Follow the manufacturer's directions for its use.

5. Check the dog's ears regularly. If any evidence of mites or infection is found, take the dog to the vet. Do not attempt to treat the dog's ears yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• The Japanese Spitz only sheds its coat twice a year. Grooming during this time will keep the dog more comfortable and your house free from shed hair.

• Some people like to fluff up the dog's coat with talcum powder. If you choose to do this, apply a light sprinkling of powder after the coat has been combed, then comb again to remove excess powder and allow the dog to shake itself off. It is highly recommended that this is done outside your home.

• Never use cotton swabs in a dog's ears.

References

• Dog-Behavior-Training.com.uk;Japanese Spitz Grooming
• Shanspitz Kennels;Caring for your Shanspitz Puppy
• Dooziedog.com; Japanese Spitz

Resources

• Dog Breed Info Center; Japanese Spitz
• Dogs Gossip; Japanese Spitz