Japanese Terrier
About the Japanese Terrier
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Small (10-25 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 11-13" |
| Weight | 5-9 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
30 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $900/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Japanese Terriers may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Japanese Terrier
The story behind the Japanese Terrier
The Japanese Terrier is generally traced to port cities such as Nagasaki and Kobe, where smooth fox terriers brought by Dutch and other European traders from around the seventeenth century onward were crossed with local small dogs. Over time a lighter, finer terrier emerged, kept in towns as a companion and as a modest ratter, and it is sometimes said to have been carried aboard boats. Japanese breeders formalised the type during the earlier twentieth century and a standard was set. The breed never became numerous, and the disruptions of the mid-twentieth century reduced it further. It is recognised by the Japan Kennel Club and by the FCI, but remains rare, with very small numbers outside Japan and limited breeding stock.
Originally bred for: Companion dog, Ratting, Ship and household dog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Japanese Terrier
A small, lean-framed dog with a quick metabolism suits a concentrated small-breed food served morning and evening. Thin coat and light body mean cold weather raises needs slightly. Keep portions honest, since a few extra ounces show quickly on such a fine frame.
Watch for: Nothing breed-specific is documented, partly because the population is small and little studied. Treat it like other fine-boned terriers: introduce foods gradually and watch stool quality. Bring recurring skin irritation or digestive upset to a vet rather than assuming a food allergy.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Japanese Terrier
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.