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HISTORY

The Japanese Terrier, originating from Japan, is a rare dog to find anywhere in the world, including its native home. This small terrier may also be known as a Neppon Terrier, Nihon Terrier, or Nihon Teria. The Japanese have nicknamed their unique terriers Kobe Terriers, Oyuki Terriers, or Mikado Terriers. Dutch merchants are believed to have brought a dog of their own origin, such as the Dutch Fox Terrier. However, it is unsure exactly which breed was brought to Japan. Some believe it wasn't the Dutch who brought over the ancestors to the Japanese Terrier, but the English. Whether it was the Dutch, or the English, who brought over the Japanese Terrier's ancestors, the time period was estimated to be in the seventeenth century. These foreign dogs were bred to small-sized native dogs. Nagasaki, the only port open in Japan at this time, was the first place the Japanese Terriers appeared. Later, the terriers would become popular in other ports, such as Kobe and Yohohame, as little lap dogs. It wasn't until the 1920's until the Japanese Terriers were bred as pets for the breed. They were believed to first be bred for hunting vermin, but later kept as lap dogs. In 1930 the Japan Kennel Club began to recognize the Japanese Terrier as a breed.

APPEARANCE

This exceptional breed is often called a square dog in body type. The Japanese Terriers are relatively average when it comes to their size when compared to other dogs, but small in stature. They have three different colors, black, tan, and white, in their coats, white being the dominating color. The Japanese Terriers are extremely graceful and very well balanced. When it comes to speed, these dogs are hard to beat with their swift agility. These tiny dogs do not fare well in cold weather. However, due to their very fine short coats, these terriers are low-maintenance, making them easy to take care of. Their unique ears are folded forward and highly set. Japanese Terriers also have docked tails. Everything about this dog is remarkable, especially when it comes to their instincts. They have an impeccable sense of smell and amazing eyesight. Even though they are small of stature, these dogs are very well-built, strong dogs.

TEMPERAMENT

The Japanese Terrier is never a dull dog due to its very lively character. Rarely tracking dirt into houses or leaving around unwanted stains, they are very clean dogs. Their personality is very affectionate and playful. Intelligence makes them very easy to train and very good with children.

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