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Japanese Terrier Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Japanese Terrier so you can get to know the breed more.

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Japanese Terrier dog profile picture
OriginJapan flagJapan
Other Names
What other names does the Japanese Terrier have?
Kobe TerrierMikado TerrierNihon TeriaNihon TerrierOyuki Snowy TerrierNippon Terrier
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Japanese Terrier Size and Weight

Size
Is a Japanese Terrier small, medium or large dog?

How big do Japanese Terrier get?

What is the average size of a Japanese Terrier?

Small
Weight
How much does the Japanese Terrier weigh? How much should a Japanese Terrier weight? What is the normal weight of a Japanese Terrier? How much does a full-grown Japanese Terrier weight?
5-9 pounds
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Japanese Terrier?
7 pounds
Height
How tall is the Japanese Terrier? Japanese Terrier height:
8-13 inches
Average Height
What is the average height of a Japanese Terrier?
10.5 inches

Japanese Terrier Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Japanese Terrier puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Japanese Terrier in the United States? How much money is a Japanese Terrier?

Where to buy a Japanese Terrier with a good pedigree?

$1000-$1300
If you choose to purchase the Japanese Terrier, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Japanese Terrier for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Japanese Terrier gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Japanese Terrier? How many Japanese Terrier are there in the world?
Average: The Japanese Terrier is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Japanese Terrier Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Japanese Terrier? Is the Japanese Terrier breed dumb or smart?
Very smart: Japanese Terrier is an excellent dog breed. You can teach them many tricks and commands. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in 5-15 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 85% of the time or better.

The Japanese Terrier is one of the top breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Japanese Terrier dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Japanese Terrier?
Japanese Terrier dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Japanese Terrier good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Japanese Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Japanese Terrier dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Japanese Terrier dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Japanese Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Japanese Terrier Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Japanese Terrier have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActiveAffectionateLivelyCheerfulVigilantSwift
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Japanese Terrier sensitivity:
Sensitive: Japanese Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Japanese Terrier a good family dog?
High: Japanese Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Kobe Terrier need? Japanese Terrier social needs:
Japanese Terrier dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Japanese Terrier to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Japanese Terrier roam?
Japanese Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Japanese Terrier have high prey drive?
Japanese Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Japanese Terrier dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Japanese Terrier Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Japanese Terrier is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Japanese Terrier dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Kobe Terrier bark?
Average to High: The Japanese Terrier is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Japanese Terrier good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Japanese Terrier in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the Japanese Terrier breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Japanese Terrier indoors by introducing daily routines.

Japanese Terrier Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Japanese Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Japanese Terrier be left alone? How long can you leave a Japanese Terrier alone?
Japanese Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Japanese Terrier Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Japanese Terrier has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Japanese Terrier? How much bite force does a Japanese Terrier have? How strong is a Japanese Terrier bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Terrier bite force: Weak. The Japanese Terrier bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Japanese Terrier measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Japanese Terrier may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Japanese Terrier being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Japanese Terrier bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Japanese Terrier puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Japanese Terrier can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Japanese Terrier bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Kobe Terrier? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Japanese Terrier? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Japanese Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Japanese Terrier do?
Japanese Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Japanese Terrier dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Japanese Terrier Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Japanese Terrier dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Japanese Terriers are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Japanese Terrier breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Japanese Terrier see the vet?
Rare
The Japanese Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Japanese Terrier dogs live? How old can a Japanese Terrier be? What is the age limit of the Japanese Terrier? How many years can the oldest Japanese Terrier live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Japanese Terrier?

How long is the lifespan of a Japanese Terrier?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Terrier: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

Japanese Terrier Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Japanese Terrier have? What is the activity level of the Japanese Terrier?
Japanese Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Japanese Terrier need? How much exercise do Japanese Terrier dogs require per day?

Do Japanese Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises?

Japanese Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Japanese Terrier breed need?
Japanese Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Japanese Terrier Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Japanese Terrier need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Japanese Terrier breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Japanese Terrier? How much food should I feed my Japanese Terrier?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Japanese Terrier risk for obesity:
Low: The Japanese Terrier has good luck with genetics. This breed doesn't need to worry about obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Japanese Terrier weight regularly.

Japanese Terrier Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Japanese Terrier have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
FineDenseSmoothGlossySlick
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Japanese Terrier coats?
Black White Tricolor
Grooming
How to groom the Japanese Terrier and how often? How often should I take my Japanese Terrier to the groomer?
Effortless: The Japanese Terrier requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Japanese Terrier is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Japanese Terrier dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Kobe Terrier? Do Japanese Terrier dogs shed a lot?
Japanese Terrier dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Japanese Terrier need a bath? How often should you give a Japanese Terrier a bath? Can I bathe my Japanese Terrier every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Japanese Terrier breed hypoallergenic?
No
Japanese Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Japanese Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Japanese Terrier drool?
The Japanese Terrier is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. If you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, the Japanese Terrier could be a good choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool less than others, just like the Japanese Terrier.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Japanese Terrier Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Japanese Terrier dogs get along with other pets? Are Japanese Terrier dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Japanese Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Japanese Terrier temperament with other people:
Japanese Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Japanese Terrier dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Japanese Terrier temperament with children:
Japanese Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Japanese Terrier dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Japanese Terrier breed live with a cat?
Japanese Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Japanese Terrier good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Japanese Terrier dogs get along with other dogs?
Japanese Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Japanese Terrier can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Japanese Terrier breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Japanese Terrier breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Japanese Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Japanese Terrier dogs good office canines? Do Japanese Terrier dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Japanese Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Japanese Terrier dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Kobe Terrier temperament with senior people? Are Japanese Terrier dogs good for elderly owners?
Japanese Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Japanese Terrier As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Japanese Terrier be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Japanese Terrier is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Japanese Terrier be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Japanese Terrier be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Japanese Terrier is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Japanese Terrier be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Japanese Terrier is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Japanese Terrier be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Japanese Terrier is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Japanese Terrier be a boat dog?

Not really

Japanese Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Japanese Terrier be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Japanese Terrier is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Japanese Terrier dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Japanese Terrier Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Japanese Terrier pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Japanese Terrier breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Japanese Terrier: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Japanese Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can the Japanese Terrier breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Japanese Terrier have? How many puppies can a Japanese Terrier give birth to?
4-7 puppies

Japanese Terrier Recognition

AKC Group
Is Japanese Terrier recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Japanese Terrier recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.

Japanese Terrier Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Very smart: Japanese Terrier is an excellent dog breed.
  • Trainability: Japanese Terrier dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: Japanese Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Japanese Terrier requires minimal grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Japanese Terrier is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low: The Japanese Terrier has good luck with genetics.
  • Watchdog Ability: Japanese Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Japanese Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Japanese Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Japanese Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Japanese Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Japanese Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Japanese Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Japanese Terrier breed in the home.
  • Mouthiness: Japanese Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Japanese Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Japanese Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Japanese Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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