Japanese Terrier

Also known as: Kobe Terrier, Oyuki Terrier, Mikado Terrier, Nippon Terrier

The Japanese Terrier took shape in the early 20th century around the port of Yokohama, where local dogs were crossed with fox terriers brought ashore by European sailors. The result stayed rare even at home and remains little known outside Japan. It's a small, lean dog, a male rarely exceeds 6 kilograms, with a smooth, short coat that needs almost no grooming. Temperament runs lively and alert, keeping the terrier's characteristic curiosity and eagerness to investigate its surroundings. The breed was never produced in large numbers, which is why it's counted among the rarest FCI-recognized terriers today. Life expectancy runs 12 to 15 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Japanese Terrier: how old in human years?

30–33 cmHeight
4–6 kgWeight
12–15 yrsLife expectancy

Dachshund

FCI group: Terriers
FCI section: Section 4: Toy Terriers
FCI: 259
Country of origin: Japan

Energy level

3/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 30–33 cm

Females 30–33 cm

Weight

Males 4–6 kg

Females 4–6 kg

Life expectancy

12–15 yrs

Coat

smooth, short (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Japanese Terrier's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 3/5
Good with other dogs 3/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 3/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Japanese Terrier's energy and exercise needs are moderate.

Energy level 3/5
Exercise need 3/5
Apartment friendly 4/5
Prey drive 3/5
Hunting instinct 2/5

Guarding & Alertness

Japanese Terrier's guarding and alertness traits are low.

Guarding instinct 1/5
Watchfulness 3/5
Barking level 3/5

Grooming & Care

Japanese Terrier's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 1/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Japanese Terrier

It weighs less than a full bag of shopping, yet it walks into a room like the owner of the place. The Japanese Terrier is a small, rare dog and probably the calmest terrier you will meet: lively, but without the frenzy. A few moderate walks a day and some play indoors are enough, after which it is happy to nap in your lap.

It is reasonably clever and learns willingly when sessions are short and fun, though a streak of terrier stubbornness does turn up. Its hunting drive is milder than that of many of its relatives, but a running cat may still prove too tempting. It isn't a big talker and announces visitors in moderation; you won't get a guard dog, but you won't get complaints from the neighbours either.

A flat suits it perfectly, which is one of its biggest selling points for city people. It is devoted to its family, likes to be close, and is friendly with other dogs and visitors. It gets on with children, but its small size and slight build call for calm, careful playmates: a leap off the sofa or an accidental kick can hurt it more than it would a bigger dog.

Grooming and coat

Stroke a Japanese Terrier once and you will understand why its coat gets compared to velvet: the hair is very short, fine and glossy, lying flat against the body. It barely sheds, so it leaves hardly a trace on a dark sofa. A weekly pass with a soft brush or a damp mitt is all it takes. Baths are rarely needed, and afterwards dry the dog thoroughly.

A coat this thin offers almost no protection from cold and damp, so in autumn rain and in winter this little dog will need a warm jacket, and sometimes a shorter walk. With the skin right there under the hair, check it once a week for scratches, ticks or irritation, and in summer keep the dog out of fierce sun. Trim the nails regularly, since a small dog wears them down very little.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for small breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (6 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 99 g of dry food a day, from €5,40 a month For a neutered, normally active 5 kg dog. Calculate for your dog