Japanese Spitz

A twentieth-century creation, bred in Japan during the 1920s and 1930s from white German Spitz and other small white spitz dogs, then standardised after the war. Because it was designed as a companion rather than a hunter, it is usually the most outgoing and trainable dog on this list, loyal and playful at home while still alert enough to bark at strangers. The dense white coat needs regular brushing, and small tear ducts leave many with runny eyes. Patellar luxation is the main health concern, and UK data puts average life expectancy at about thirteen years. The UK Kennel Club recognised it in 1977; in the US it remains in the AKC's Foundation Stock Service.