Below is the FCI breed standard
http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/259g03-en.pdf
http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/259g03-en.pdf
Below is the original, more in-depth breed standard translated by Kisaki Nakatsukasa
Basic Traits
Japanese Terriers are bright dogs that are alert and active. They are small square dogs with a neat and slender appearance with muscles that give them a well-dried impression. The facial expressions are delicate and dignified, but their movements are agile and can be delightful and lightweight.
Cowardice, weakness, lifelessness, lack of vitality, heavy appearance, and imbalance are detrimental to the general traits of Japanese Terriers.
Head
When the entire head is viewed from above, it is wedge-shaped and gradually narrows from the skull to the snout. The skull is flat and reasonably narrow. The stop is not very clear when viewed from the front, but is clear from the sides.
Eyes
The eyes are almond-shaped, moderately sized, and dark brown. The skin around the eyes is black. Together, they create a lively and gentle look.
Ears
The ears are high above the skull, reasonably small, thin, and V-shaped with half hanging forward. Bamboo ears (quarter folded) are also allowed. In the case of bamboo ears, it hangs on both sides of the skull, but the base of the ears is low and is not on the side of the skull.
Cheeks
The cheeks do not overhang too much.
Mouth
The mouth is moderate in length and the upper and lower jaws are powerful and fulfilling. The line of the bridge of the nose is straight and the lower jaw is also reasonably thick.
Nose
The nose is relatively small, black, and proportional to the face.
Teeth and Bite
Scissor bite with no gaps as much as possible.
Neck
The neck is reasonably long, clean, and muscular, and the nape is slightly arched and high. It conveys a prideful appearance when nervous.
Shoulders
Gently flowing line and incline moderately connecting to the back.
Chest
The ribs behind the shoulders are reasonably rounded and the chest extends deep to the elbows.
Back
The back is relatively short, strong, horizontal, and does not relax.
Loin
The stomach is moderately rolled up. The distance between the ribs and the hips is relatively short.
Waist
The waist is powerful and slightly arched.
Rear
The end of the torso is slanted so that it has a nice roundness.
Front Legs
The front legs are straight from any direction, on the vertical line of the shoulders, muscular but give a slim profound look. Those that are located narrowly or widely are not preferable. Forearms are moderately built, thick but flexible, and strong.
Hind Legs
The hind limbs are thin, the thighs are strong and muscular, and the hocks and hind knee joints are sufficiently flexed.
When viewed from behind, the hocks are parallel to each other. X-shaped or O-shaped curved muscles like cows are not preferable.
Toes
Small, compact, and slightly oval.
Gait
A Japanese Terrier with the correct body composition that is supported by the limbs can take a rhythmic and beautiful gait like a pendulum clock. When the hind limbs, which supply the main propulsion, move properly, they work in harmony with the forelimbs and show light, lively, and agile movements.
Tail
The tail is reasonably thin, and when it is raised when tense is the length to dock. This length allows it to stand upright. Today, most are left naturally with the growing population in Europe where docking/cropping is illegal. I plan on leaving the tails for all my puppies unless otherwise stated.
Coat
The very short coat is about 2mm. It is dense, glossy, and not coarse. However, it should not be as soft as the undercoats of other breeds.
Coat Color
The head is mainly black with tan on both cheeks and above eyes. The body is mainly white.
Size
Both height and length should be within 30cm. Weight should be within 4kg. The females are generally smaller.
*Today the Height: 30~33cm & Weight: 3~6kg
Disqualifications
- Undescended testicles in males
- Over 2mm coat length *Today 1~5mm coat length
Faults
- Overly aggressive or shy behaviors
- External elbows
- Black, tan, grey, or white is the main color of the whole body