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I like to consider the Japanese Terriers a mix of Terrier and Primitive breeds.
Like your typical Terriers they are active, versatile athletes, intelligent, and a firecracker. They are small yet sturdy and know how to hold their grounds. However, the Japanese Terriers are considered to be "Terrier-lite" meaning they are not as intense as most Terrier breeds. They also shouldn't have any sorts of aggression (dog, same-sex, etc) and should do well with other dogs and in a multi-dog household making them a nice beginner Terrier breed.
Like the primitive breeds they are aloof with strangers, independent, alert, and cautious. They are not the kind of dogs to go up to anyone for attention and would rather keep it to themselves and the people they know and trust. They are independent and do not live to please you or work for/with you. They only do things because they want to or because they can get something out of it, and have the "What's in it for me?" attitude. Many Japanese Terriers are food motivated which helps a lot keep their focus and attention during training, but without food or a reason, they could care less. They are also very alert and cautious and think before they act to make sure it's "safe". Anything they feel is a threat or anything amiss they will alert. They were bred to be small watch dogs and still have those great senses and qualities.
Due to their unique temperaments this breed is NOT suited for first time owners or anyone who is not prepared to provide a big amount of training and socialization. Lack of training and socialization will result in your Japanese Terrier being very nervy and skittish and in worst cases aggressive. Cases like these are not uncommon in Japan with first time owners, especially, and others who failed to provide any or enough socialization.
All of these qualities may sound like a challenge, but to me the relationship you create with this breed is very special and nothing like the ones you have with other breeds with a more "normal" or easier personalities. Seeing all of the work and time you spend with each other pay off is one of the best thing one could ever feel and I live for those special moments. They also tend to only show their true colors and silly and sassy personalities with the people they trust making those moments extra special. Being able to preserve this rare breed with unique challenges is another great adventure I have with the breed and I hope more can experience this with this breed.
Energy and drive, I would consider them to be medium, some can be lower. Providing them with both mental and physical exercises is important. My dogs live an active lifestyle adventuring the mountains and the beach as well as training and competing in various sports, but in the house they know to calm down and have a nice off switch. There are many lower energy dogs who are happy with a walk and play time in the yard, but they are also capable of living a more active lifestyle. As a terrier breed many have prey drive and like to chase small animals, but can learn to live around them. There are a number of them living with small animals like cats, birds, guinea pigs, and more. Proper introduction and supervision is a must for the safety of both animals.
They are also capable of living with small children, but boundaries and supervisions are a must for both of their safeties. As with most dogs, they need their own space and respect and rules must be taught for little kids when being around a Japanese Terrier. They are small dogs and can easily be injured if handled incorrectly.
Like your typical Terriers they are active, versatile athletes, intelligent, and a firecracker. They are small yet sturdy and know how to hold their grounds. However, the Japanese Terriers are considered to be "Terrier-lite" meaning they are not as intense as most Terrier breeds. They also shouldn't have any sorts of aggression (dog, same-sex, etc) and should do well with other dogs and in a multi-dog household making them a nice beginner Terrier breed.
Like the primitive breeds they are aloof with strangers, independent, alert, and cautious. They are not the kind of dogs to go up to anyone for attention and would rather keep it to themselves and the people they know and trust. They are independent and do not live to please you or work for/with you. They only do things because they want to or because they can get something out of it, and have the "What's in it for me?" attitude. Many Japanese Terriers are food motivated which helps a lot keep their focus and attention during training, but without food or a reason, they could care less. They are also very alert and cautious and think before they act to make sure it's "safe". Anything they feel is a threat or anything amiss they will alert. They were bred to be small watch dogs and still have those great senses and qualities.
Due to their unique temperaments this breed is NOT suited for first time owners or anyone who is not prepared to provide a big amount of training and socialization. Lack of training and socialization will result in your Japanese Terrier being very nervy and skittish and in worst cases aggressive. Cases like these are not uncommon in Japan with first time owners, especially, and others who failed to provide any or enough socialization.
All of these qualities may sound like a challenge, but to me the relationship you create with this breed is very special and nothing like the ones you have with other breeds with a more "normal" or easier personalities. Seeing all of the work and time you spend with each other pay off is one of the best thing one could ever feel and I live for those special moments. They also tend to only show their true colors and silly and sassy personalities with the people they trust making those moments extra special. Being able to preserve this rare breed with unique challenges is another great adventure I have with the breed and I hope more can experience this with this breed.
Energy and drive, I would consider them to be medium, some can be lower. Providing them with both mental and physical exercises is important. My dogs live an active lifestyle adventuring the mountains and the beach as well as training and competing in various sports, but in the house they know to calm down and have a nice off switch. There are many lower energy dogs who are happy with a walk and play time in the yard, but they are also capable of living a more active lifestyle. As a terrier breed many have prey drive and like to chase small animals, but can learn to live around them. There are a number of them living with small animals like cats, birds, guinea pigs, and more. Proper introduction and supervision is a must for the safety of both animals.
They are also capable of living with small children, but boundaries and supervisions are a must for both of their safeties. As with most dogs, they need their own space and respect and rules must be taught for little kids when being around a Japanese Terrier. They are small dogs and can easily be injured if handled incorrectly.
