THE JAPANESE TERRIER – NIHON TERIA ORIGIN AND HISTORY The Japanese Terrier receives his name from his country of origin, Japan. His origin is the same as most other terrier breeds, these vivacious little rascals were all called «terriers», a name borrowed from the French, and going back to Latin, meaning, literally, «to go to earth». The toy terriers were originally bred as ratters and are said to have excelled in this occupation. Other terriers that were bred down to toy size are: The English Toy Terrier, The Yorkshire Terrier, The American Toy Fox Terrier and The Rat Terrier, all bred for hunting vermin. In the middle of the Edo Era, around 1700, a small terrier-type of dog appeared in Japan. It was the result of an out-cross breeding from Japanese small type dogs with a primitive type of English smooth fox-terrier, which was brought by Dutch sailors to the port of Nagasaki (Japan). At this time the Nagasaki port was the only harbour open to western countries, especially for the Dutch. After several generations, some of the offspring of these dogs were mated to some sort of Italian Greyhound. Around 1900, at the end of the Meiji Era, some of the best of the above dogs were seen in the Kobe district, and were called «Kobe Terriers». Their type was something between the modern smooth Fox Terrier and the today’s Japanese Terrier. Although they were not yet so refined, they were the first Terriers bred in Japan. This «Kobe Terrier» and some of its ancestors were also called «Oyuki Terriers» and «Mikado Terriers» and it is told that they were kept lovingly by the local people and also by foreigners. Around 1916, in the Nada district, near Kobe, an ancestor of the Japanese Terrier appeared, a dog named «KURO», which means «black» in Japanese. This dog was born from an out-cross breeding of an English Toy Terrier and a Toy Bull Terrier, both imported from western countries. From careful selection of the offspring of these two dogs and of the above Kobe Terrier bitches, a very short-haired, slim, small, terrier-type dog was born, lately receiving the name of Japanese Terrier. In those days, in-breeding and line-breeding were carried out by the leading fanciers in the Osaka district and in 1930, thanks to their efforts, the type of the breed was fixed and firmly established. The Japanese Terrier did not become popular until 1940, when they were often seen in most of the main Japanese cities. The Japanese Terrier was widely adopted because he satisfied a need. He became popular during a period when towns were springing up all over and with these towns came an increased demand for a smaller, more active dog than the large watch-dogs. The Japanese Terrier was ideal for the town dog fancier and thus, he became fashionable. On two occasions throughout its history it has been faced with extinction. First, during World War 11, and again, recently, around 1948, through loss of popularity among the Japanese, since other western breeds are now more fashionable. The J.K.C. Japanese Kennel Club) recognized the breed around 1930, and a Japanese Terrier Club was founded. Although recognized by the F.C.I. (Federation Cynologique International), the breed has never been seen in European countries until 1991, when a pair of Japanese Terriers arrived in France. Few months after, a new European fancier has joined this adventure: Mr. Roberto Verde from Naples (Italy) already owns several beautiful Japanese Terriers, who enjoy the Mediterranean sun. A CLOSE, FULL DESCRIPTION OF A STANDARD Country of Origin: JAPAN General appearance and characteristics: Small-sized dog, elegant and smart, sleek and cleanly built. Toy with terrier characteristics. Alert, quick and lively temperament. Size: Ideal height 30 cm. (10-12 inches) for dogs and bitches. Head and skull: The skull is flat and moderately narrow. The nasal bridge and skull are equal in length. Slight stop. Fore face tapers gently to provide wedge-shaped impression. The cheeks lean and free from fullness. Top and bottom jaws held tightly together within compressed lips. Nose black. Eyes: Dark to black, without light shading from iris. Small, oval shaped, obliquely set and sparkling. Ears: Small and «V» shaped, carried well above top line of the head and hanging close to the head above the eyes. Leather of the ears thin. Rose ears are also permitted. Mouth: Jaws strong, with a perfect and complete scissors bite. The upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws. White teeth. Neck: Long, graceful, slightly arched; line of neck flowing into shoulders and sloping elegantly. Free from throatiness. Body: The withers high, short back and not too loose. The loins and croup slightly arched and powerful. A tucked-under appearance is desirable. Chest narrow and deep with ribs well-sprung. Forequarters and hindquarters: Legs falling straight from shoulders with elbow close to chest, providing a straight front. Fine bone eminently desirable. Well- rounded loin leading to a good turn of stifle, hocks well let down, neither turning in nor out. Feet: Dainty, compact, split tip between toes, well arched with jet black nails. Hind feet cat-like. Gait/Movement: Nimble and quick, there should be a flowing quality to indicate true soundness. Light and agile. Coat: Short, of I – 2 millimeters, smooth, close and glossy. Silky texture. Colour: Tri-colour, black and tan in the head, white in body. Faults: Disqualification: monorchid or crytorchid. Long hair. Major faults: Overshot or undershot mouths. Minor faults: Slight upper or lower prognatism. Note: Males should have two visible testicles, fulled descended into scrotum.
