Yet another of the growing army of Spitz-type dogs now being seen in the UK, this lap-sized breed descended from Nordic longhaired dogs. It was taken to Japan early in the twentieth century and, after its arrival there, was bred to reduce its size. The breed was then exported to Sweden, where it was readily accepted, and in 1970 some were brought from Sweden to England.

A small, nimble dog, he demands neither excessive feeding nor much exercise, and his startlingly white coat and bold, affectionate nature make him an attractive household pet. He is never lost for a word and will indicate the presence of invaders in a forceful manner.

Like many of his type, his profuse standoff coat and his thick underlay need hearty attention on a regular basis, but this does not mean that a new owner is condemning himself to hard labour for life.