Two millimetres: that is the coat length the FCI standard specifies for the Japanese Terrier (Nihon Teria). Beneath it is a small, compact dog, as tall as it is long, with a head marked in black, tan and white.
| FCI | Group 3 (Terriers), Section 2 Small-sized Terriers, Standard No. 259, without working trial |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Size (height at the withers) | Males and females approximately 30 to 33 cm |
| Weight | not specified in the FCI standard |
| Life expectancy | no reliable study figure found (N/A) |
| Coat | short, smooth, dense and glossy, only about 2 mm long; long hair disqualifies |
| Colours in the standard | tricolour with a black, tan and white head; white body with black patches and black or tan markings |
Fox Terriers in Nagasaki harbour
According to the standard, the breed developed from Smooth Fox Terriers brought from Holland to Nagasaki in the 17th century and crossed there with small pointers or native dogs. Their descendants lived mainly in port cities such as Kobe and Yokohama, as lapdogs. Planned breeding began around 1920, but the type was not fixed until 1930. The FCI definitively recognised the Nihon Teria on 01.04.1964. Meet its European ancestor in the Smooth Fox Terrier entry.
A terrier for your lap
Unlike most terriers, the FCI lists it as a companion dog rather than a hunter. The standard briefly describes it as swift and lively, and the historical account calls it cheerful. You can therefore expect an alert, playful companion that wants to join you everywhere. The standard does not say how much of the Fox Terrier’s hunting instinct remains in an individual dog, so watch small animals closely during those first off-lead outings.
A small dog with quick feet
It should move lightly and freely, and that is exactly what it wants to do. Daily walks with time to sniff, little search games indoors and a few tricks keep it balanced. It brings speed to agility or hoopers, but the breed does not demand extreme outdoor performance.
Looking after two millimetres of coat
There is hardly any brushing in the usual sense. A rubber curry brush or damp cloth once a week removes loose hair and dust. So little hair provides scant warmth, though, and a dog coat can help in cold, wet weather. If it shivers or wants to head home, it is too cold.
Tail and ears in the standard
The tail is traditionally docked in its country of origin. In Germany, docking is generally prohibited under Section 6 of the German Animal Welfare Act. For countries with a docking ban, including Germany, the standard describes the natural tail: slightly curved, tapering towards the tip and carried moderately high in motion. The ears are set high, thin and V-shaped, dropping forwards; folded ears or ears standing out to the sides are also permitted.
What is known about its health
Honestly, very little. The breed does not appear in the large British lifespan analysis by McMillan and colleagues (2024), and searches in Europe PMC and PubMed found no study examining diseases in Japanese Terriers. We therefore deliberately give no lifespan figure. Ask breeders which veterinary examinations the parents have had and how long their ancestors lived.
Does the Nihon Teria suit you?
Yes, if you want a small, easy-care companion to join you in town, at cafés and on visits, while still enjoying a run. First-time owners can manage too with kind, consistent training. Probably not if you want a robust dog for hours of walking in every weather, or lack patience when finding a responsible breeder.
The breed quiz shows in a few minutes whether a small companion terrier really fits your daily life; our book explores the question further: “Welcher Hund passt WIRKLICH zu dir?” (book in German). For life with a puppy, there is the free Puppy Starter Pack. Its tricolour head looks striking as a poster in a wooden frame , and more styles await among our dog portraits.
Further reading
- Jack Russell Terrier: a working dog that happens to be small
- Leaving your dog alone: learning without drama (step by step)
- Autumn shedding in dogs and cats: what is normal and what is not
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: FCI-Standard Nr. 259 Nihon Teria (Japanischer Terrier) (fci.be, German version dated 31.01.2020, English original dated 03.06.2016, valid standard published 04.04.2016); FCI breed page No. 259; McMillan KM et al., Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death, Scientific Reports 2024 (breed not included).
The links to our books are affiliate links. Buying through them supports us at no extra cost to you.
