Content
- Origin of German Spitz
- Physical Characteristics of German Spitz
- German Spitz Character
- German Spitz Care
- German Spitz Education
- German Spitz Health
The dogs German Sptiz comprise five separate races which the International Cynological Federation (FCI) groups under only one standard, but with differences for each race. The races included in this group are:
- Spitz Wolf or Keeshond
- big spitz
- medium spitz
- small spitz
- Dwarf Spitz or Pomeranian
All of these breeds are practically identical, with the exception of size and coat color in some of them. Although the FCI groups all these breeds in just one standard and considers of German origin, the Keeshond and the Pomeranian are considered by other organizations as breeds with their own standards. According to other canine societies, the Keeshond is of Dutch origin.
In this PeritoAnimal breed sheet we will focus on the Large, Medium and Small Spitz.
Source- Europe
- Germany
- Group V
- provided
- toy
- Small
- Medium
- Great
- Giant
- 15-35
- 35-45
- 45-55
- 55-70
- 70-80
- more than 80
- 1-3
- 3-10
- 10-25
- 25-45
- 45-100
- 8-10
- 10-12
- 12-14
- 15-20
- Low
- Average
- High
- Sociable
- very faithful
- Active
- Tender
- floors
- Houses
- Surveillance
- Cold
- Warm
- Moderate
- Long
- Smooth
Origin of German Spitz
The origins of the German Spitz are not well defined, but the most common theory is that this breed of dog is Stone Age descendant (Canis familiaris palustris Rüthimeyer), being one of the oldest dog breeds in Central Europe. Therefore, a good number of later breeds come from this first one, which is classified as "primitive type" dogs, due to its origins and characteristics inherited from the wolves, such as the erect and forward-facing ears of the head, the pointed snout and a long tail on the back.
The expansion of the race in the western world occurred thanks to the British royalty preference by the German Spitz, who will arrive in Great Britain in the luggage of Queen Charlotte, the wife of George II of England.
Physical Characteristics of German Spitz
German Spitz are cute puppies that stand out for their beautiful fur. All Spitz (large, medium and small) have the same morphology and therefore the same appearance. The only difference between these breeds is size and in some, color.
The head of the German Spitz is medium and seen from above has a wedge shape. It looks like a fox's head. Stop can be marked, but not too much. The nose is round, small and black, with the exception of brown dogs, in which it is dark brown. The eyes are medium, elongated, slanted and dark. Ears are triangular, pointed, raised and set high.
The body is as long as its height to the cross, so it has a square profile. The back, loin and croup are short and strong. The chest is deep, while the abdomen is moderately drawn in. The tail is set on high, medium and the dog has it wrapped around its back. It is covered with abundant hair.
German Spitz fur is formed by two layers of fur. The inner layer is short, dense and woolly. The outer layer is formed by long, straight and separate hair. The head, ears, forelegs and feet have short, dense, velvety hair. The neck and shoulders have an abundant coat.
The accepted colors for German Spitz are:
- big spitz: black, brown or white.
- medium spitz: black, brown, white, orange, gray, beige, sable beige, sable orange, black with fire or mottled.
- small spitz: black, white brown, orange, gray, beige, sable beige, sable orange, black with fire or mottled.
In addition to the differences in color between the different breeds of German Spitz, there are also differences in size. The sizes (cross-height) accepted by the FCI standard are:
- Big Spitz: 46 +/- 4 cm.
- Medium Spitz: 34 +/- 4 cm.
- Small Spitz: 26 +/- 3 cm.
German Spitz Character
Despite differences in size, all German Spitz share fundamental temperament characteristics. these dogs are cheerful, alert, dynamic and very close to their human families. They are also reserved with strangers and like to bark a lot, so they are good guard dogs, although they are not good protection dogs.
When they are well socialized, they can tolerate unfamiliar dogs and strangers willingly, but they can be confrontational with dogs of the same sex. With other house pets they usually get along very well, as well as with their humans.
Despite socialization, they are not usually good dogs for very young children. Their temperament is reactive, so they can bite if mistreated. Furthermore, the little Spitz and the Pomeranian are too small and fragile to be with younger children. But they are good companions for older children who know how to care for and respect a dog.
German Spitz Care
German Spitz are dynamic but can unleash their energies with daily walks and some games. Everyone can adapt well to living in an apartment, but it is better if they have a small garden for the larger breeds (large Spitz and medium Spitz). Shorter breeds, like the little Spitz, don't need the garden.
All of these breeds tolerate cold to moderate climates very well, but they do not tolerate heat very well. Due to their protective coat they can live outdoors, but it is better if they live indoors as they need the company of their human families. The fur of any of these breeds should be brushed at least three times a day to keep it in good condition and free from tangles. During times of fur change it is necessary to brush it daily.
German Spitz Education
these dogs are easy to train with positive training styles. Due to its dynamism, clicker training presents itself as a good alternative to educate them. The main behavioral problem with any of the German Spitz is barking, as they are usually a breed of dog that barks a lot.
German Spitz Health
All breeds of German Spitz are generally healthy and do not have high incidences of canine diseases. However, the most common diseases in this breed group, with the exception of Pomeranian, are: hip dysplasia, epilepsy and skin problems.