German Spitz dogs belong to five distinct breeds that the International Cynological Federation (FCI) groups together according to a single standard, but with differences for each breed. The breeds included in this group are:
- Wolf Spitz or Keeshond
- Great Spitz
- Medium Spitz
- Little Spitz
- Dwarf Spitz or Pomeranian
All of these breeds are virtually identical except for size and hair color.Although the FCI groups all these breeds into one standard and considers them 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 PlanetAnimal breed sheet, we will focus on the large, medium and small spitz!
Origin
- Europe
- Germany
FCI Nomenclature
- Group V
Physical Characteristics
- Proportional
Size
- Average
Height
- 15-35
Adult Weight
- 3-10
Life expectancy
- 12-14
Recommended physical activity
- Low
Character
- Society
- Very loyal
- Active
- Affectionate
Ideal for
- Apartment
- House
- The guard
Recommended climate
- Temperate
Hair type
- Long
- Smooth
Origin of the German Spitz
" The origins of the German Spitz are not well defined, but the most popular theory indicates that this dog breed descends from the Stone Age Tundra Dogs ( Canis familiaris palustris Rüthimeyer ), which has by subsequently was recognized as the “spitz of lakeside communities, establishing itself as the oldest breed of dog in Central Europe.For this reason, a good part of the latest breeds come from this first breed, which is classified as a primitive type dog, by its origins and the characteristics inherited from wolves, such as ears erect and turned in front of the head, muzzle pointed and a long tail located on the back."
The expansion of the breed in the Western world was made possible by the British royal preference for the German Spitz, which came to Great Britain in the luggage of Queen Charlotte, wife of George III of England.
Physical Characteristics of the German Spitz
German spitz are beautiful dogs that are distinguished by 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 cases, color.
The head of the German Spitz is medium sized and if viewed from above it is wedge-shaped.It looks like the head of the fox. The naso-frontal depression (stop) can be marked, but it is not sudden. Their nose is round, small, and black, except in brown dogs, where it is dark brown. Their eyes are medium, elongated, oblique and dark. Their ears are triangular, pointed, erect and high set.
The body is as long as its height at the withers, so it has a square profile. The back, loin and rump are small and powerful. His chest is deep, while the abdomen is moderately tucked up. The tail is of medium and high insertion and the dog wraps it over the back. It is covered with abundant very thick fur.
The coat of the German Spitz is made up of two layers of hair. The inner coat is short, dense and woolly. The outer layer is made up of long, stiff, sparse hairs. The head, ears, front part of the legs and feet have short, dense and soft hair.The neck and shoulders feature an abundant mane.
The accepted colors for the German Spitz are:
- Great Spitz. Black, brown or white.
- Medium Spitz Black, brown, white, orange, greyish, cream, cream-sable, orange-sable, black with tan or spotted.
- Little Spitz . Black, brown, white, orange, grayish, cream, cream-sable, orange-sable, black with tan or stained.
Besides the color differences between the different German Spitz breeds, there are also size differences. The sizes (height at the withers) accepted by the FCI standard are:
- Great Spitz . 46 ± 4cm.
- Medium Spitz 34 ± 4 cm.
- Little Spitz . 26 ± 3cm.
Character of the German Spitz
Despite the differences in size, all German Spitz share basic temperament characteristics.These dogs are cheerful, alert, dynamic and very attached to their families. They are also reserved and barkers with strangers, so German Spitz are very good guard dogs, although they are not good protection dogs.
When well socialized, they can tolerate unfamiliar dogs and strangers willingly, but they can conflict with dogs of the same sex. You won't have any problems with other pets in your household either!
Even if they are well socialized, they are generally not good dogs for very young children. It is a very reactive dog which can bite or mark if it is abruptly. In addition, the small Spitz and the Pomeranian are too small and fragile to be pets of young children. On the other hand, they are good companions for older children who know how to take care of their dog and respect it.
German Spitz Care
These German Spitz are dynamic but can release their energies with daily walks and play sessions. All can adapt well to living in apartments, but larger breeds (large spitz and medium spitz) are best to have a small garden. Smaller breeds, such as the small spitz, do not need the garden.
All these breeds tolerate cold and temperate climates very well, but do not tolerate very hot climates. Due to their protective coat, they can live outdoors, but it is best if they live inside the house as they need the company of their family. The coat of any breed should be combed and brushed at least three times a week to keep it in good condition and free of tangles. During moulting, it is necessary to brush it every day.
Education of German Spitz
These dogs are easy to train using positive reinforcement.Due to its dynamism, clicker training is promoted as a good alternative to educate them. The main behavioral problems of German Spitz are barking, indeed they tend to be a barking dog breed.
German Spitz He alth
All German Spitz breeds are generally he althy and do not have a high rate of canine disease. However, the most common diseases for these dogs, with the exception of the Pomeranian, are: hip dysplasia, epilepsy and skin problems.
Pictures of German Spitz
