Small spitz dog

Small spitz dogs come in several sizes. There is a miniature spitz, small spitz, medium spitz and large spitz. They are very impressive dogs, richly hairy, with pointed ears and lush tail curled on the back. Intelligent, alert, distrustful of strangers.

Nature

The little spitz is a lively dog, full of energy and willingness to play, friendly to the world. The level of guarding instinct in a dog of this breed varies depending on the individual – some small spitz is wary, while others have a more open character. Generally, they are alert and fast-reacting dogs, which is why they tend to announce with barking any disturbing change in the environment. The little spitz strongly attaches to the owner.

Skills

Small Spitz works as an alarm bell, but above all, they are great companion dogs.

Training and education

Small spitz is happy and learn quickly. You can practice agility with them (Small class), dance with a dog, rally-o. The little Spitz does not require constant and intensive exercises from its owner – he will eagerly go for a long walk and lie next to his beloved gentleman on the couch. However, it should be noted that these little dogs can also be stubborn and arbitrary, especially if they sense the weakness of the guide.

Who is this race for?

This breed is suitable for novice owners, because it is not difficult to raise. It can also be recommended for families with children and seniors. Of course, it is important for children to be taught how to handle the dog properly, because on the one hand such a tiny dog ​​is exposed to injuries, e.g. if it is dropped, and on the other, it can bite defending itself. This dog is not recommended for people who spend long hours away from home.

Advantages and disadvantages

Small Spitz – what is it like? Learn its pros and cons!

Disadvantages

• sometimes barking
• intensely molts and requires regular brushing
• is a bit stubborn

Advantages

• excellent family dog
• great watchman
• very attached to the owner
• easy to raise
• adapts to different conditions

Health

The little spitz is a healthy and long-lived breed. Genetic diseases occur sporadically in these dogs. Small spitz most often suffers from patellar dislocation and eye disease (PRA, RD and cataracts).

Feeding

In terms of nutrition, tips are not demanding. They eat little and are not prone to gaining weight. You can feed them with good quality ready food or prepare meals yourself.

Care

Spitz dogs are very clean and, contrary to appearances, easy to care for. Their long, hard hair does not hold dirt and even after an autumn walks the spitz can be quickly restored. Spitz must be brushed under the hair. An adult spitz is enough to comb once every two weeks, slightly more often during molting. It is worth brushing the puppy more often to get used to the care treatments.

Accessories

The pointer brush is ideal for grooming, and the furminator during molting.

History

All German Spitz, according to popular theory, is derived from the so-called peat dog ( Canis familiaris palustris ), which is considered the oldest of European breeds. Currently, there are doubts as to whether these specific dogs were actually the ancestors of all European Spitz, but undoubtedly this is the oldest type of dog existing here.

Spitz – originally of medium size, or possibly large – were widely used in Germany as guard and yard dogs. From the 19th century, smaller individuals began to be bred as companion and show dogs. Established in 1899, the Verein für Deutsche Spitze eV recognized as miniature (Pomeranian), small, large and wolf spitz breeds (the average breed was not recognized until 1969). All the time in the litters of small spitz, larger and smaller than the standard individuals are born, which after the end of the 9th month are qualified to the appropriate variety.

The little Spitz is liked and popular in many European countries, but in the USA and Canada this breed is not bred at all – only Miniature Spitz (Pomeranian) is officially recognized in these countries. The Spitz is bred in large numbers in Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Great Britain, Finland, Russia and the Czech Republic.

Template

Small Spitz – group V FCI, section 4, reference number 97

• Country of origin:  Germany
• Character:  lively dog, devoted to the owner, distrustful of strangers, watchful guard; maybe barking
• Size:  dogs and bitches – 23-29 cm
• Weight: 5-10 kg
• Coat:  double-layered: long, straight, stiff and protruding top coat and short, thick, woolly undercoat; head, ears and paws covered with short, thick hair, the rest of the body – with long hair, which creates an abundant mane on the neck and shoulders, trousers and a feather on the tail; Spitz molts constantly, but twice a year more intensively
• Color: black, brown, white, orange, gray-shaded (willy), other ointments (black and tan, spotted, red with black coating, cream)
• Lifespan:  12-15 years
• Vulnerability to training:  high; although it belongs to primitive breeds, it is relatively easy to shape
• Activity:  medium; the little spitz likes movement, but if he is given regular walks, he will adapt to a less active lifestyle
• Resistance/susceptibility to diseases:  very resistant to cold and frost, does not tolerate heat very well; breed generally healthy, there are problems with the patella and eye diseases
• Possibility to buy a puppy: a  puppy usually needs to be ordered

Interesting facts

The most original varieties of German spitz were the size of the modern medium and probably large, followed by the size of the small, when smaller specimens began to be selected for breeding. The youngest variety is a Pomeranian, which is the result of further miniaturization.