The German spitz is an energetic , levelheaded , adaptive , and friendly heel who is fast to her family yet has an independent streak , too . Learn more about living with a German spitz .
The German spitz is an adaptative , friendly frankfurter who can thrive in the small flat or in a home with huge acreage — all she cares about is you being by her side .
Though quick to make herself comfortable in any home , the German spitz is an up-and-coming andhighly intelligent dogthat needs to keep her little paws actuate . If you could keep her from getting bored , she ’ll be a cuddly , bouncy companion .
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Appearance
When you see a German spitz at your local hot dog park , you may first conceive she ’s a tinykeeshondor a bigPomeranian — and you would n’t necessarily be incorrect .
Jerry Klein , chief veterinary policeman for the American Kennel Club , says the Federation Cynologique Internaionale ( FCI ) recognize German spitz andiron in five sizes : toy , klein(miniature),mittel(medium ) , giant ( grosspitz ) , and wolfspitz . In the U.S. , only two size — kleinandmittel — are recognized . Toy German spitz are known stateside as Pomeranians and the wolfspitz are keeshonden .
The U.S.‘smittelandkleinGerman spitz stand between 12–15 inches at the shoulder and count between 24–26 pounds . The German spitz has a stand - up pelage , supported by a soft , woolly undercoat . Her mane - like apprehension , called a frill , lends an air of regality to her appearance .
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The German spitz ’s coloring varies , with coat in black , white , brown , emollient , flushed , grey-headed , and even parti - colour . Her small , triangular ears are always at attention , seemingly take heed to her owner ’s every word ( and waiting for the magic phrase : " Let’sgo on a walk ! " ) .
Temperament
A German spitz is industrious , intelligent , adaptive , friendly , firm , and independent — all part of what pee her a wonderful part of the house .
" The spitz is lively , law-abiding , and walks with a spring in their step , " says Stacy Choczynski Johnson , DVM , veterinary expert withPumpkin Pet Insurance . " They areexcellent family dogsbecause they become very attached to their owners and tend to [ alarm ] their homes [ to ] strangers . "
These up-and-coming , happy dogs love to use their big brain to larn new thing , and theytake to preparation quickly . As with all dog , it ’s good tosocialize your German spitz puppyandbegin training her other onso she adapts to new environments , people , and situation . A well - trained , well - socialise spitz will confidently take on the existence and be able-bodied toshare her menage with catsand other dog , too .
Living Needs
Whetherin an urban apartment , in a house in the suburbs , or on straggle acreage out in the countryside , as long as she ’s with you , your German spitz will be well-chosen . Wherever she is , her adaptability will make her feel right at domicile .
And while aGerman spitz demand exerciselike every other frump , that does n’t mean she ’ll necessitate to jog beside you for miles on ending ( that is , unless you ’d like her to ) . She ’ll be well-chosen expending her vigor indoors , whether play games like hide and seek , chasing her favorite toy , or check new trick . She ’ll also be a asterisk educatee inagility class !
Because of her energetic position and super smarts , a German spitz can easy become blase if she does n’t have enough to do . And that boredom can rick into unwanted behaviors , sometimes taken out on your sofa cushions orthrough incessant barking . So if you ever leave her alone for a few hours at a time , ensure she hasplenty of puzzlesanddog toys to keep her busy .
These playful whelp will also makegreat playmates for kiddos , but , as with all dogs , child should be supervised around animals andtaught how to properly interact with pets .
Care
The German spitz ’s coating does need a bit of care , but if you keep up with curry , upkeep can be simple . Her double coatsheds twice a year — about two to three weeks each meter — and you will need tobrush her dailyto remove the previous coat andprevent her hair from landingall over your clothes and furniture . In the time between shedding seasons , a quick brush every other day should keep knots and mats at bay as will a deeper grooming weekly . The upside to all this brushing : fewer bathroom , which will no longer be necessary .
And while it can be tempting to trim off your spitz ’s thick coat in the summer ( these pupsdon’t exactly prosper in the high temperature ) , think again before you grab those clippers . As a three-fold - coated heel , that furprovides born insulating qualitiesin the heat and cold . So hand your spitz a haircut could actually make her more uncomfortable .
As with all dogs , take the time at home plate to assure your German spitz’sears are free of infectionwithregular cleansing . You should alsotrim her nailsandbrush her tooth often .
With their high storey of intelligence and allegiance to their owners , German spitzespick up training basics promptly . Consistent andpositive reinforcement trainingthroughout her life story will help her be polite and well - conduct .
Health
German spitz dog have a lifespan of 13–15 years and aregenerally sizeable pets . But , as with all breed , there are a few wellness concern spitz parent need to be aware of .
" The spitz isprone to patellar luxation , an orthopedic condition that incline to bear on small-scale frankfurter , " says ChoczynskiJohnson . " With this disease , the kneecap slides out of its lifelike groove causing an intermittent or constant lameness . When manipulating the knee , a ' pop ' sensation when the genus Patella moves outside of its normal anatomical positioning is noticeable .
" The spitz may also get retinal diseases , includingprogressive retinal atrophy(PRA ) and retinal dysplasia , " Choczynski Johnson adds . " frank with PRA will see a gradual departure of vision due to a degeneration in the photoreceptor layer in the back of the center . Retinal dysplasia , on the other hand , can be find in untried puppy . "
As your pup ages , be trusted to consult your vet if you distrust she is developing either of these condition .
apart from these potential conditions , your German spitz shouldvisit the vet for steady checkupsandvaccinations . You ’ll also require to speak to your veterinary surgeon about flea and tick bar , either seasonally or year - round , depending on where you survive .
History
The German spitz ’s ancestrydates back 6,000 yearsto the first Stone Age when spitz - character blackguard were link with the era ’s hunting watch - gatherer . In the centuries since , German spitz hound became beloved for their alert nature and precipitous bark — fishermen and traders involve the spitz on their boats and patrol wagon to work as watchdogs , and on farm they were used to warn of intruders .
The breed went from being a working dog to a fellow domestic dog when they enchant the center of Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria . It was here , when the dogs were exported to other body politic , that the Pomeranian and keeshond were recognized as separate breeds .
The German spitz declined in popularity at the beginning of World War I , but the mid-1970s marked their retort . And though she ’s not yet officially registered with the American Kennel Club ( AKC ) , the German spitz has been accepted into the organization ’s Foundation Stock Service .
