The German Spitz is becoming renowned for its great family qualities. Like the Poodle, Schnauzer and Dachshund, this active dog comes in more than one size.
Facts
Care and exercise
Like all Spitz breeds, they are not trimmed but a thorough brushing and a regular bath keeps their coats healthy. With their soft woolly undercoat and harsh, long outercoat a good brushing at least every second day is essential. They have to be brushed right down to the skin in order to keep their coat from matting. Care must be taken of nails, teeth and ears but other than that, they are an easy to care for breed. Attention must be taken from puppyhood to introduce them to obedience training, to allow them to fulfil their potential as good family members.
The German Spitz is an active little dog, and needs a reasonable amount of exercise each day, but this can easily be achieved with a walk or simply running around the backyard.
Suitability
The German Spitz, regardless of size, makes an ideal family pet for people who want a small, active and alert, profusely coated breed. With his happy, independent outlook on life and devotion to his family, he is more than happy to live with young and old alike.
The sizes range between Klein, between 23-29cm and the Mittel, 30-38cm. It is believed the German Spitz descended from Samoyed-type dogs who journeyed across Northern Europe with the Vikings. As these dogs spread over Europe, they contributed to the development of the herding and shepherd breeds. Evolving during the Middle ages in northern Germany and Holland, the German Spitz’s double coat protected him from the harsh climates. It is thought the Pomeranian was bred down from this breed. With a soft woolly undercoat and long harsh outercoat, it is covered in profuse hair except for the face, ears and legs. The high set tail is covered in long spreading hair and carried curled over the back. With its independent and happy outlook on life, the German Spitz is a devoted family member. Although not a guard dog, its watchful personality will alert its family of any visitors.
This compact breed is almost square in outline and with its brisk, effortless movement is a joy to take for a walk. They do like to play so regular exercising is easy to arrange. They are at home either on an extended walk or curled up in front of the fire. The head is typical Spitz type, wedge shaped, with a nearly flat skull and small, high set, triangular ears. The muzzle is about half the length of the head and pointed. The coat extends to an abundant frill round the shoulders and front legs.
As the German Spitz comes in a full colour range with any markings acceptable, all the pups in one litter can be different colours and choosing your particular preference can be a tough job.
