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This extremely loyal dog not just exhibits high levels of faithfulness to its master but is known to be very attentive and ever-ready to learn new tricks.
German Spitz has a range of characteristics that prove him to be a very unique and trustworthy watchdog. The breed is believed to be the direct descendant of Nordic herding dogs such as the Lapphund.
It is quite an interesting fact that this lovely house pet was once a robust farm dog.
As the name suggests, they are a Spitz type that developed in Germany and they were introduced to the outer world only in the 1970s.
Many tend to mistake them to be Pomeranians owing to their fluffy and cuddly appearance but as a matter of fact, they are very different from the latter in terms of height and stature; they are quite larger than Pomeranians.
They prove to be the most appropriate pets to owners living in apartments; hence if you are planning to bring one home, consider learning and knowing more in detail about them.
German Spitz Breed Characteristics Sheet
- Origin: Germany
- Size: Short to Medium
- Dog Breed Group: Foundation Stock Service
- Purebred: Yes
- Lifespan: 13 -15 Years
- Height (at Shoulder): 12 to 15 inches (Varies based on Gender)
- Weight: 8 – 26 lbs (varies as per dog size)
- Coat Appearance: Soft undercoat, rough and long top-coat
- Coat Colors: White, Cream, Brown, Red and Black Tan
- Temperament: Lively, Robust, Independent, Affectionate
- Good With Children: Yes (better under elder’s observance)
- Intelligence Level: High
- Good With Pets: Medium (To an extent)
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Grooming: High
- Shedding: Medium-High (if not taken care of)
- Barking: High
- Suitable For Apartments: Moderate
- Need For Exercise: Moderate
- Easy To Train: Yes (Need consistent training; can easily get bored so teaching them new tricks on a daily basis is advisable)
- Good For First Time Owners: Moderate (May need professional help at times)
- Health Issues: Idiopathic Epilepsy, Patellar Luxation, Cataract
- Litter Size: 2 -4 Puppies
- Average Price: $ 700 USD (approx)
German Spitz Size And Lifespan
German Spitz Size
- Size – A medium sized German Spitz would be 12 -15 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Height – Smaller German Spitz type would weigh between 8 and 22 pounds while a medium sized dog would be around 24 to 26 pounds.
German Spitz Lifespan
German Spitz is a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 13 – 15 years.
Parent’s medical history plays a major role in determining the life span of this breed. Though it is an emotional topic to talk about, it is an important fact that pets if not taken care of properly, tend to live fewer years than expected.
German Spitz Temperament
This fun-loving German Spitz dog is not just known for its affectionate nature but is also famous for its bossy and leadership characteristic. It may sound surprising that these dogs may sometimes be found dominating other larger pets in the house.
They are great around children and can be left alone without senior supervision but the same isn’t true when it comes to playing with larger pets.
It is better to watch over your German Spitz as they might hurt themselves during rough play. These breed dogs are mostly amiable towards cats if they are raised together but it is always advisable to keep smaller pets away from your German Spitz.
They are quite alert and wouldn’t let even a stranger trespass your house gates. You may find his excessive barking a bit noisy but that can be corrected with timely training.
German Spitz usually gets attached to its owners and they are not very great at handling separation; ignorance and isolation can lead them to depression.
German Spitz Vs Japanese Spitz
Although the German Spitz and the Japanese Spitz are the spitz type dogs, they have a few differences as well.
| Characteristics | German Spitz | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | As the name indicates, this dog belongs to Germany. | Of course, Japanese Spitz belongs to Japan. |
| Size | This breed weighs double of the Japanese Spitz. It can weigh around 23 to 40 pounds. | This breeds weighs from 10 to 20 pounds. |
| Temperament | This dog is kid-friendly, but it does not tolerate the children like the Japanese Spitz. | This dog behaves well children and is more patient with them. |
| Exercise Needs | German Spitz needs minimal amount of exercise. | Japanese Spitz needs high amount of exercise. |
| Barking | This dog is an average barker. | It barks too much. |
German Spitz Training
German Spitz dogs are highly intelligent and they learn tricks quite easily. They are always eager to please so if you follow a consistent approach towards training them, they will be ever-ready to learn.
They have a habit of barking at every new object they come across; so this is one major concern about this breed. You can always curb this behavior with early training.
Socialization is another early training that your German Spitz requires; take him out to parks so that he may mingle with other pets and also people.
They respond greatly to music so it wouldn’t be a surprise if your pet starts showing off dance moves.
German Spitz Puppy Names
| Male | Female |
|---|---|
| Bingo | Angel |
| Bruno | Bella |
| Bushy | Buffy |
| Chiku | Daisy |
| Gentleman | Hannah |
| Felice | Lovely |
| Hachiko | Lucy |
| Mikie | Nancy |
| Noddy | Puppy |
| Saam | Pixie |
German Spitz Care
These tips will help you care for your German Spitz;
- Your German Spitz needs to be groomed several times a week in order to avoid accumulation of dirt, ticks, and fleas.
- Their nails grow quite fast so make sure you trim them at least once a week.
- Tooth decay and gum disease are very common in these dogs; hence making it a habit to brush his teeth regularly.
- His ear should be checked on a daily basis; clean his earlobes with wet cotton swabs to avoid accumulation of dirt and ear infection.
- Many dogs – owners prefer feeding their pets with the latest dog food brands but home food is always the best.
German Spitz Food
Most German Spitz dogs love eating food that they find themselves but smaller dog types fuss a lot about food. So it is important that you understand your pet’s eating habits.
You should never replace your pet’s food with yummy treats and chews just because he dislikes the kibble you gave him.
He can be fed 2.2 cups of food, split into 4 times a day until the 13th month and then you can bring it down to 2 – 3 times a day.
German Spitz Shedding And Grooming
German Spitz has a double coat and it mostly sheds twice a year; in order to avoid matting, you must brush your pet’s hair on a daily basis.
He has a soft undercoat and if you want to prevent your door mats and carpets from being laden with wooly hair, then try removing their loose hair using shedding gloves. Trust me, they are quite handy!
Interesting Facts
- They look just like an overgrown Indian Pomeranian and it’s obvious that someone new to pet keeping will be prone to get confused.
- Many owners have reported this breed type as humorous dogs.
- They were nicknamed as “Mistbeller” because, in their homeland, they used to sit on a high spot and bark out loudly at the sight of unusual movement.
German Spitz Health Problems
German Spitz is mostly a healthy breed but they have a high potential to develop genetic disorders. Here are the most common types of health issues that you must look out for;
Patellar Luxation – This condition develops when the knee of the dog is displaced. This usually causes a problem in the pet’s gait and may also lead to painful lameness.
Idiopathic Epilepsy – Sudden seizures are the most common symptom of this health problem. If you keep ignoring this health issue, it may lead to your pet growing weak within a few weeks.
Cataract – It is a very common eye problem affecting the German Spitz dog and the chances of getting cataract increase with age. Blurred vision and missing out coordination are the primary symptoms found in dogs suffering from cataracts.
These dogs also suffer from joint problems like hip dysplasia and autoimmune disorders. Early identification of these problems will help you give your pet proper treatment in a timely manner.
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German Spitz Price
The average cost for German Spitz dog type may range from $700 to $800.
Always consult a vet or local guide prior to buying from a breeder; they will know better about his/her authenticity.
German Spitz Breeders
Analyzing the breed’s reputation is as important as selecting the right dog type. Take a look at these 3 points prior to buying a pup;
- Always express your wish to meet the pup in person
German Spitz is never aggressive but if you find the pup acting otherwise, then it is better you ignore buying from the particular breeder. Meeting the pup in person will help you understand the environment it is growing up in.
- Inquire about the direct bloodline
Parents with genetic disorders usually pass on their health issues to their puppies. It is mandatory that you check the medical test results of the parent pets in concern.
- Checking medical reports of pups is good practice
Good breeders will always take medical tests and give appropriate vaccinations, so request to see the medical reports of the pup before purchasing one; this will save you from a lot of unwanted expense.
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