German Spitz

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Size: Klein: Small
Mittel: Medium
Other Names: Deutscher Spitz
Country of Origin: Germany
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): FSS
United Kennel Club (UKC): Northern Breed
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Non-Sporting
The Kennel Club (KC): Utility
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Utility [Mittel]
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Non-Sporting

The German Spitz is a short, compact, nearly square, medium-sized dog with a profuse coat that comes in a variety of colors and markings. His coat is very abundant around his neck and forequarters, and he has a frill of profuse, off-standing straight hair that extends over his shoulders. His legs are well featured. His high-set tail lies curled over his back, and is profusely furnished with long, spreading hair. His head is wedge-shaped, with a broad and nearly flat skull, and a muzzle that tapers in width to the nose. His dark, medium-sized, oval-shaped eyes are set obliquely and not too far apart, with fully pigmented eye rims that are compatible with his coat color. His small, triangular-shaped ears are set rather high, and are perfectly erect. Males are distinctly masculine, while females are distinctly feminine.

A watchful companion spitz who can live in an apartment if you accept his bark; a stand-off coat that sheds and a big voice for his size.

In Germany, the German Spitz is recognized in five varieties, differentiated by size and color: the Kleinspitz, or miniature spitz, is white, brown, black, orange, grey shaded, and other colors, and is known as the German Spitz (Klein) in the US; the Mittlespitz, or medium/standard spitz, is white, brown, or black, and is known as the German Spitz (Mittel) in the US; the Wolfsspitz is wolf gray with black points, known as the Keeshond in the US; the Zwergspitz is toy size and any color, known as the Pomeranian in the US; and, the Grossespitz, or giant spitz, is white, brown, or black. The Mittelspitz or medium/standard spitz is the ancestor of, and is sometimes taken to include, the American Eskimo Dog. Some registries allow the American Eskimo Dog to be registered as Mittelspitz. Only the Canadian Kennel Club and the two major American kennel clubs recognize the American Eskimo Dog as a separate breed. The Japanese Spitz, also bred from the German Spitz, is very similar to the Kleinspitz but is limited to the white color.

Height: Klein: 9-11½ inches; Mittel: 12-15 inches
Weight: Klein: 2-7 pounds; Mittel: 23-41 pounds
Color: Any color and markings, including pure white
Coat: Double; soft, woolly undercoat; long, harsh, perfectly straight outer coat
Lifespan: 13–15 years
Litter size: 3–5 puppies

Temperament

The German Spitz is intelligent, active, and alert, with a happy and confident disposition that shows no sign of nervousness or aggression. He is well suited for apartment life, as long as he receives regular exercise.

Training

Some German Spitz do not like to be groomed and positive association with grooming should begin at an early age.

Care and grooming

The German Spitz requires regular brushing to prevent his coat from matting. He needs to be walked daily, and will enjoy a brisk walk or jog.

Shedding

Seasonal; the stand-off double coat blows a heavy undercoat.

Health

German Spitz are generally healthy companion dogs. Patellar luxation and dental crowding can occur; keep teeth clean and do not let the dog become overweight.

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