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German Spitz

Size:
Lifespan:
Over 12 years
Coath length:
Medium
Sheds:
Yes
Grooming:
Every day
Size of home:
Size of garden:
Small/medium garden
Town or country:
Either
Energy levels:
High
Characteristics:
Friendly, smart and loyal
Gets along with other pets:
Yes
Family dog:
Yes
Suitable for:
All owners
Breed standard colours:
Below
Average dimension(s):
Various
Requires training:
Basic training

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The German Spitz is a breed of spitz-type dog, originating in Germany. The breed comes in several sizes, large, medium and toy, with the Pomeranian a close relative and sometimes classed as a dwarf spitz.

Other than size they have many of the same characteristics, with delightful foxy faces, bright eyes and an abundant double coat, consisting of a long, straight outer coat and a short, thick, cotton-wool like undercoat. They have a thick ruff around their chest and shoulders and a plumed tail that curls over their back and they come in a wide variety of colours, including white, black, brown, orange and grey. German Spitz are friendly, smart and devoted dogs, and make a super addition to the family household. They get on well with children and most other dogs. These are smart dogs, who get great joy from playing games with their owners and being at the centre of their attention and devotion. They do have an independent streaking can be occasionally stubborn. They may also get into the habit of barking without good early training. The coat of the German Spitz is thick and high maintenance and requires daily grooming to keep it in top condition.

History

The German Spitz breeds are believed to be descendants of larger Nordic spitz dogs brought from Scandinavia to Norther Europe by the Vikings. They were used in Germany as farm dogs, which could herd and guard, and over the centuries were bred to be smaller companion dogs. Their ancestors are the Samoyed, the Finnish Lapphund and the Swedish Lapphund.

Health and common issues

Generally healthy. German Spitz are generally healthy dogs, although can still be prone to a number of conditions including luxating patellas, progressive retinal atrophy) and retinal dysplasia. (Breed watch – category 2 on Kennel Club. Point of concern: sore eyes or excessive tearing)