German Spitz Breeder: Characteristics, Care, and Health

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Posted Oct 12, 2024

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Black German Spitz Mittel on the Street
Credit: pexels.com, Black German Spitz Mittel on the Street

The German Spitz is a small, fluffy dog breed that's perfect for families and first-time dog owners. They're known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.

German Spitz dogs typically weigh between 10-20 pounds and stand about 10-14 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, so be prepared for regular grooming.

In terms of care, German Spitz dogs are relatively low-maintenance, but they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Physical Characteristics

The German Spitz is a small to medium-sized breed, weighing in at 21 to 29 pounds. Their height ranges from twelve to 15 inches at the shoulder.

They have a sturdy and fluffy appearance, with a slightly round head, straight nose, and pointy ears. Dark eyes are a must, and they should always look alert.

Their coat is rough, profuse, and puffy, with multiple layers. A curled tail is a unique aspect of the breed, and it should look healthy and prominent.

Size

German Spitz in a Stroller at the Market
Credit: pexels.com, German Spitz in a Stroller at the Market

The German Spitz is a relatively small breed, typically weighing between 21 to 29 pounds.

You can expect most German Spitz to range in height from twelve to 15 inches at the shoulder, although some can be smaller or larger than average.

The Klein variety is significantly smaller, standing at 9 to 11.5 inches at the withers.

The Mittel variety is slightly taller, ranging from 12 to 15 inches at the withers.

Characteristics of the

The German Spitz is a lively and entertaining family pet, known for being happy and outgoing with people it knows. They're naturally suspicious of strangers, so be prepared for some alert barking when someone new approaches the home.

One of the most notable characteristics of the German Spitz is its high affection level. They adore their owners and love to be around them. In fact, they're so devoted that they'll often follow you everywhere.

Here's a breakdown of the German Spitz's temperament:

As you can see, the German Spitz is a playful and energetic breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They're highly intelligent, which makes them relatively easy to train. With patience and consistency, you can teach them to bark only when necessary and to stand on their hind legs on command.

Overall, the German Spitz is a wonderful companion for active families or individuals who are willing to provide the attention and exercise they need.

Conformation

Credit: youtube.com, Conformation and Physical Properties

The Standard Spitz breed is known for its show potential, so it should look proud and lively. Its medium size, sturdy build, and fluffy coat make it a standout.

A Standard Spitz has a slightly round head and straight nose. Its pointy ears are always perked up, giving it an alert look. Dark eyes are a must for this breed.

The coat of a Standard Spitz is rough, profuse, and puffy, with multiple layers. Its feathered tail curls over its back, and this curled tail is a unique feature of the breed. The tail should look healthy and prominent.

A Standard Spitz should be able to straighten and wag its tail without issue.

Personality and Temperament

The German Spitz is a lively and entertaining breed that makes a great family pet. They are happy and outgoing with people they know, but naturally suspicious of strangers.

Their high intelligence and trainability make them a joy to work with, but they can also be stubborn at times. A strong-willed trainer is necessary to ensure they are obedient and well-trained.

Credit: youtube.com, ► German Spitz Breed [2020] Temperament & Training

The German Spitz has a high energy level and loves to play games that involve running and chasing toys. They require plenty of exercise and attention to keep them happy and healthy.

Here are some key personality traits of the German Spitz:

Their high prey drive means they can be wary of small animals, but with early training, they can learn to curb their chasing tendencies.

Health and Care

The German Spitz is a generally healthy breed, but like any pup, it can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health problems include collapsing trachea, epilepsy, patellar luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to detect any health concerns early, and your vet can help develop a care routine to keep your dog healthy. Daily walks and play sessions are essential to maintain their physical and mental health.

The German Spitz's lifespan is typically 13 to 15 years, and with proper care, they can live a long and happy life. It's also essential to maintain their oral health by brushing their teeth daily, as small breeds are prone to dental issues.

Health

A Cute German Spitz Sitting on a Man's Lap
Credit: pexels.com, A Cute German Spitz Sitting on a Man's Lap

The German Spitz is a generally healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years.

One common health concern is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness. This condition is often hereditary and found in various breeds.

Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help develop a care routine to keep your dog healthy.

The German Spitz is prone to weight gain, so it's essential to ensure they get at least one hour-long walk daily, along with active play sessions and shorter walks. This will help maintain their physical and mental health.

Some German Spitzes may also be prone to dental issues, so it's vital to brush their teeth daily. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog's teeth properly.

Full body of positive stylish mother and daughter looking at each other while strolling with cute Spitz dog in sunny autumn park
Credit: pexels.com, Full body of positive stylish mother and daughter looking at each other while strolling with cute Spitz dog in sunny autumn park

Here are some common health problems that can affect the German Spitz:

  • Collapsing Trachea: a condition where the windpipe narrows or weakens, causing breathing difficulties
  • Epilepsy: a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures
  • Patellar Luxation: a condition where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position, leading to lameness and discomfort
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy: a degenerative eye disease that gradually impairs a dog's vision

Care

Regular veterinary checkups are essential to detect any health concerns early, and your vet can help develop a care routine to keep your German Spitz healthy.

German Spitzes are prone to weight gain and have high energy levels, so they need at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk daily, along with several active play sessions and shorter walks.

Daily ear checks are a must, and cleaning them as your vet recommends will prevent debris and pests from taking hold.

Trimming your dog's nails regularly, usually once or twice a month, will prevent them from clicking against the floor and causing discomfort.

Brushing your German Spitz's teeth daily is crucial, as small breeds are prone to dental issues, and your veterinarian can show you how to do it properly.

This breed is highly intelligent and easy to train, making it a great choice for first-time owners.

Cute girl with funny little Spitz
Credit: pexels.com, Cute girl with funny little Spitz

Despite their high energy levels, German Spitzes don't need hours of exercise, just regular playtime and walks to keep them happy and healthy.

Their thick coat requires regular attention, and they may not always enjoy being groomed, so it's essential to train them to tolerate it.

Don't get into the habit of carrying your German Spitz everywhere, as this can prevent them from fully experiencing their world like a dog.

Health and Care

To keep your German Spitz healthy, it's essential to feed them a high-quality dog food. You can get a recommendation from your breeder or veterinarian if you need one.

German Spitz have high energy levels, so they need a diet formulated for a small breed. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain, so stick to a regular feeding schedule.

Leaving food out all day can cause weight gain, which can put extra strain on your German Spitz's joints and contribute to health problems like diabetes.

Photo of a Jumping German Shepherd
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To avoid overfeeding, portion out meals on a schedule, using a measuring cup or scale. This will help you keep your German Spitz at a healthy weight.

As your German Spitz grows from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years, their dietary needs will change. Be sure to ask your veterinarian for recommendations to ensure they're getting the right nutrition at each stage of their life.

Upkeep

The German Spitz is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, but regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and knotting.

Their thick double coat needs to be brushed a couple of times a week, and when they shed, daily brushing is a must to remove loose hairs.

Occasional bathing is sufficient, but make sure to clean their ears regularly with a pet ear cleaner if they look dirty.

The German Spitz requires regular exercise, such as playing hide-and-seek or chasing a ball, to keep them happy and healthy.

Credit: youtube.com, German Spitz - Everything you need to know

No fence gap is too wide nor tree too tall for the insatiably curious German Spitz, who won't stop at anything to find their next adventure.

Bodies of water are dangerous to this breed and should be avoided, if possible.

Intelligent and alert, the German Spitz is a quick learner and easily trainable, but they do have a tendency to bark at new or different things, so training is needed to nip this behavior in the bud.

A weekly nail trim will help keep your German Spitz comfortable and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average price of a German Spitz?

The average price of a German Spitz puppy is between $400 and $700. Initial costs, including vaccinations and supplies, can add hundreds more to the overall expense.

How rare are German Spitz?

The German Spitz is a rare breed in North America, with few breeders and limited litters available each year. This scarcity makes finding a German Spitz puppy a challenging task for many potential owners.

Saroja Tandon

Lead Writer

Saroja Tandon is a skilled wordsmith with a passion for weaving engaging narratives. As a writer, she has honed her craft through years of dedicated practice and study. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human emotions, Saroja crafts stories that captivate and inspire readers.