The Der Großspitz is a breed that originated in Germany, where it was highly valued for its exceptional hunting skills.
This breed is known for its distinctive physical characteristics, with a long, narrow head and a bushy tail.
Its medium-sized body is athletic and agile, making it well-suited for long days of hunting.
The Der Großspitz is a relatively rare breed, but its loyal and affectionate nature has made it a beloved companion for many dog owners.
Herkunft und Geschichte
The Großspitz has a rich history that dates back centuries. This breed has been around for over 4,000 years, although the exact origin is unclear.
In Germany, the Großspitz was highly valued as a working dog, used for tasks such as guarding, hunting, and pulling sleds. Its popularity as a companion animal was also immense.
The Großspitz was a staple in German households, and its smaller relatives were equally popular. By the 19th century, the Großspitz and its smaller varieties were the most common breed in Germany.
Unfortunately, the Großspitz is now listed as an endangered breed, a status it has held since 2003. This is a shame, given its many excellent qualities, including its temperament, health, and family-friendly nature.
The Großspitz has been recognized by the Verband Deutsche Spitze since 1899, although initially, the organization encompassed all sizes of the breed. Today, many breeders offer Großspitz puppies in black, white, and occasionally, brown.
Wesen und Charakter
The Großspitz is a very loving breed, making them perfect for beginners.
They're intelligent, active, and extremely friendly, which makes them suitable for a variety of roles, including family pets and therapy dogs.
Großspitze are known to be very child-friendly and get along well with other pets in the household.
However, it's essential to remember that they don't do well with being left alone for extended periods, as this can lead to unhappiness.
Despite their large size, Großspitze can thrive in city apartments if you provide them with enough exercise and mental stimulation.
In fact, their intelligence and trainability make them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
Ein Rasseportrait
The Großspitz is a breed known for its intelligence, being described as gelehrig (learned) and klug (clever). It's a versatile dog that thrives on attention and interaction.
In terms of physical characteristics, the Großspitz comes in a variety of colors, including weiß (white), schwarz (black), grau (gray), loh (reddish-brown), braun (brown), and orange. Its size ranges from 42-50 cm in height and 20-27 kg in weight.
One of the notable aspects of the Großspitz is its lifespan, which averages around 12 years. This breed is generally considered suitable for families and individuals who want a loyal companion.
The Großspitz is a relatively low-maintenance breed in terms of grooming, with a relatively low pflegeaufwand (care requirement). Its coat is characterized by a long, hanging deckhaar (topcoat) and a short, dense undercoat.
Here's a summary of the Großspitz's characteristics:
As a family-friendly breed, the Großspitz is suitable for households with children. Its social nature means it can adapt to a variety of living situations, but it does require regular exercise and attention to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Wesen
The Großspitz is a very loving breed and is well-suited for beginners.
These dogs are intelligent, active, and extremely friendly, making them perfect for a variety of roles. Their loving nature makes them easy to train, especially when they're young.
You can train a young Großspitz to be a great family dog or even a therapy dog, as they're very kid-friendly and get along well with other pets.
However, it's essential to note that Großspitze don't like being left alone for long periods, so they're not suitable for owners who are away from home for extended periods.
Despite their large size, Großspitze can thrive in small living spaces like apartments, as long as you provide them with enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a great breed for first-time dog owners, and with the right training, they can become wonderful companions.
Aussehen und Pflege
A Großspitz typically grows to be around 46-50 cm tall and weighs between 20-27 kg.
Their beautiful, long fur is a defining feature, with a dense undercoat and a longer, coarser outer layer.
These dogs have distinctive pointed ears, a pointed nose, and alert eyes.
You can choose from a variety of colors, but the most common are white and black, with brown being a less common option.
It's worth noting that the Samoyed often gets mistaken for a Großspitz due to their similar appearance, but they're actually quite different in terms of temperament.
Großspitze have a thick, weather-resistant coat that doesn't tend to mat or tangle, making grooming relatively easy.
In fact, their fur is so easy to care for that it doesn't need to be shaved or clipped, preserving its natural protective function.
To keep their coat looking its best, a weekly brushing is usually sufficient, unless they're in the midst of shedding, in which case more frequent brushing may be necessary.
Die Gesundheit
The Großspitz is a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years.
Regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations are crucial for ensuring a long and healthy life for your Großspitz.
Although the Großspitz is a robust breed, genetic health issues can still occur, such as Alopezie X, a condition that leads to hair loss, and joint problems like hip dysplasia.
A regular check-up with a veterinarian can be instrumental in identifying and addressing any potential health issues early on.
It's essential to remember that every dog is an individual, and it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to their health.
With proper care and attention, many Großspitzes can live well into their teens, just like the average lifespan of 13 to 15 years.
Haltung und Erziehung
The Großspitz is a highly adaptable breed that can thrive in various living situations, from apartments to houses with gardens. They require attention and care, so it's essential to have someone at home.
Großspitze don't like being left alone, so if you're away from home for extended periods, you'll need to make arrangements for their care. A house with a garden or a farm can work well, but even a city apartment can be suitable if you provide enough social interaction and exercise.
To keep your Großspitz happy and healthy, you'll need to give them plenty of mental and physical stimulation. This can be achieved through regular exercise, playtime, and training sessions.
Erziehung und Haltung
The Großspitz is a relatively easy breed to train, especially if you start early. They learn quickly, so it's best to teach them important skills from a young age.
With patience and consistency, you can develop a strong bond with your Großspitz. A friendly and firm approach is key to their training.
Großspitze don't like being left alone, so it's essential to have someone at home to provide them with the attention and companionship they need. Whether you live in a house with a garden, a farm, or an apartment in the city, a Großspitz can thrive in any environment.
What's most important is providing your Großspitz with enough exercise and mental stimulation. This can be achieved through regular walks, playtime, and training sessions.
Their adaptability makes them a great choice for busy owners. With a little creativity, you can find ways to keep your Großspitz engaged and happy, even on the most hectic days.
Their long fur requires regular grooming, but don't worry – it's not as high maintenance as it sounds. A simple brush will keep their coat looking healthy and shiny.
Anmerkungen
The German Spitz is a breed with a rich history, and it's not uncommon for its sources to contradict each other. Buffon and Bechstein referred to the white Spitz as "Wolfshund" or "Wolfsspitzer".
Some breeders and owners have found the white Spitz to be a popular choice in Thuringia, where it's said to have been favored by carters and had the size of a small hunting dog.
Sources
- Großspitz - Steckbrief, Charakter, Wesen und Haltung (edogs.de)
- Großspitz - Rasseportrait | DAS FUTTERHAUS (dasfutterhaus.at)
- Zuchtgeschichte des Deutschen Spitzes (mistklaeffer.de)
- Der Deutsche Großspitz (hof-sommerberg.de)
- Großspitz (hund.info)
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