The Indian Spitz is a small, fluffy dog breed that originated in India and has become a beloved companion for many families. It's a relatively new breed, developed in the 1960s by crossing the Pomeranian with other small breeds.
They typically weigh between 5-15 pounds and stand about 10-14 inches tall at the shoulder. Their small size makes them a great choice for city living or for families with small children.
Indian Spitzes are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are highly social dogs that thrive on attention and interaction with their human family members.
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Physical Characteristics
The Indian Spitz is a small dog breed, typically standing at around 40 cm (15.7 in) in height and weighing about 5-7 kg.
Their main characteristic is their fluffy, thick coat, which requires regular grooming, especially around the ears. Thick fur covers their ears, so be sure to pay special attention to these areas.
The coat colors can range from white to dusky brown to black, and they have a double coat with a dense undercoat.
Their wedge-shaped head and pointy, fox-like ears make them a beautiful breed to look at. You can almost always guess how your pup is feeling by one look at their expressive face.
The tail of an Indian Spitz curls upwards and is very furry, similar to many other Spitz breeds.
Here are some key physical characteristics of the Indian Spitz breed:
- Height: 40 cm (15.7 in)
- Weight: 5-7 kg
- Coat type: Double coat with a dense undercoat
- Ear type: Pointy, fox-like ears
- Tail type: Curled upwards and very furry
Personality and Traits
Indian Spitzes are energetic and enthusiastic dogs. They're naturally social and love interacting with people and other pets.
Their strong emotional connections with humans make them a popular family dog. They're very good with kids, which is a great bonus for families.
Indian Spitzes are alert and vocal, making them excellent watchdogs. A properly trained one will be a great guardian and protector.
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Temperament
The Indian Spitz is a popular family dog that develops strong emotional connections with humans. They are energetic and enthusiastic dogs, which makes them a joy to be around.
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Indian Spitzes are very social and enjoy interacting with both people and other pets. This means they thrive in households with multiple family members and other animals.
They are also alert and vocal, making them excellent watchdogs. This is a great asset for families who want a dog that can keep them safe.
A properly trained Indian Spitz will be a great guardian and protector. This is especially important for families with young children.
One of the best things about Indian Spitzes is how good they are with kids. They are patient and gentle, making them a perfect addition to families with little ones.
If you're looking for a family-friendly dog, an Indian Spitz puppy is definitely worth considering.
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Intelligence
The Indian Spitz is an intelligent breed that's among the easiest dogs to train. They're quick to pick up new things, which makes them a joy to work with.
Start training your puppy at an early age, and use plenty of positive reinforcement to keep them motivated. This will help them learn faster and retain what they've learned.
Indian Spitzes can get bored easily, so mix up the training exercises to keep them engaged. This will prevent them from getting restless and losing interest.
They're fast learners, and you can teach them almost any trick. With patience and consistency, they'll learn to do all sorts of cool things.
Because of their cleverness, Indian Spitzes are often trained for dog shows and competitions.
Adaptability
Indian Spitzes are highly adaptable dogs that can thrive in a variety of living situations.
They can quickly adapt to your lifestyle, making them well-suited for apartment living as long as they get a daily walk.
All you need to provide is a daily walk, healthy food, and plenty of affection, and your Indian Spitz will be happy and content.
Indian Spitzes are also well adapted to warmer climates, which is a great advantage for owners who live in areas with high temperatures.
Caring for a Dog
Caring for a dog like an Indian Spitz is relatively easy, they're a low-maintenance breed after all.
They're very furry, so regular brushing is a must to keep them looking their best and your furniture fur-free. A weekly brushing session of 15-20 minutes should suffice on most days.
Shedding is a minor issue for most owners, but if your pup is in the shedding season, you'll need to brush them more often. This is especially true if you have a double-row brush.
Indian Spitz dogs have a thick coat, so be gentle when bathing them and limit it to once or twice a month. You can also use a dry shampoo to clean their fur if needed.
Regular nail trimming is also a must, and don't forget to brush their teeth about once a week. Wipe their eyes with a damp cloth to keep them clean.
They seem to enjoy grooming sessions, so you won't struggle too much with nail clipping and brushing. You can also opt to have your pup professionally groomed if you're not comfortable with it.
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Health and Price
Indian Spitz dogs are generally priced between $500 to $1,500, depending on factors like location, breeder reputation, and bloodline.
Smaller dogs like the Indian Spitz tend to live longer than larger ones, with an average lifespan of 10-14 years.
Proper care, including a nutritious diet, enough exercise, and regular grooming, can help your Indian Spitz live a healthy life and reach its golden years.
Health Expectancy
Smaller dogs live longer than larger ones, and Indian Spitzes are no exception with an average lifespan of 10-14 years.
They can live up to 16 years with proper care, including a nutritious diet, enough exercise, and regular grooming.
Health problems common to Indian Spitzes include cryptorchidism, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Obesity is a concern if your Indian Spitz eats too much or doesn't get enough exercise, so monitor their food portions and activity level.
Because they're a social breed, Indian Spitzes can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so make sure they have plenty of toys and activities to keep them busy.
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Price
The Indian Spitz is a budget-friendly breed, with prices ranging from 55-100 USD (around 4000 – 8000 INR). This affordability makes them a popular choice for new dog owners.
Their low cost also means you'll spend less on food and maintenance.
Breed Characteristics
The Indian Spitz dog breed is a type of Spitz dog, known for its wolf-like appearance with pointy ears, curled tails, and almond-shaped eyes. This breed has a thick coat that helps it thrive in cold weather conditions.
Many Spitz breeds, including the Indian Spitz, have a double coat that sheds twice a year, which can be a challenge for dog owners with allergies. This shedding can exacerbate allergies, so it's essential to consider this before bringing a Spitz dog into your home.
Spitz dogs are highly energetic and require regular physical and mental activity to stay happy and healthy. They were originally bred for hard work, such as herding and hunting, so they need plenty of exercise and stimulation to keep them engaged.
Some Spitz breeds, like the Finnish Spitz, are known to be prolific barking dogs, which can be a concern for people with close neighbors. However, other breeds, like the Japanese Spitz and Norwegian Elkhound, are generally good with cats and can make great family pets.
Here are some Spitz breeds that are good with cats:
- Japanese Spitz
- Finnish Spitz
- Norwegian Elkhound
- Keeshond
- German Spitz
Spitz dogs are highly intelligent and loyal, making them wonderful family pets. However, they do require structure, discipline, and positive reinforcement to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do spitz dogs bark a lot?
Finnish Spitz dogs are prone to barking, and excessive barking can be a challenge if not addressed during puppy training.
Sources
- https://www.ipetguides.com/indian-spitz/
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/40-spitz-dog-breeds-5089299
- https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/spitz-dog-breeds
- https://worldanimalfoundation.org/dogs/spitz-dog-breeds/
- https://pawsindia.com/blogs/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-indian-spitz-dog-origin-history-grooming-and-care
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