Spitz: features of the breed, photos, care and maintenance, owner reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

A charming fluffy dog with a sharp mind, with a carefree, cheerful disposition and the ability to become a great friend and companion. These are all features of the Spitz breed. It turns out that there are not so few variations of it. We will talk about some of them.

Possible options

Subspecies of the breed are:

• German Spitz;
• Wolspitz;
• Kleinspitz;
• Japanese;
• Finnish;
• American Eskimo;
• Italian Volpino;
• Pomeranian.

Let's consider the most popular types of Spitz breed. Features of the nature, care and maintenance of the dog will also be presented.

A bit of history

The most ancient references to the breed date back to Ancient Greece and Egypt. In these countries, images and descriptions of Spitz have been preserved. The origins of most modern varieties of these dogs are in the north: in Siberia, the Arctic, Switzerland.

In the 15th century, a miniature version of the breed appeared in the province of Pomerania - the Zwergspitz. In 1450, a pygmy Spitzkhund was bred, which weighed 9 kg. Nevertheless, breeders continued to work onreduction in the size of the spitz.

Finally, in the 18th century, spitz appeared in the sizes that we know. It is this version of the breed that has gained the most distribution.

England became the birthplace of the breed. Queen Victoria took an active part in the process of its creation. Nowadays, the dog is called "German Spitz". There are several different variations of the breed depending on the size:

1. Large (Wolfspitz) - 50 cm at the withers.
2. Medium (Mittelspitz) - 40 cm at the withers. It is also sometimes called German. This includes Japanese, Finnish, Eskimo and American.
3. Small (Kleinspitz) - up to 29 cm.
4. Pomeranian - up to 22 cm. Its variations are also "chanterelle", "bear cub", "baby dollar", although not officially registered.

Wolfspitz

The breed appeared in the 16th century, and at first Wolfspitz were used as watchmen and for hunting. Sailors also took them with them, so the dogs began to be called "barge".

Wolfspitz (Keeshond) - the largest of the Spitz. Its height reaches 40-55 cm, weight - up to 30 kg. This is a cute house dog. The color of her coat is black and white, with gray areas, like a wolf. Sometimes for this feature the dog is called "Dutch Wolf Spitz".

The body of the Keeshond is dense, not long, the ears are triangular, the paws are short, the muzzle is “fox”, the tail is bent in a ring, the hair is fluffy long, there are “panties” on the hind legs. The dog lives 14-18 years old.

Doggy temperament

By nature the Wolfspitz is energetic, confident, cheerful, active. A feature of the Keeshond breed is the ability to subtly feel the mood of a person, which is often used in psychotherapeutic practice in the treatment of depression.

These dogs are very loyal, they get along well with all family members, however, they are wary of strangers. Their training goes without problems, because the dog is quick-witted and smart. According to many owners, this is exactly what their Spitz is.

Features of the breed and care are regular combing of the dog's coat. Wolfspitz can live both in an apartment and in a private house, if necessary, he will become a security guard.

German Spitz

This breed standard was approved by the FCI in 2013. The dog resembles a fur ball. If you look closely, you can see:

1. A wide head of medium size, a narrow nose with a small black or brown earlobe.
2. The eyes are round, slanting.
3. Upright triangular lugs.
4. Strong bones, muscular limbs.
5. Fluffy tail curled into a ring, close to the back.
6. Long coat with thick undercoat. The collar resembles a lion's mane.

Character traits

The main distinguishing feature of the breed is the sharp mind of the dog. Therefore, Spitz can be trained, they quickly remember commands and obey the owner.

Pet balanced, devoted to his family, a great friend. He feels the mood of the owner, can adapt to him.

This dog is very playful, kind, active. Even in her adulthooddoes not leave the excitement and gaiety. These are the main features of the breed.

The German Spitz can get along well with children. But you need to make sure that the child does not injure the dog. Spitz are good companions, feel comfortable in human society.

When raising a dog of this breed, it is worth showing affection to her, but in no case rudeness. Pets have a delicate psyche, and they remember the attitude towards themselves.

Outsiders are often mistrustful. They are guided by their owner, devoted, follow the owner around the apartment.

Spitz is brave and determined, feels like a big dog and can start a fight with other dogs, so it is important for the owner to follow him on a walk.

Japanese

Like all other spitz whose breed features we are considering, the Japanese is a cheerful and cheerful dog.

Appearance description:

1. The head is wide, the lips are thin, the muzzle is "fox", the nose is black.
2. The eyes are black, slanting.
3. Ears are triangular, small.
4. Limbs are straight.
5. The tail is set high, pressed to the back. According to the standard, it should not be twisted into a ring.
6. The dog's coat is luxurious, snow-white.

These are the external features of the Spitz dog breed.

Another distinguishing feature is "taciturnity". If the Spitz is noisy and cowardly, these are considered serious faults. Such representatives are rejected by breeders. Behind the scenes, the Japanese Spitz is called the “silent Asian dog.”

A pet by natureattached to the owner and loves to "communicate" with him, gets along with children and elderly family members. The dog does not like to be alone, so you should not leave it alone for a long time, otherwise the dog may begin to get really depressed. These are the characteristics of the breed.

Japanese Spitz will fill the house with endless positive, get along with other animals.

A dog of this subspecies requires regular grooming, which consists of combing, bathing, cutting, trimming claws, oral hygiene, ears, eyes. Shampoos for long-haired breeds are used for washing, then anti-tangling balms are applied. To comb the spitz's chic fur, you need a massage brush with long teeth.

Kleinspitz

The breed is also called the German Small Spitz. This is a small dog with the same fox face and fluffy coat. She, like all Spitz, is energetic, active and attached to the owner.

Individual standards:

1. Height up to 29 cm at the withers, weight - 5-10 kg.
2. The head is wedge-shaped, the muzzle is small, with a round nose of dark color.
3. Triangular small ears.
4. The eyes are small oval.
5. The neck is short, covered with long hair, like a lion's mane.
6. Legs are even, straight.
7. Color can be different - white, brown, red and other shades.
8. Wool is thick, long, with a dense shade.

Character

This dog is decorative, it is not intended for hunting or guarding. However, to perceive the dog only as a softthe toy is not worth it. Kleinspitz have a brave disposition and are able to stand up for themselves.

The dog is cheerful and agile, loves games and entertainment. Kleins love their owners and need their attention. If they don't get it, they can become vicious and vengeful.

Like other Spitz, the miniature needs regular grooming and combing, especially during the shedding season. Bathing dogs often is not worth it, once a month is enough. It is best to clean the coat with dry shampoo. The claws of the animal must be cut, preventing excessive growth.

Pomeranian

This is a dwarf dog for decorative purposes. Breed Description:

1. Small head with a well-defined stop on the muzzle.
2. The nose is small, black or dark brown.
3. Ears are triangular, close standing. Puppies are hanging from birth, rising as they grow.
4. The eyes are small, dark, slanting, oval. The look is mischievous, the muzzle as a whole resembles a fox.
5. Tail of medium length, curled into a ring, lying on the back.
6. The coat of the Pomeranian is long, straight, the undercoat is thick and dense. Color varies.

Features of the breed

The Pomeranian is distinguished by the following features:

1. A pet will suit adult conscious people, the dog will become a wonderful companion and friend for them. Breeders categorically do not recommend starting such a dog for families with children. This is due to the activity and playfulness of the dog, because of which he may be harmed byguys.
2. Possesses sentry manners, will notify the arrival of a guest with a ringing bark.
3. Not suitable for enclosures. The best places for an orange will be a city apartment or a country house.
4. The dog needs regular care, walks, active rest. Before you get an orange, you should evaluate your physical capabilities. The pet needs to arrange daily long walks with a good load.
5. With its barking, it can bother not only the owners, but also their neighbors. This is worth remembering, knowing the true nature of the Spitz.
6. Features of this breed are the possible manifestation of stubbornness and dominance.
7. The dog is not suitable for novice four-legged lovers.

Orange character

The owners of these fluffy dogs note their good nature and curiosity. This pet will not let its owner lie quietly on the couch. He prefers active games, and a walk in the fresh air will bring him a lot of pleasure. Do not deprive your pet of such joy. Let's continue to study the features of the breed and content.

Pomeranian gets along well with the owner, adapting to him and his lifestyle. The dog will not wake up in the morning. Pomeranians are attached to the family where they live. They will sincerely rejoice at the owner who has returned from work and will always be by his side.

Owners often note the sonorous barking of their pets at any rustle. This dog is an excellent watchdog that can scare away uninvited guests.

Pomeranian, features of the breed and characterwhom we understand, likes to play with children. But getting a dog is a grown-up child.

Spitz treats strangers with restraint, can bark at passers-by. He gets along well with other animals in the house, but he is not immune from the manifestation of hunting instincts.

Separately, it is worth mentioning such variations of the Pomeranian as "baby dollar" and "bear cub". Breeders consider these subtypes to be unofficial and rather detrimental to the breed as they violate accepted standards. However, puppies of these variations are becoming more and more popular these days. The "bear" type is distinguished from the classic Pomeranians by a more round, flattened muzzle and a look reminiscent of a bear cub.

As for "baby dollars", now it is already difficult to say whether their appearance was caused by a marriage of the breed or a commercial move. But the desire to breed a too small dog led to the fact that Pomeranians began to appear no taller than 18 cm and with a muzzle no more than 1 cm. And the popularity of such dogs is only growing.

Owner opinions

Without exception, the owners of the Spitz note the mobility and energy of the dog. This furry friend turns the life of any person into a sea of \u200b\u200bjoy and positive. Caring for a dog of the presented breed (any options) will not be burdensome. Spitz does not spoil household items and furniture. The kids just love it.

So, we have considered the main variations of the Spitz breed. Features of keeping and caring for the dog were also presented in the article. We hope you find this information useful.