The smallest spitz: description of the breed, characteristics and photos

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

"A little bear cub with funny button eyes" - such a description is quite relevant for the smallest Pomeranian variety. Indeed, such a cute dog looks more like a plush toy, albeit a living one, than a pet. Largely due to this similarity, this breed of miniature dogs is currently at the top of popularity.

A little historical background

Without a doubt, pygmy Spitz can be considered one of the varieties of the most ancient breeds in the world! At the same time, these representatives acquired their decorative outlines no earlier than the 18th century. And the Pomeranian owes its name to a small provincial region of the same name, which is located in Germany - Pomerania.

Typically, the ancestors of these representatives had a much larger size than their modern descendants. And at that time they were riding and huntingdogs. Their weight could reach up to 15 kg!

Having moved from northern latitudes to a zone with more suitable and comfortable climatic conditions, Pomeranians have acquired excellent watchdog skills. They were even entrusted with the responsibility of protecting livestock.

Explanation of dwarfism

Which breed of Spitz is the smallest, we now know - Pomeranian. However, where did the fashion for miniature sizes come from? During the reign of Queen Victoria, Spitz from Pomerania were brought to England. And after some time, serious work was organized to breed a dwarf breed. But it was not only the size that owed it all - there was a need to correct the appearance of the dogs to give the appearance of more expressive features.

The best representatives of the Spitz breed, which English and American breeders worked on, were very similar to modern Pomeranians. However, the First World War made certain adjustments to the ranks of these poor animals - most of them were simply destroyed. To restore the population, German breeders and breeders had to import dogs from European countries.

As a result of selective selection, the weight of the animal, including the size, has significantly decreased (3 times). And now the weight of dogs is no more than 5 kg. Currently, these representatives have already managed to become the main stars of social networks no worse than Hollywood celebrities! And today, almost every Internet user knows which Spitz is the smallest.

Standard featuresbreeds

Due to the great popularity of the Spitz breed, there are many who want to have such dogs. However, there are some nuances here - in order to be sure of finding a purebred dog, you should accurately imagine what this breed looks like. The classic Pomeranian has the following characteristics:

• weight - 1, 4-3, 2 kg;
• addition - harmonious, compact, strong;
• wedge-shaped head in proportion to body;
• eyes - sly "fox", sparkling, dark shade, medium size, set not too wide and at the same time not too close to each other;
• ears - small, erect, set high, but not very wide;
• skull - slightly domed;
• muzzle is thin, there is a sharp transition between it and the forehead area;
• lips and nose are black or match the color;
• neck - short, set high, smoothly into the withers area, with a straight topline;
• shoulder blades of the forelimbs are placed obliquely, which actually causes a proudly raised neck;
• body - strong, equipped with convex and rounded ribs;
• breast – fairly deep but not too wide;
• tail - set high, close to the back;
• forelimbs – medium in length, straight and parallel to each other;
• hindquarters - set perpendicular to the ground, metatarsals facing parallel to each other, hocks not deployed.

Knowledge of the standard and compliance with it may be relevant in the case when the animal is taken for the purposefurther breeding or for exhibition. Just one photo of the smallest Spitz is worth a lot!

Expressive muzzle

Adorable Pomeranian dogs are distinguished by a graceful and slightly elongated muzzle, which is similar in appearance to a fox face.

As for the shape of this expressive part of the body, it can be one of three varieties:

• Bearish.
• Fox.
• Toy.

The bear's muzzle is flattened and rounded in shape, more fluffy fur on the cheeks. The eyes are located in close proximity to the nose. These features just do not resemble a miniature dog, but a small bear cub. Such a meeting in the middle of an unfamiliar area and not even an hour, as you involuntarily look around in search of an angry mother.

More elongated fox muzzle and gives a truly plausible resemblance to this cunning forest dweller. They even have a longer tail than other representatives of the Spitz breed.

As for the toy look, this uniform was imported straight from Japan. The muzzle is flatter than the first type. The eyes are higher and further apart.

Typically, it is the fox form of the smallest Spitz in the world that is allowed to participate in competitions, while the rest of the varieties appear as pets. In the standard characteristics section, the description of the fox type is just given.

Other external physiological features

In cutenessPomeranian can hardly be denied. The dimensions of an adult individual do not exceed 230 mm, which, in turn, allows you to keep such pets in "apartments" with limited space.

Muscular and square in shape, a strong body is provided with rather strong, well-developed limbs. Pointed ears are located on the head. And in oval eyes you can recognize outgoing curiosity, which is impossible not to smile.

The color of the nose depends on the color of the animal. The small tail has a rounding at the base. The thick, luxurious coat, as well as the pronounced undercoat, were inherited from the distant ancestors of the Arctic.

Color

Pygmy Spitz would not have become so popular if it were not for the color of his coat! At the same time, this breed is distinguished by a double coat of wool:

• awn;
• downs.

The fur of the smallest Spitz itself is elastic and at the same time very dense. In an adult, a collar can be seen. But besides this, other characteristic signs may be noticeable, whether it be "trousers" or "plumage" (on the back of the forelimbs).

All teenagers (meaning people) are going through a difficult time associated with the appearance of acne on the face. These animals have something similar - at an early age, the coat of dogs does not look very presentable. In relation to adult representatives, this is equivalent to marriage. Not every dog breeder is familiar with this characteristic.

Pomeranians are often perceived as red. However, there are other shade variations:

• black;
• zonal (grey);
• white;
• orange;
• brown;
• cream.

At the same time, red-colored Spitz can often be found among this color scheme.

What is the character?

Representatives of the Pomeranian are distinguished by a cheerful and easy disposition. In addition to this, dogs lead a rather active lifestyle, love to play, run and are not afraid of water. They are able to easily adapt to new living conditions.

Among other qualities of the smallest Spitz breed, it is worth noting the pronounced inclinations of a leader. We can say that dogs prefer to dominate. However, despite these qualities (on the one hand, even useful ones), Spitz are able to get along with other representatives of the fauna. Perhaps this is due to the fact that they are not able to endure loneliness, and seek to attract attention in every possible way.

They also have another quality, due to which the great popularity of the breed and universal recognition are also due. Pomeranians are always devoted to their owner, obedient, capable of being quick-witted, and distinguished by affection.

And due to the natural good nature of these dogs, you can safely leave small children in the care of possible consequences. Meanwhile, if necessary, the spitz is ready to immediately stand indefensive position to protect the interests of the owner. And, despite their miniature size, these dogs are quite bold and can provoke a fight with larger representatives.

Behaviour

As noted above, the smallest Spitz are distinguished by a good-natured character and for this reason the dog will become a faithful and reliable nanny for small children. Their behavior is balanced, they are able to show patience. For this reason, if a child unknowingly hurts a dog, he will not growl at him, much less bite! At the same time, it is advisable not to allow such a possibility at all, you should immediately make it clear to the children that it is impossible to hurt the dog and thereby harm the pet.

Spitz are good-natured on the one hand, on the other hand, they have a rather thin and vulnerable psyche. Thanks to this, they can remember the human attitude towards themselves for a long time. In other words, in the upbringing of such "children" the owner needs to show perseverance, affection and patience. Only no aggression and rudeness to puppies, and then to adults!

Thanks to the same intelligence, coupled with dexterity and speed, the smallest Pomeranians have been taking part in circus performances for a long time, showing funny numbers and tricks.

Old age is not joy

However, mobility, playfulness and other qualities persist only until old age. As a rule, dogs of this breed can live a relatively long life - from 12 to 15 years. At an age comparable to extreme old age, dogs become morecalm and slow. What can I say, years and dogs take their toll!

It is already becoming more and more difficult for the old man to get on his feet, overcome steps and even perform some elementary trick. He spends most of his time in seclusion. The nature of the dog also undergoes certain changes. It is very difficult for a dog to endure separation from his master, and when he is left alone, his soul becomes anxious. When alone for a long time, he begins to bark, whine or howl.

Yes, old age is rarely easy for anyone to endure. And what can we say about such cute animals with a delicate and vulnerable psyche?!

Strangers and Spitz

Besides, due to its nature, the Pomeranian is wary of unfamiliar human faces and with a great deal of distrust. During the meeting with other unfamiliar representatives of the fauna, first of all, he pays attention to how his owner behaves. In this case, his behavior largely depends on the manner of the owner.

As a rule, the smallest Spitz dogs behave decisively and boldly. Thanks to this, their makings of an excellent watchman can compete with the same qualities of strong and larger individuals. In most cases, fighting-tempered Spitz start a fight with dogs much larger than themselves.

Opinion of owners

Little Pomeranians cannot get along in the same house where lazy and passive owners live. This breed, due to its activity, needs a person with an appropriate character, which will allow pets to splash outaccumulated energy, and completely! Anyone or anyone who has such a sweet, loyal and brave comrade of animal origin can attest to this.

These are wonderful companions for human beings of any gender and regardless of age:

• for men;
• women;
• children;
• teenagers;
• for the elderly.

At the same time, such a pet has several individual traits of natural origin. First of all, it is worth noting the vertical standing of the coat, which is why the dog looks attractive and “fluffy” outwardly.

Besides this, in the absence of proper education, you can hear indiscriminate barking all the time, which becomes excessive. And it should be noted that these smallest Spitz have a rather sonorous voice!

Now it's worth bringing evidence in favor of the insight that dogs are able to show, even when they are puppies. As soon as the pet feels the lack of perseverance on the part of the owner during the period of education, he can begin to show his character. This manifests itself in the form of stubbornness or ignoring the execution of any command.