The Big Spitz is almost the largest dog of its group, only Keeshond is bigger than him. The characteristics of the gross-needle make it a very attractive choice for owners of spacious suburban areas. Adult dogs have high intelligence, are easily trained in protective and guard duty, are sensitive security guards and excellent companions.
The first thing potential breeders are interested in is: why is this German breed of dog so called. In fact, everything is simple - the prefix "gross" indicates the size of the Spitz. They seem large only in relation to their group counterparts - animals do not grow above a half meter in the withers. But even a compact physique does not prevent them from coping with all the basic functions of a guard and defender.
Description
The origin of the gross-spitz is closely linked to the cultural and ethnic traditions of Germany. At the time of the coming of the Vikings to their lands with their fluffy combat and riding companions, the mixing of animal blood from different continents led to the formation of a whole group of new breeds. The resulting hybrids, including the German big Spitz or, as it is also called, Grosspitz by the end of the 19th century, spread throughout Western Europe, and also came to Great Britain.
The main purpose of the breed was grazing sheep, guard duty, use in police and other activities. Clever, unpretentious dogs quickly gained the trust of people. The first Spitz club was formed in Germany in 1899, and after another seven years, the standard for six dimensional groups was recognized by FCI.
The main differences between animals are height and weight, as well as the behavior and application of the breed.
Features of the appearance
Grosspitz is a dog whose appearance has not changed for more than a century. The following external signs are characteristic of it:
- height at the withers - up to 46 cm with a body weight of 17-20 kg;
- color white, black, brown, without spots and tan;
- the coat is straight, with long outer hair and thick undercoat;
- the presence of characteristic "tows", collar, pubescent hips, fluffy tail;
- wedge-shaped head;
- high set ears proportional to head size;
- white strong teeth closing in a scissor bite;
- high-set tail, thrown back in the form of a ring;
- deep, well-defined chest;
- strong and dry limbs of medium length, set in parallel.
The animal has a presentable appearance, good memory. Large Spitz requires a fairly large number of walks, activity in the fresh air. Like his ancestors, this dog is distinguished by independence in decision-making, for its education and training the owner will have to make a lot of effort.
But, having won the dog’s love and trust, you don’t have to worry about his obedience.
Pros and cons of the breed
Among the obvious advantages of Grosspitz dogs are:
- average sizesallowing to keep an animal in the city without violating safety standards and rules;
- high intelligence pet - Having learned the rules of conduct, he abides by them strictly;
- devotion to the master - the dog is distrustful of strangers, does not survive the change of owner well;
- child friendly - to them grossshpits show great patience;
- ease of learning, learning new skills - With large spitz you can not only participate in exhibitions, but also win competitions.
Grosspitz is not a dog for everyone. Its disadvantages include a high need for physical activity, in the absence of which during walks the house or apartment will suffer from surges of animal energy. Difficulty with grooming, abundant molting of a pet, which causes a lot of trouble, can also complicate the maintenance of pets. Adult dogs can leave fragrant tags in the apartment.
In addition, males are much more difficult to educate and tend to assert their primacy over the man.
Character Features
Grosspitz dogs are quite freedom-loving in nature. With the right and timely start of education and training, the animal grows up balanced and obedient. But the puppy needs to be interested in learning, presented in the form of a game or entertainment.
Clever large Spitz can master dozens of teams, but they can also make decisions on their own. For this reason, the breed is so popular with sheep farmers using it to control the herd. But such dogs do not tolerate weaknesses and always try to become a "leader of the pack" - you should not indulge the animal, training should be diversified as much as possible.
Experienced dog handlers do not recommend turning a gross-dog into a sofa dog or pet - this breed has much more serious potential. When choosing a pet, it is worth remembering that the animal needs regular physical activity, long walks. The dog will perfectly cope with the agility track, and in winter it can become part of the dog team.
The brave and independent big spitz possesses Nordic, balanced character. Most of the time he does not need society and entertainment, easily endures loneliness. But this dog is truly loyal to the owner and is able to become a great friend for all family members. Grosspitz is distrustful of outsiders, which makes him a good guard.
The dog is in good contact with other animals, does not show aggression.
A large reserve of patience makes large spitz dogs a good partner in children's games. With such a companion, the schoolboy is not in danger, the dog treats the kids condescendingly, does not offend them.
How to choose?
Grosspitz is a fairly rare breed for the CIS - despite the abundance of nurseries, large varieties are rare in them. For acquiring a puppy of good blood, it is better to choose European breeding lines from the very beginning. There is traditionally a record on acquiring a high-bred livestock, but it often takes years to wait for an offer and its turn. The cost of one puppy is from 500 dollars to 1 thousand euros.
When choosing and buying a pet, it is important to correctly determine its class. Grossshpitz show puppies are perfectly matched to the standard, have an impeccable pedigree. It is they who become the new breeding producers, are shown at exhibitions. But if you just want to get a dog of a certain breed as a pet, you can choose a brid or a pet class.
You need to pay attention to the appearance. The coat must shine, be thick, meet breed standards for color. A healthy puppy is energetic, is keenly interested in the outside world, and is friendly.
Content
Container conditions are not very significant for the spindle. The dog easily adapts to life in a small-sized city apartment, and to the spaciousness of a country mansion. The animal should have its own territory: a place with a bed, a bowl for water and food. At the time of puppy growth it is worth buying an aviary in which the pet will remain in periods of absence of owners, otherwise, left alone, the pet may damage property.
The dog is also suitable for outdoor keeping, without a chain, with free range and a personal aviary, equipped with all necessary amenities. In the summer, animals are happy to take water procedures - you can provide a special bath or build a kind of summer shower right on the territory fenced for the pet. The booth or house should rise to a height of at least 20 cm from the ground. In the absence of heating or with a significant decrease in atmospheric temperatures you must take the dog into the house.
Even with open-air cages, the dog will have to be walked regularly. Physical activity should be accompanied by games, training and other relevant activities, avoiding the loss of the optimal physical condition with a gnome.
A monthly weight chart helps you appreciate your dog’s growth rate. We can distinguish the following changes in the proportions and parameters of large Spitz puppies:
- from 1 to 2 months the animal forms a fluffy, well-developed coat;
- by 3 months the muzzle and ears acquire characteristic outlines;
- from 4 to 5 months - start of the first molt, paws are extended;
- from 6 to 7 months the coat grows, as in an adult dog;
- 9-10 months - The age at which the puppy gains the height of an adult animal.
The final formation of the skeleton continues until the age of two years.
Food
It is recommended that you feed the grossshpitz with the recommended premium or super premium feed prepared by the breeder. A balanced diet during growth and development will help the puppy grow up healthy and strong. An adult dog will receive obesity and many other health problems when receiving prepared feeds.
With a natural diet, dogs are given meat - raw and boiled beef, heat-treated chicken, turkey, veal. Balancing nutrition helps the inclusion in the diet of dairy products, boiled vegetables, cheese. In preparation for the exhibition, additional vitamin-mineral supplements are introduced for shine. Included in the diet and cereals, providing replenishment of energy reserves. Gingerbread fish are not recommended because of the phosphorus content, but eggs and greens are perfectly acceptable.
If offal is included in the diet, it should be a scar or an udder. The liver and lungs are poorly processed by the animal.
Hygiene
Large Spitz are not too demanding in personal care.With a thick coat such pets need regular removal of the undercoat. It is removed at least three times a week with a massage brush or other grooming equipment. Make combing easier special sprays for unraveling.
The armpit area, the hair on the collar, behind the ears and in the perineum is subject to the formation of tangles. Regular brushing out of natural bristles will help to avoid stalling the undercoat. Already formed koltuny are removed by means of a koltunorez which is quite safe for a pet.
Bathing is necessary for Grosspitz no more than twice a month. The rest of the time, you can put your hair in order with the help of dry shampoo, wet wipes for dogs. Also included in the number of mandatory hygienic procedures is a nail clipping, brushing of teeth, eyes, and ears. It is recommended to significantly shorten the coat in the summer heat - there are special styles of haircuts that allow you to maintain the visual appeal of the animal.
All about big spitz see in the next video.
