Charming Spitz dogs are some of the most popular at present. They are distinguished by a very cute appearance, which is able to fall in love with yourself at first sight. The color and size of the animals of this breed may be different. Many people believe that Pomeranian and German Spitz are the same dogs. In fact, they have a sufficient number of differences.
Differences in origin
All subspecies of Spitz come from Scandinavian dogs. They were excellent guards and were very popular. In addition, Scandinavian individuals were used for grazing and hunting. Natural selection selected extremely strong and resistant to negative external factors instances. It was their offspring that contributed to the further formation of the well-known breed.
As a result, very fluffy and beautiful dogs of various sizes were obtained. They are distinguished by good immunity and are not susceptible to various diseases, are characterized by a contact nature and high intelligence.
Pomeranian spitz-dogs became the result of breeding work based precisely on the German breed. The main reason for breeding such a cute decorative dog was the desire of aristocrats to have small pets that look like living toys. As for modern breeders, they worked even more on the decorative qualities of the Pomeranian. As a result, we got not just miniature charms similar to plush toys, but they also acquired a good-quality wool cover.
In the XX century, beautiful decorative oranges came to the United States.There they attracted a lot of attention and aroused interest. Following the fashion, American dog breeders continued to breed dwarf individuals. It is believed that since then the main differences between German and Pomeranian spitz-dogs have appeared.
Size difference
German or Zwerg Spitz differs from Pomeranian in size. On this basis, in most cases, representatives of a particular breed are determined. Thus, representatives of the German species at the withers are able to reach a mark of 55 cm. Their smallest height is only 18 cm. As for the strongest and largest individuals, their weight is often limited to 30 kg.
Cute oranges are dwarf dogs. Their growth in most cases does not exceed 22 cm. In accordance with the accepted and current standards of the American club, such dogs are allowed, whose height reaches 28 cm. If we consider the mass of an ideal dog that meets all the requirements and standards, then it will be no more than 2 , 3 kg. Individuals whose weight does not exceed 3.2 kg are allowed to participate in exhibitions. It is convenient to hold these animals in their hands, they are light and very soft, for which many breeders love them.
External Data Differences
German and Pomeranian spitz have noticeable differences not only in body weight and height. They differ in basic external data. Let us consider in detail what are the main differences between Pomeranian and German dogs.
Head
Representatives German breed the head is usually small in size and has a smooth coat. Expressed cheeks or hats should not be here. The ears of the described individuals are slightly pointed, located at a small distance from each other. The forehead gradually turns into a sharp muzzle, similar to a fox.
Concerning pomeranian - their head has a shape close to a cylinder. They have small sized ears set quite wide. They are almost hidden behind a thick coat. The forehead of the oranges is sloping and goes to a slightly flattened face.
Teeth
Another external sign by which it is possible to determine whether a dog belongs to a particular breed is teeth. The Germans have a complete set of 42 teeth.
As for the more miniature oranges - here the absence of several indigenous premolars is permissible.
Forelegs
It is possible to distinguish an orange puppy from a German spitz by paying attention to the structure of their front paws. In German individuals, they are always quite thin. There is no good undercoat on them. They stand at a slight slope with respect to the ground (about 20 degrees).
Pomeranian’s front legs are completely different. They are stronger and thicker, as if they are little cubs. Paws of oranges in all cases are perpendicular to the surface on which they stand.
Tail
In representatives of the German breed, the tail is twisted in one or a couple of rings. It is located clearly behind the back. In a Pomeranian spitz, the tail can be either straight or arched.
Wool
Wool, along with dimensional parameters, makes it easiest to determine which breed the puppy belongs to. In German individuals, the fur coat usually consists of hairs of such types as:
- core - such hair is characterized by a rigid structure, is long and straight, it is very well felt if you pet the dog; thanks to these features, the outer fur stays clean and shiny longer;
- undercoat - represented by short, slightly wavy and rather thin hairs.
The combined type of wool is different in that it bristles in different directions. Due to this natural effect, the dogs look more fluffy and soft. It must be said that German Spitz does not need complex and expensive care for the coat. It is enough to regularly comb these animals and bathe them as they become dirty.
International cynological standards indicate that German Spitz of different sizes can have a coat of different colors - from white or black to brown, presented in different shades. Large Spitz most often differ in the characteristic brown, white or black color of the coat. But there is also an unusual Wolfspitz (or Wolf Spitz), whose color is zoning-gray.
Oranges have other characteristics. As a rule, dogs of this breed have a long undercoat. His hairs are twisted into small spirals. This feature is especially noticeable on the head and cheeks of the animal, where they have a peculiar "fluffy" hat. The remaining hairs in Pomeranian Spitz have a very limited number. Some individuals do not have them at all. As a result of such features, these cute little animals seem cotton or plush.
To stroke such pets is a pleasure. True, caring for the hair of oranges is not so simple. It is necessary not only to regularly comb out such animals, but also to timely subject them to the correct haircut. It is permissible to cut domestic dogs not participating in various exhibitions once every 1.5 or 2 months. U.S. standards suggest that the color of the oranges fur can be represented in 10 possible variations.
Similarities
Despite the fact that there are a large number of obvious differences between Pomeranian and German spitz, there are also some similarities. The main similar features include parameters such as:
- small elongated face;
- neat erect ears with slightly pointed tips;
- “Frill” of fur on the neck (from the chest to the withers);
- neat and elegant paws;
- tail ringlet.
Charming representatives of the famous Spitz breeds are usually very small. As a rule, they fit seamlessly in the hands of their master and are not very heavy. Their charming external data always cause emotion and delight the human eye.
Selection tips
It is necessary to choose thoroughbred dogs very carefully and carefully. Take this as seriously as possible. Follow these helpful tips for picking up Spitz:
- buy individuals of this breed only in a kennel with a good reputation; if you contact such an organization, then you will have all the guarantees that there will be no substitution of the dog for any other similar breeds;
- pay attention to the condition of the puppy - the baby should be quite active and look healthy;
- be sure to read the pedigree of the parents of the selected thoroughbred puppy in detail, such information should be with the breeder;
- you need to buy puppies who have all the necessary documentation, indicating that they have been vaccinated according to their age, and thorough treatment has been carried out for fleas and other parasites.
Who is better?
Many people, delving into the comparison of Pomeranian and German Spitz, ask a reasonable question: which of them is better. There will not be a definite answer. Dogs of these breeds have both serious differences and noticeable similarities. They are similar not only to the structure of the body, but also to the peculiarities of nature and character. Both Germans and Oranges are excellent companions, distinguished by positive, perky and good-natured behavior. They are loyal to their master and have great affection for him.
Growing both German and Pomeranian, special attention is required to be paid to their education and socialization issues. These processes should be in first place with the owner of a charming Spitz.
If you do not follow the upbringing of a pet, then it can suddenly start barking, spoiling furniture and behaving very aggressively towards other people and animals. There is nothing good about it. As a result, such a pet will become a burden rather than a sweet friend.
To decide on the optimal choice for all the characteristics of the pet, you should set a specific goal in advance for which you want to get a dog. It should be borne in mind that oranges and Germans are animals that have different main purposes. German Spitz, due to its size, stable immunity and excellent health, are more suitable for being a guard and defender of its owner or its territory.
As for the oranges - these dogs are still more decorative. In the course of breeding events, these individuals acquired a considerable number of various problems associated with their health. This is very important to consider when choosing a dog of this type. Certain subspecies are characterized by disorders associated with the respiratory system. In addition, they have various troubles at the genetic level concerning the spine.
As you can see, all types of Spitz have their own strengths and weaknesses. It is difficult to answer the question which of them is better. Each person finds an answer for himself.
If you decide to purchase such a dog, then you should decide in advance what exactly you want from it. Then you do not have to give up on the pet.
In the next video you will find out the distinguishing features of Pomeranian and German Spitz.