All About Spitz Dogs

Spitz has a special place among dog lovers. Companion dogs, whose history of origin dates back thousands of years, have a diverse appearance that makes them seem like fluffy toys. The material in this article is intended to help the reader find answers to questions of interest regarding dogs of this breed. We will consider the description of animals, their main varieties, dwell on the nature of the pets, as well as the nuances of their maintenance and breeding.

The history of the origin of Spitz is quite controversial and has many legends. According to one version, these dogs accompanied the magi who came to bow to the born Christ. Another legend says that these dogs were assistants to shepherds, the third - that they existed in ancient times in Egypt, China and Rome. In fact, it is so: the existence of dogs in the old days is proved by the canvases of artists, as well as coins and drawings on the vases of bygone civilizations.

Someone believes that the roots of the origin of this breed stretch from the North. Archaeological finds, coupled with scientific research, prove that the remains of the ancestors of modern Spitz found in 1862 date back to 2900-1900 BC. Some researchers were able to prove that the breed originated much earlier (approximately 4000 years BC).

Images of Greeks and Romans proved that dogs were smaller here. Their skull usually did not exceed 15 cm, the muzzle was relatively narrow, and the nose was short. Also on the back of the head was a certain severity.

The Germans were convinced of the need to maintain a standard weight (not more than 7 kg)therefore, only miniature representatives of the breed were selected for breeding. Gradually, these Spitzs became smaller and smaller. By the way, the fact that their color, like weight, at one time depended on the breeding region, is also curious.

Thus, Germany launched the formation of a separate line of Spitz, called German, although the signs were finally fixed in England. Since that time, dogs began to be popular with the royal nobility. At one time, the English Queen Victoria held about 15 breeds of royal spitz. It was from the Victorian era that they began to participate in exhibition events, which at that time had just appeared.

It is noteworthy that Queen Victoria adored Spitz decorative breeds. She especially liked dogs whose height at the withers did not exceed 22 cm. To date, such pets are considered the smallest of all varieties of Spitz. They are not adapted to tedious loads and are rather partners, although they require a lot of time for maintenance and upbringing.

A lot of interesting facts are connected with the history of the formation of the breed. For example, in the century before last, women were engaged in breeding of individual breeds of Spitz. This is evidenced by the existing official lists of breeders.

Spitz have many varieties, which explains the difference in the description of their appearance and character. However, all of them came from the so-called “peat” dog, which lived back in the Stone Age. At the same time, the sizes of representatives of the breed of Spitz can vary dramatically, as well as weight. Some Spitz are large, others are typical representatives of the "mimic" appearance and dimensions., which is especially enhanced by the selection of the appropriate hairstyle or the so-called grooming.

Individual spitz, as adults, weigh a little more than 1 kg. Dogs of this breed develop on average up to 5-9 months. The difference in performance depends on the variety of dogs: for example, large pets take longer to grow up. However, it is generally believed that the period of active growth ends when the animal is 12 months old.

It was at this time that the males were ready for mating. Dogs of this breed live about 12-16 years, although the average term can be shortened due to various factors (for example, improper care and poor diet, the presence of pathological diseases or genetic disorders).

Babies can be born with a tiny weight: at the time of birth, it can be 90-120 grams. During adulthood, the dog sometimes changes beyond recognition, becoming a charming furry friend. The dimensions of the large Spitz are impressive: their weight can reach 22 kg with growth at the withers of up to 55 cm. Today, the colors of Spitz can have blue, sable shades, beaver and tricolor.

Spitz is crossed with dogs of other breeds, and mestizos, as a rule, inherit the best qualities of their parents. For example, a cross between a husky and a spitz made it possible to obtain a Pomsky breed, a half-breed Spitz and a chihuahua became known as a spider.

As for the general standard, it has a number of its characteristic features. The classic adult Spitz, according to the established standard description, has a small head. From above, it may seem a little wide, but the front view proves that the shape of the muzzle in the dogs is narrowed. The nose may be slightly flattened, but necessarily not wide and small.

Its color, according to the standard, can be black or dark brown. Pet lips without folds, tight fitting. Eyes against the face of the muzzle seem small, can be set at an angle, the eyelids are almost always dark.

According to the general characteristic, the bite of the Spitz is scissor-shaped, the ears are small, located strictly up. The neck is small, the back is short and straight, the croup is not beveled, quite wide and short. The color of Spitz can be different, for example:

• black without any light marks;
• black-silver with a darker color at the ends of the hairs;
• pure white or with rare milk points;
• plain brown without tan;
• fiery red without a pattern and spots of a different color.

However, regardless of the variety, the standard clearly prescribes the requirements for wool. It should not curl, and the undercoat must be straight, despite the fact that its length can be both short and long. The best Spitz dog is one with a straight coat and a thick undercoat.

Regardless of the variety, representatives of the breed feel large. Therefore, they often do not calculate their strength and chances, bullying to larger dogs or cats. Despite this, they are very active and mobile. They are not bored, and therefore they always respond to the attention of the owners if they notice that the owners are not averse to playing or taking a walk with them.

They will show a whirlwind of their emotions with a loud bark, and small dogs prefer to scare away strangers to them.when they have doubts about their own victory in a conflict. Adoration of the sound of one’s own voice is often the cause of discontent among neighbors if the pet lives in an apartment building. Training is the salvation from the problem: in the process of training, the dog becomes less noisy.

Often owners are struck by the energy of Spitz and their restlessness. Their vitality is enough for walks, games, training and assistance to household members. An amazing quality of these animals is the understanding of the atmosphere prevailing in the house. Spitz can be partners, they feel the mood of the owners, can become loyal friends to people of all ages, with the exception of small children.

However, dogs are completely defenseless before being alone. If you do not pay them proper attention, they yearn and literally get lost, not knowing where to direct their energy. They need human caress and care. Lack of attention can turn into mischief. Spitz needs both physical and mental stress.

Despite the fact that the Spitz looks cute and friendly, a separate representative of the breed can afford to dominate weak pets.

The breed of Spitz has many varieties. For example, the classification may be based on the reckoning of a separate group as intended. Proceeding from this, dog handlers as a whole distinguish traction, hunting, shepherd and guard dogs. Moreover, most of the species of Spitz can be called more likely guard pets than hunters or shepherds.The only hunter can rightly be called the Finnish Spitz.

Regardless of the variety and size, the Spitz have excellent hearing, and therefore they inform the owners of any danger with a loud and sonorous bark. Traction dogs can be classified as individuals capable of transporting goods, running for a long time in harnesses. This species includes the Samoyed Spitz (Samoyed), as well as the Norbotten Spitz, although today they are rarely used for traction teams.

Also conditionally Spitz can be classified by size, dividing animals into miniature, small, medium and large pets. Each type of animal has its own differences, which is manifested not only in appearance, but also in character traits. This explains the different behavior of dogs. As for the names, the Spitz has a lot of them. This breed includes dogs: Bataksky, Volpino (Italian), Keeshond (Wolfspitz), Kleinspitz (small Spitz), German large, medium Mittelspitz, Pomeranian (dwarf).

In addition, the breed includes Samoyed, Finnish, Japanese, French, English, Lapland, Russian, as well as Scottish. Animals differ in the type of coat.

For example, dwarf breeds reaching growth at the withers of no more than 22 cm are distinguished by the greatest friendliness. They love to flatter themselves to the owners, despite the fact that they belong to decorative pets, have a lot of courage and sometimes prove that they are not toys at all. At the same time, bold dogs with a clear voice weigh between 1.5-3 kg. This line of varieties includes Pomeranian miniature dogs.

As for the German breeds, then a separate category of dog handlers distinguishes the German Spitz or Wolfspitz as a separate, larger variety of dogs. Pomeranians are often confused with the Germans, although the two types have obvious external differences. For example, the key difference is size: the growth of the German variety can reach 35 cm or more. In addition, its face is more elongated in comparison with orange. The coat of dogs of two varieties also varies: it is coarser among German counterparts.

It is noteworthy that Pomeranian spitzs have differences among themselves: they have a different type of muzzle. She may be like a bear. Moreover, it seems round, not elongated, and sometimes even somewhat flattened. Looking at such a dog, it seems that she has full cheeks, a raised chin and eyes close to the nose.

The fox type of muzzle is a more elongated shape. With this form, the animal's chin is elongated and narrow, the cheeks are fluffy, and the nose completely resembles a button. The toy face has its own differences, although it is somewhat like a bear. If you look closely at it, you will notice that this face is flatter, with differences regarding the position of the eyes. In the toy type, they are not so close to the nose and are placed somewhat higher.

Miniature type dogs have the most diverse color. For example, in kennels you can buy puppies of bluish, white, red, sand, gray, brown, black color. Each color is unique in its own way. It is also surprising that miniature pets are able to quickly adopt some of the features of their owners.

This line of Spitz includes individuals with growth at the withers from 23 to 29 cm. These babies are called Kleinspitz. This also includes some oranges, whose growth is 28 cm (females - 26 cm). These are companion dogs that do not need active physical exertion and exhausting training. In addition, Italian Volpino with a fox face, the height at the withers of which usually does not exceed 28 cm and weighs up to 4.5 kg, fits into these dimensions.

These dogs are distinguished by obedience, they are easy to train because of the good memorability of different teams. For all their decorativeness, they sense danger and can instantly change their mood if the situation requires it. For example, playfulness can change dramatically to alertness and seriousness. It is worth noting that these dogs are extremely necessary to get rid of excess energy, but you can not expose their short legs to long loads.

These Spitz get along well with their same-sex relatives, as well as other animals living in the house. However, some representatives of the breed are very touchy and do not understand when they are squeezed excessively, and even more so pulled by the hair. Kleinspitz is very cheerful, but at the same time peculiar. For example, they do not go to the hands of all people, they require a lot of patience in education and training.

The weight of individual individuals of this line sometimes reaches 8-9 kg, oranges of this type weigh no more than 6 kg. These pets are characterized by a toy appearance, which is explained by grooming a fluffy fur coat. They always willingly come to the aid of the owner, are able to raise his mood. In view of this, they are often turned on by elderly and lonely people.

Small dogs are characterized by a lively character and quick wit. They urgently need daily walks in the fresh air to maintain health. They are non-aggressive, playful and active. In addition, these dogs, like mini-spitz dogs, are mobile due to their size. You can take them with you anywhere.

This category includes individuals with growth at the withers from 30 to 35-38 cm. These include Mittelspitz (immigrants from Germany), distinguished by their huge energy and weighing up to 12 kg. They live an average of 14 years, but life expectancy may depend on care and compliance with maintenance rules (including hygiene and timely visits to the veterinarian). Like Kleinspitz, middles are a German variety of a single breed.

At one time they were referred to as northern sled dogs. Their appearance differs from their small brothers: they are not so compact, they have a more elongated face and nose. It is somewhat similar to a fox, the dog’s nose is dark, the coat is long, its tail is fluffy, bent upward in a semicircle. Color can be different (plain white, black, reddish, ashy and brown).

These Spitzs need early socialization, due to the stubbornness faced by breeders who have lost training time. Often these Spitzs resist training, refusing to follow the owner's commands. The owners have to show a lot of effort to avoid repetitive repetitions. It is important to ensure that dogs do not get bored during training, because it seems boring and stupid to fulfill the same commands.

Unlike previous varieties, these dogs are vital for physical activity. They are active and independent, with proper training, they become attached to the house and devotion to the owners. You have to be great inventors with them, because dogs literally adore games, but not of the same type. These Spitzs are undesirable to limit in walks and movements, as unspent energy develops into aggression and rampant barking.

Compared with other representatives of the breed, these dogs are jealous and do not tolerate competition in the struggle for the attention of the owner. Their degree of livability is lower than that of decorative Spitz: in some cases, dogs can pluck evil on other pets living in the house. They differ in the texture of wool, which affects the complexity of grooming.

Large breeds of Spitz have their own characteristic differences in behavior and appearance. Their growth at the withers can be on average from 42 to 51 cm, the growth of females varies from 41 to 46 cm.This category of dogs includes Grosspits, who are descendants of northern shepherd dogs. They are classified as European German Spitz, characterized by a high degree of observation.

The color of these animals can be white, black, chocolate. Moreover, the standard clearly states that the color should not be marks or impurities of other colors. Outwardly, these dogs are not only larger than the previous ones, they are distinguished by a muscular physique and the presence of a long-haired fur coat. Unlike decorative relatives, they are strong and need active physical exertion.

This species of Spitz is considered rare, in these dogs the head has a wedge-shaped shape, it tapers towards the end of the nose, is proportional to the body. Grosspitz ears always stand, teeth are white and, as a rule, strong.

Bright representatives of this line are Keskhond smooth-haired, which are often called wolf dogs. The height of these dogs at the withers is on average 55 cm; such a pet weighs about 30 kg. In fact, these are relatives of the German Spitz, but their homeland is the Netherlands. Of all the varieties, these dogs have the largest body dimensions.

They have long been used as watchmen and for hunting. Today they have not lost their instincts, as a result of which individual breeders take them with them on the hunt. The dogs have an amazing appearance: they are distinguished by a dark nose and a characteristic coloring, similar to a wolf. These dogs can live both at home and on the street. They have a thick and long coat, which prevents dogs from freezing even in the cold.

These dogs are clean and able to wash their faces on their own, like cats. They have a bright temperament: these Spitz are self-confident, sociable and independent. Wolfspitz puppy is like a hurricane, but as it grows older it becomes calm and reasonable. At the same time, the dog's vitality remains the same as it was in childhood.

During training, these pets do not put up with a cry: it is the reason that they lose any interest in training and training. Such a dog can learn as many teams as its circus congener. Her life resource averages 14-16 years.

Regardless of the variety, Spitz has many advantages. For example, one of them is their lordly appearance. These dogs are unique, some of them resemble cubs, others resemble wolves. With proper care and proper upbringing, they are the pride of the owners and take their rightful places at exhibition events.

These pets are incredibly sensitive: they capture the intonation of a person’s voice, and therefore understand how to behave in a particular situation. For example, some representatives of the breed are able not only to play with the owners, but also to pity them. In addition, pets often adapt to the mood of a person, which not all animals do.

Their cheerfulness is sometimes able to inspire a person who is depressed. By the way, the fact that the color of the dogs creates the effect of a smile is also interesting. When looking at a pet, one gets the feeling that a "smile dog" lives in the house. The animal is almost always friendly, mood drops are rare.

Some representatives of the breed are characterized by special cleanliness. Like cats, they lick their own coat several times a day. At the same time, they do not resist hygiene if they are accustomed to it from young claws. They are grateful to the owners for their attention and care.

Spitzes willingly accompany their masters, often show tolerance towards people, and some individuals manage to keep their emotions to themselves (in cases when they do not like an outsider). In general, their stock of friendliness and coping can only be envied.These are adequate assistants and companions, which is why they are suitable for owners of different social statuses.

However, with all the advantages, Spitz has disadvantages. For example, not every breeder is able to withstand a dog’s communication for a long time, which it shows through a cheerful and sonorous barking. If at the same time she lives in an apartment building, the walls of which are poorly insulated from noise, the owners of the house may have problems with neighbors. Deafening barking can be heard on several floors.

An equally significant drawback is the predisposition to genetically determined anomalies and pathologies. For example, in individual Spitz milk teeth do not fall out. Dental change occurs with the help of a veterinarian who has a specialization in dentistry. Some individuals have an excessively deep root base, and therefore they can remain in the gums.

Other animals may experience tracheal collapse, an open ductus arteriosus. In addition, dogs are susceptible to dislocation of the patella, as well as diseases such as cryptorchidism, endocardiosis, tartar, rhinitis and chronic laryngotracheitis. Individual representatives of the breed, like humans, may develop cataracts. Due to their high jumping ability and fragile bones, dwarf spitz dogs are susceptible to injury.

Small puppies have a weak stomach, so the owner should select the food carefully. In addition, both puppies and adult dogs have a predisposition to heatstrokes and inflammatory processes on the skin. It is worth noting such a nuance as the active loss of hair in oranges. The loss of hair sometimes leads to the fact that the Spitz becomes bald. This pathology is treatable, but the sooner the problem is identified, the better.

This is not to say that maintaining and maintaining a spitz is cheap. You have to invest in a bed, dishes, toys, vaccinations, preventive examinations, feed, care products and for bathing.

Ordinary Spitz is very active with all family members, including children. However, if the children are still very young, it is undesirable to leave them alone with their pets, the reason for which lies in excessive energy. The dog may not calculate its own strength, knocking down a baby who is just learning to walk. As for the type of owner, the Spitz are completely unsuitable for owners-loafers. These dogs are demanding of themselves, even the slightest violation of the care regimen will turn into a problem.

It is important to note that some breeders consider Spitz to be allergenic dogs. During molting, pet hair is deposited on almost all things at home. There is a lot of it, and therefore the number of allergens increases until the process of molting ends. If the owner or his family members are not allergic to wool, this problem will not occur.

Breeding dogs of this breed is considered difficult, which is especially true for miniature varieties. Not all born puppies meet the standard. In addition, not every individual is allowed for breeding due to the inconsistency of its class. It is worth noting the fact that females are often not particularly interested in male Spitz dogs: in relation to them, they often show indifference.

However, the Spitz boy who knows the mating constantly strives for mating, which affects his behavior. He is in constant search of a couple, becoming restless, which can turn into aggression. For breeding, it is important to observe a number of conditions, among which the size of both partners is important.

For German Spitz this rule does not apply. It is not so important here whether the female is smaller or male. But if you crossbreed pets of more than one species, puppies will be born whose appearance will differ from true Germans.

Knitting in Spitz has its own nuances. For example, the female must be ready for her, which means that you need to pick up a moment during her estrus, which usually lasts within 22 days, divided into two stages. It is useless to let the male to the female in the first half of estrus (forerunner), which lasts an average of 5 to 12 days. At this time, the dog’s behavior is aggressive, and therefore it does not admit a partner to itself.

The estrus itself, lasting an average of two weeks, is more suitable for mating. Dogs are left in an empty room, taking away everything that could distract their attention from there. If the dog already has experience with a female, there are no problems with mating. During the estrus period, the male is mated with the Spitz-girl twice. Pregnancy in dogs lasts from about 58 to 64 days.

Long wool can complicate knitting. Therefore, before mating, she is sheared in each partner in the genital area. This aspect is especially important if two partners mate for the first time. When breeding, it is important to consider the age of the partners.

Spitz grows differently depending on the variety. It is believed that fully dogs are formed by 2-3 years. Moreover, each stage of development has its own nuances. For example, in puppies, the skin is still visible for up to a month, parts of the body by which it is possible to determine the future color of the coat do not have the necessary proportions.

A puppy is born blind, newborn babies open their eyes at the age of two weeks, their hearing appears 2.5 weeks after birth. At the beginning of the second month, small pets have their baby teeth cut out, and therefore they have to buy toys and clean up valuable things. At 2 months, the baby's character traits are laid.

At 3-4 months, he learns his first molt in his life, in which the baby fluff is replaced by real adult hair. At this time, the puppies are balding, and therefore become very ugly. At six months, molting can continue, at this time the teeth are completely changed. At 9 months, the pet has reached the age when it can take part in exhibitions. His fur coat was completely renewed, and he became a dog with an attractive appearance.

Spitz maintenance implies compliance with hygiene rules, its training, timely and proper feeding, walking, as well as a preventive examination at the veterinarian and vaccination.

Particular attention has to be paid to thick wool: it quickly breaks into tangles if the owner skips combing procedures. For these dogs, you need to choose the right comb, not only a comb, they also need a slicker or furminator, through which the owner will be able to rid his furry pet of dead hair that the dogs have been wearing for months.

Ears, eyes and teeth should be brushed regularly. In addition, dogs need claw hygiene: they are cleaned of accumulating dirt and trimmed in a timely manner. Dogs often should not be bathed; for washing, you need to purchase special shampoos and conditioners that will give the coat a silky feel and make it easier to comb. Wash your pet more than once a month is undesirable.

With the appearance of a puppy in the house, you need to take care of buying a comfortable couch and carrying, which will protect the baby’s fragile bones in the first months of his life in the new house.Own bed will allow the pet to understand its place, which is the first and key rule of education. If he will be invited to bed or upholstered furniture, such a dog is doomed to misunderstanding the boundaries and rules established in the house.

As you grow older you will have to buy a muzzle, which is especially important for representatives of large breed breeds. So that during the period when the dog’s teeth change, she doesn’t gnaw everything, she gets her own toys. It is important to take into account the fact that the dishes on the Spitz must have their own. This is not associated with squeamishness, but seeing dishes on the table, similar to the one from which the pet eats, he will not have an understanding that this is not his place of eating.

Walking is a must, and you will have to train your pet with a collar from an early age. Due to their frequency and regularity, it will be possible to quickly accustom the dog to the toilet on the street. The collar must be selected taking into account the age and size of the pet. In rainy weather, protective overalls should be worn on decorative dogs.

In the diet of dogs should be all healthy vitamins and minerals. Otherwise, the animal's immunity will be weakened. Ideally, these dogs need natural food: they eat porridge, boiled meat, fish and even vegetables well. Raw fish is not good for them, like flour (bread or pasta). Poured from flour dogs, they have an intestinal upset.

You can not treat Spitz with sweets or sweet foods. This provokes the development of caries and is a factor provoking obesity. Legumes and potatoes should not be included in the diet: not every member of the breed has a stomach to cope with such food. However, cottage cheese is useful to them, like boiled liver and heart.

Meat consumed should be lean. Dogs need to be given carrots, fresh fruits, dried fruits, kefir, buckwheat and rice. They should not eat anything fatty or smoked. Sausage, chips and similar foods are unacceptable to them. The multiplicity of food intake is 5 times a day in a small puppy. At the age of 8 months, the dog should eat no more than twice a day.

Regardless of the number of meals a dog should always have a bowl of fresh water. No need to pour liquids into it that are not drank up by households.

It is necessary to engage in training a pet as soon as he gets comfortable in a new place. If you let the situation drift, a cute dog will begin to dominate the owner, doing everything that comes to her mind (to the extent that she can afford to mark in the apartment). The owner will not only have to teach the pet to various teams, but also to wean those harmful habits that the puppy could acquire in the kennel.

For example, some individuals will have to wean biting, others - bark loudly and for a long time. Classes on socialization and training should take place in a playful way. Otherwise, the dog will get bored and stop paying attention to the need to complete one or another task. You can’t let the puppy get used to gnawing at objects you like: he must understand that he has special objects for this.

Dogs respond to the intonation of the owners voice. They quickly understand when and why they are praised, and therefore try to obey their owners.

Spitz dogs are the favorites of breeders, as evidenced by the reviews of the owners left on the information portals.The comments indicate an active lifestyle and restlessness of representatives of this breed. Spitz loves the owners for their spontaneity and positive attitude, they are loyal, loyal and moderately cunning. As indicated in the comments, these dogs justify the name “companions”.

They are really able to cheer up and relieve the owners of the blues. According to breeders, dogs are open-minded, can adapt to the rhythm of life of their owners, despite some kind of freedom. They can be kept in apartments and in private homes. They love the game of tug of war, catch-up, they like to play with toys, do not give them away.

As for leaving, the owners are unanimous in its complexity. The wool coat of the Spitz is quite thick, many have to carry companions to professional groomers to bring their coat into a decent appearance. According to the assessment of the owners, it is prone to tangling and pollution. During molting, it is necessary to comb it out daily, using a furminator.

Interesting facts about Spitz in the video below.