The German Spitz
Vital Stats of German Spitz
Vital stats of this breed include the following:
- Dog breed group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 9 to 11.5 inches at the shoulder (small/klein); 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder (medium/mittel)
- Weight: 8 to 22 pounds (klein); 24 to 26 pounds (mittel)
- Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
Physical Characteristics of the German Spitz
The German Spitz has a coat which stands out from the body by the dense undercoat. This breed has a thick mane, or ruff, that covers the neck and frames the head. He has a fox-like quality, being wedge-shaped with a tapering nose and a relatively flat skull. His muzzle is moderately long, generally around 40% of the total head length.
A German Spitz has a classic Nordic dog appearance with small prick ears, a thick, double coat and a bushy tail curled over the back. He comes in a wide range of colors and markings, including solid white.
Care for the German Spitz
The German Spitz is prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. These dogs require short daily walks, typically half an hour to an hour long, with a few active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.
As the coat sheds reasonably heavily year-round, it is ideal to brush it at least twice a week. This will remove dead hair and keep it in top condition.
Health of the German Spitz
Similar to any other breed, the German Spitz is prone to specific health problems. These problems typically include the following:
- seizures (idiopathic epilepsy)
- luxating patellas
- retinal dysplasia
- progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
History of the German Spitz
Ancestors of the German Spitz originate from an area known as Pomerania, which is now part of modern-day Germany and Poland. There’s a document dating to 1450 which describes the area’s spitz dogs as valiant defenders of homes and fields.
The plucky and alert farm dogs became common among traders and fishermen for their watchdog abilities. They gained notice of royal families by the 18th century. George I and his German wife brought their German Spitz dogs with them to the English court when inheriting the English throne in 1714. By the latter part of the 18th century, George III’s wife Queen Charlotte was known to have several white German Spitz dogs that weighed 20 to 30 pounds.
While the popularity of this breed declined after World War I, it was revived in Europe in the 1970s. This breed is popular in Germany, Great Britain and Australia. The American Kennel Club includes the breed in its Foundation Stock Service registry and allows the German Spitz to compete in companion events such as obedience and rally.
For more information on the German Spitz or other dog breeds, don’t hesitate to contact us here at All Pets Veterinary Medical Center with the link below!
