History
The German Spitz breeds descend directly from the Nordic herding dogs. These dogs then spread throughout Europe and were crossed with other herding and shepherd breeds, thus making the foundation of the Spitz type.
Description
Compact, short coupled and well-knit with an almost square outline and profuse coat.
Grooming and Physical Needs
- Grooming Needs: 30-minute thorough brushing ‘the wrong way’ each week will ensure the coat stays clean and knot free. The coat should not be trimmed as it will grow back very thick and will be more difficult to manage.
- Coat Type: Double coat consisting of a soft woolly undercoat and a long harsh texture perfectly straight top coat covering the whole of the body.
- Moulting: Moderate shedding, undesexed girls do it twice a year usually before they come in season, where on the other hand, some desexed girls, and boys moult once a year, some boys do it once every couple of years.
- Exercise Needs: Needs little exercise, however they do enjoy a run or a walk and will quite happily occupy themselves in the garden all day.
- Average Life Span: 14 – 18 years.
Behaviour
- Family: Ideal for young and old and for families.
- Temperament: Happy, equable disposition, showing confidence, with no sign of nervousness or aggression.
- Trainability: Very intelligent dog but they can be wilful so when training one needs to reward good behaviour.
- Sociability (Other Pets): Excellent with other dogs and pets.
- Barking: High tendency.
Talents
German Spitz are particularly good at agility and some owners take part in obedience competitions with their Spitz.
Notes
Being a very natural breed, tends to be very healthy, some prone to Patella Luxation (eyes).