The German Spitz is a fluffy dog with a foxlike face and small, pointed ears. The dog is known for having a mane-like collar or ruff around its neck and a bushy tail curling over the dog’s back.
The German Spitz, one of the oldest breeds originating from Central Europe, is popular in Eastern Europe, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The breed is sometimes mistaken for a Pomeranian, a Keeshond, or an American Eskimo Dog.
The adult German Spitz is a relatively small breed dog, standing 12 to 15 inches tall and weighing about 25 pounds.
German Spitz breed information
The German Spitz breed typically gets along well with children and other dogs, but owners should supervise interactions. Although the dogs have a friendly temperament, their high prey drive can make them dangerous to birds and other pocket pets.
These small dogs tend to be vocal and require training to control their barking.
They tend to be lively and are easy to train. But they also have an independent streak. So if you want a clingy dog, this breed might not be the right choice.
Health issues
If you plan to buy a German Spitz puppy, work with a reputable breeder who screens their animals before breeding them.
The dogs are generally healthy, but do experience some common health problems:
Eye health: The breed is prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Retinal Dysplasia, which can lead to blindness.
Joints: The breed is also prone to patellar luxation or kneecap dislocation, a condition most common in toy and miniature dog breeds. In extreme cases, surgery is required.
General health issues: The breed also tends to develop idiopathic epilepsy and seizure-related illnesses. They can also develop dental conditions, allergies, and obesity.
Regular vet checkups are crucial.
Training issues
The German Spitz is intelligent and responds well to positive reinforcement training. Socialization and early training are critical.
Like other small dogs, they can exhibit signs of Napoleon Complex, so their owners need to set clear expectations and provide firm, consistent direction.
The biggest behavioral issue for the breed is barking. Owners need to prevent an excessive barking habit from developing.
Successfully train your German Spitz
Here are some tips and methods to ensure successful training for this lively breed:
Start early with socialization: Begin socializing your German Spitz as a puppy. Expose them to different people, environments, and other animals.
This helps them develop confidence and reduces the risk of fear-based behaviors in adulthood. Puppy classes or playdates with well-adjusted dogs are excellent ways to build social skills.
Use positive reinforcement: German Spitz dogs respond well to positive reinforcement. Treats, praise, and toys can be used to reward desired behaviors.
Keep training sessions short: Short (10-15 minutes) sessions can be more effective than long, drawn-out sessions due to their spirited nature. This helps maintain their attention and enthusiasm, allowing them to absorb commands and skills without becoming bored.
Be consistent with commands: Consistency is key in training. Use the same commands and gestures each time you teach a behavior.
Introduce variety in exercises: Introduce various activities and commands to keep your dog engaged. Incorporate basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come, and fun tricks like shaking hands or rolling over.
Interactive games like fetch, agility courses, or scent work can stimulate their minds and bodies.
Leverage your dog’s intelligence: German Spitz dogs are brilliant and can learn new skills quickly. Challenge them with more advanced tasks or problem-solving games to keep their minds sharp.
Be patient: Every dog learns at their own pace. If your German Spitz struggles with a particular command, be patient.
Revisit the basics and avoid frustration. Instead, encourage progress and celebrate small victories to build their confidence.
Incorporate play: Make training a playful experience. Use toys and games to create a positive association with learning.
Establish a schedule: Dogs thrive on routine. Establish a regular training schedule that fits into your daily activities.
Consistent daily training helps create a sense of structure and reliability for your dog.
Grooming requirements
The breed has a thick double coat in various colors, including sable, white, black, tan, cream, and chocolate brown.
The German Spitz sheds its undercoat twice per year. During shedding season, brush the dog’s coat at least once daily.
The rest of the time, the shedding is minimal, and the dogs need brushing several times a week to prevent tangles or knots. They rarely need to be bathed, and you should never shave off their coats.
Getting a German Spitz
If you buy a purebred puppy, work with a reputable breeder.
With its foxlike face and fluffy double coat, the German Spitz is an easy-to-train dog eager to please and makes a good companion.
However, the dogs require early socialization and training to prevent them from becoming problem barkers.
Mollie Porein is a fan of pets and a freelance writer from Minnesota. She recently completed her veterinary education at Grand Canyon University. She can now treat animals in clinics and shares her experiences with pet owners by writing for chiefessays.net.