German Spitz World Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm thinking about buying a German Spitz. Do they make good pets?
On the whole, yes. They are bright, intelligent and lively. They are also independent and have a tendency to be noisy if not taught otherwise. They should be very bold, which combined with their lively and adventurous temperaments, means a dog that cannot be ignored. As they are small, they need comparatively little physical exercise, but they should be kept occupied as their keen intelligence shouldn't go to waste. They have profuse coats which means regular grooming is essential.
Do they have good temperaments?
As described above, they can be very lively. Raised properly, and given the appropriate socialising they mix well with people, other pets and dogs.
What do they look like?
A compact, square-bodied dog with the characteristic spitz features of the tail carried over the back, well arched neck, wedge shaped head and prick ears set well on the head. They should have a profuse, offstanding coat. They can (and do) come in any colour although gold and black dogs tend to predominate. Wolf sable, black and white particolours, blue, cream and the occasional black and tan can be seen.
What size are they?
They come in two sizes - 'Mittel' and 'Klein'. The Mittels are between 12" and 15" at the shoulder, Kleins up to 11 and a half inches. Note that as the sizes have only been treated as two separate varieties for a few years, sizes have not completely stabilised yet, so you can occasionally find a Klein German spitz growing as big as a Mittel and a Mittel as small as a Klein. So if the size is important to you, make sure the breeder is aware of this and look carefully into the parentage for dogs that they are the correct size. If you wish to breed or show, correct size is essential to achieve success.
Are they easy to train?
That's a difficult one! There is no doubting their intelligence and ability to learn quickly. But traditional methods of trying to make them do things, rather than teaching them to want to do things for rewards, will give an owner very limited success. A few have achieved success in obedience and agility competitions, and inevitably attract attention with their lively and energetic attitude to the job in hand. Using the right methods, they can be taught to do any number of things (within their physical capabilities) and will tackle tasks with enthusiasm. But you will be doomed to disappointment if you want a dog that gives 100% unquestioning obedience and maybe you should consider a different breed.
How much exercise do they need?
They can take a surprising amount for their size, but on the whole they don't need miles of exercise every day. But they should, like any dog, get out and about to have a change of scenery and the opportunity to socialise and meet other dogs.
Are they destructive?
They shouldn't be if they are given enough to do. But even the bored German Spitz isn't particularly inclined to destroy the house. They may, however, steal food and can be very resourceful in attempting to reach any left around.
I've been told they're noisy-is that right?
A number of the varieties of spitz have a reputation for noisiness - not without foundation. Often a German spitz's first reaction to many new or alarming situations is to bark and they are very alert guard dogs. It is certainly possible to keep them quiet, but you will need to be aware of the potential for noise if you have neighbours to worry about and therefore ensure it isn't allowed to develop.
Do they need a lot of grooming?
Yes and no. It is easy to assume as they are a heavily coated breed that they need a good brush every day. In fact, this isn't always best for the coat and a quick brush every other day with a thorough, deep grooming every week is normally fine. Their coats should never be clipped in any way and even in the Summer, clipping the coat is not recommended as it then loses its insulating qualities and the dog may in fact be hotter. An occasional bath won't hurt, but they don't need them if the grooming is kept up.
Are they good with children?
The question should really be would your children be good with the German Spitz? They are a small breed and therefore more liable to injury in the sort of rough housing children often expect of the family pet. A wrongly placed football or falling toddler can do a lot of damage to a small dog. But they are game to join in most activities with enthusiasm and unlike a bigger dog, they are unlikely to pull or knock over the older children.
Do they have health problems?
Compared to some other breeds, they are pretty healthy. The breed standard is such that exaggeration of any feature which may lead to ill health is discouraged.
However, there have been incidences of eye disease and epilepsy, and as with many smaller breeds, slipping patella can occur.
Buyers would be wise to ensure both parents of any potential purchase hold a current clear eye certificate (BVA/ISDS) and that puppies have been litter screened by a a qualified eye panellist, and while there is no official scheme for Epilepsy or Patella Luxation in the UK, affected animals should not be bred from.
Poor mouths are also in evidence which although not a serious health problem, can mean premature dental care will be needed.
What were they bred for originally? What's their history?
They weren't developed with any particular purpose in mind, except as general companions and watch dogs. Developed from the larger European spitz, they are, in effect, miniature versions of the Keeshond and the Wolfspitz. Known as Pomeranians originally, they became popular in this country during the 18th century and can be seen in paintings by Gainsborough and Stubbs. Miniaturised by the Victorians, eventually only the very small Pomeranians were to be found which became the highly popular breed they are today. It wasn't until the late 1970s that a few individuals began the move to reintroduce the original, slightly bigger spitz from the continent, and they were recognised by the Kennel Club in 1985.
What if I want a bitch so I can breed from her?
If you opt to buy a puppy you have to ensure you have bought her from typical, healthy lines and it helps to be as familiar as possible with her antecedents. But you cannot possibly consider breeding from her until she is adult and all her faults and virtues have become evident. However well bred she is, if she develops unacceptable faults such as a nervous or aggressive temperament or a physical problem such as patella luxation, then she mustn't be bred from. So you may wish to buy an adult. In which case be sure you know why the dog is being sold as breeders don't often part with good, sound breeding stock. However, this isn't unknown and some breeders have found themselves needing to part with perfectly good dogs simply because they have too many. Naturally, if you do want to breed, then you must be prepared to do any relevant health testing on your bitch and her puppies, and be sure you can find good, permanent homes for all the puppies and be prepared to take responsibility for their well being.
Where can I meet some and find out more about them?
The German Spitz Club runs two shows a year, and the Kennel Club holds their show Crufts (usually in March) which are certainly the largest gatherings of German spitz in any one place. See details below. An increasing number of general championship shows have classes for German spitz - the Kennel Club can let you know which they are. Some breeders will be happy to let you visit and have a chat if its clear you are serious in your interest in the breed, but don't just drop in. They are generally very busy people and you will need to make an appointment to see them. Speak to the German Spitz Club secretary, who will be happy to help and give you advice.
Where can I get details of puppies and breeders?
Details of puppies and breeders can be obtained from:
Val Dyer (Hon. Secretary)
Waterend Cottage
Hayes End
Longney
Gloucestershire
England
Tel : 01452 720594