German Spitz

The German Spitz is a type of dog, and also a distinct breed in itself. It is the ancient ancestor of many "northern Spitz"� type breeds. The categorization of Spitz breeds depends upon the country and registration in question, and this leads to a bit of confusion around the German Spitz.The international registry, the Federation Cynologique Internationale, recognizes the German Spitz as a breed, and categorizes it extensively into five variants. The "Wolfsspitz"� is 16 to 17 inches high, and is always wolf-gray in color, with black points. This variant is categorized at the "Keeshond"� breed in several other registries. The "Grossespitz"� is distinguished from the Wolfsspitz only by coloration, being solid white, brown or black. The Mittelspitz is smaller, and is considered in Europe to be the same as the American Eskimo Dog, although in North America they are considered two different breeds. The Kleinspitz is smaller still, and may be black, brown, white, red, or shades of gray. Finally, the Zwergspitz, a toy breed, can be any color. Many registries call this a separate breed, the Pomeranian. The forebear of the German Spitz is an ancient breed called the Turfspitz. Acheological evidence suggests that it was present thousands of years ago in settlements across what is now the area between the Vistula and the Rhine in the east, and over Germany and Denmark in the West. This is the oldest breed type found in Central Europe. The breed was originally capable of hunting and of herding, while serving as a watchdog. Over the centuries, the various Spitz-type breeds developed according to specific climate, terrain and uses. Some were bred to retain their hunting ability (like the Norwegian Elkhound), some were work dogs (the Samoyed) and some became primarily herders. The German Spitz has been recorded with the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service since 1996. Whatever its size category, the German Spitz is a square, stocky dog. This breed has a long, harsh coat with a large mane around the upper chest and neck; this feature, combined with prick ears, give it the appearance of having a sharp slope from shoulders to croup, although this is an illusion. The coat also grows longer on the back legs: this is known as "culottes"�. Although tails of specific Spitz types breeds are sometimes docked, the German Spitz is not. When long enough, it tends to be carried high and curled over the back. The dewclaws are sometimes removed. The German Spitz is described as having a "fox-like"� face, with a keen, curious and often mischievous expression. It is active and energetic, and although a prankster, should never possess a mean streak. Individuals of this breed frequently live to be from 10 to 18 years of age, depending upon size and specific breeding. The German Spitz is generally very healthy and free of genetic conditions; longevity is the norm. However, its health depends greatly on the size of the individual and the specific lineage. Prospective owners of the breed should ask the breeder if their stock has been tested for various genetic diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and hip and elbow dysplasia. A common disorder in the German Spitz is obesity, which frequently leads to digestive problems, heart disease, lung disorders, and diabetes. The owner should therefore take care not to over feed this breed. The German Spitz's double coat must be brushed weekly to keep it in healthy condition, remove dead hair, and protect the skin from disease. Although much of the time German Spitz is a medium shedder, it will shed heavily a few times a year when the undercoat is lost. During these times, many owners find it easier to remove the undercoat layer with a warm bath or two, rather than through several days of brushing and shedding. In very warm climates, the undercoat may disappear altogether.This breed is active and energetic, even indoors. It does well with a good walk daily. Because it is intelligent, lack of exercise may lead to destructive behavior. The German Spitz is independent and strong-willed, and requires a dog-savvy, strong leader in its handler.The German Spitz bonds strongly with its human pack, and is intensely loyal to its family. It is also intensely protective, and will even attack an intruder, despite its size. It is naturally suspicious of strangers and should be slowly introduced to visitors. Due to its history as a watchdog, this breed is a natural barker, and must be taught early to stop barking when told. Bored individuals can easily become obsessive barkers. The German Spitz usually gets along well with other dogs. It can live successfully with cats if raised with them. Smaller mammals can trigger its hunting instinct and should be introduced only with great caution.This breed is well-known for its fondness for children. It requires attention and interaction from its owners, and likes to be involved in all family activity. It is a friendly, fun-loving family companion. The German Spitz does well in obedience trials, and in agility.

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