German Spitz Club of America, Inc.
BREED ORIGIN: Germany
RELATED BREEDS: Pomeranian, American Eskimo, Keeshond
BREED DESCRIPTION
The German Spitz is always attentive, lively and exceptionally devoted to his owner. He is versatile, easy to train and athletic. Though easily trainable, this lively and intelligent breed can also have an independent streak. If properly trained and well socialized, the German Spitz will be happy mingling with other people and dogs. German Spitz make excellent watch dogs. All excel in performance sports and tricks.
BREED HISTORY AND TRIVIA
The Spitz is the oldest breed of dog in Central Europe and served as the progenitor of many European breeds. The large black and white German Spitz were first registered in Germany in 1899, with the smaller sizes and additional colors being adding in the 1950s-1960s.
The German Spitz was primarily a watchdog on farms, the white dogs for livestock and the black dogs for vineyards. Accordingly, he is independent, can be stubborn, and is quick to announce his ownership of the property. He is an excellent hunter of vermin. His extraordinary curiosity and docility, as well as his confident demeanor, brought Spitz to the circus ring. He is quick to learn tricks and excels in agility.
BREED COLORS AND SIZES
The large German Spitz comes in white, black or brown. The small and medium German Spitz come in a variety of colors including white, black, brown, orange, grey-shaded, and other colors.
Large (Große) Spitz: 16” – 20” (45 ± 5 cm)
Average size is 17.7”; average 30-50 lbs
Medium (Mittel) Spitz: 12” – 15.9” (35 ± 5 cm)
Average size is 13.8”; average 15-25 lbs.
Small (Kleine) Spitz: 8” – 11.9” (27 ± 3 cm)
Average size is 10.6”; average 10-11 lbs
Males larger than females, especially gross males
BREED HEALTH
• Normal health, veterinary, and feeding requirements
• Recommended health tests:
• X-ray elbows and hips, exam patellas, eyes
• Genetic testing for PRA, vWF type 1, albinism
• Life expectancy – 15+ years
BREED GROOMING
• Bathe once every one to three months
• Trim nails one to two times a month
• Double coated. Outercoat is long, straight and off- standing. Undercoat is short, thick, and soft.
• Moderate shedding
• Use comb, rake, and pin brush to groom
BREED EXERCISE
• Need a lot of exercise.
BREED TRAINING AND TRAINABILITY
• Eager to please, excels in performance events, especially agility, obedience, and tricks.
• Responds well to discipline and praise. Busy. Likes challenges.
BREED GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
• Affectionate with family
• Independent and reserved toward strangers
• Playfulness level: moderate to non-stop
• Good with dogs and children with supervision
• Barking level: very vocal
• Moderately adaptable
• High energy
• Needs a lot of mental stimulation, a job, or an activity
BREED TEMPERAMENT
• Smart, devoted, and active
AKC PARENT BREED CLUB INFORMATION
German Spitz Club of America, Inc. (GSCA)
National breed club website:
www.GermanSpitzClub.org
Public page on Facebook
Patrea Pabst, GSCA President
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (404) 217-8471
2966 Hartwell Hwy NW, Dewy Rose, GA 30634