German spitz/Pomeranian

Description:
German spitz has a foxy head,  medium sized and  almond-shaped eyes, and small prick ears mounted high and carried erect. His body is square-proportioned with a bushy tail set high and laid firmly on the back.

Colour:
The most popular is orange from light cream to  dark red. Also there are white, black, brown and party-coloured dogs. Coat is a little harsh, stand off with a thick undercoat

Temperament:
German spitz is alert, vigorous  and agile, sometimes also an audacious and a noisy  watchdog. The breed tends to be quite a fighter, therefore spitz must be properly trained from the first days. The breed’s inherent showmanship also makes it a good performer of tricks and spitz can roll a ball without a special training, he loves dancing and is eager to please. This dog is never gloomy, he is a real optimist by nature and loves all his family members and demands lot of love in return.

Traits:
Affectionate, devoted, delicate, responsive, audacious, vigorous, joyful, mischievous, frisky.

Height at withers:

• toy spitz (zwergspitz, dwarf spitz or  Pomeranian) 18-22cm
• (dogs under 18 cm are undesirable);
• miniature spitz (kleinspitz) 23-29cm;
• medium-size spitz (mittelspitz) above 29cm;
• Giant spitz and keeshond (Wolfspitz), which are higher.

The common spitz varieties in Latvia are dwarf spitz,  German miniature spitz and keeshond.

Weight: 2,0-3,5 kg (dwarf spitz and German miniature spitz).

Living conditions:
An excellent  companion for indoor living in a city apartment, as well as for people who are not fond of long walks. Can be trained to eliminate on old newspapers or use a cat litter box. Will enjoy an occasional longer walk or play session outside together with their family. Get along well with other pets.

Life expectancy:
Up to 16 years, which is a common feature for tiny breeds, they do not tend to have allergies or other health problems, but in order to keep their teeth and gums in good condition, they need a frequent teeth cleaning.

Grooming:
Due to special coat  texture, it does not tend to form mats. The coat is quite easy to maintain. In regular conditions it requires combing once per week, and more frequently when it sheds, which is only temporary. Coat on legs and paws is quite short, therefore it does not get too dirty in wet weather. The thick coat protects the dog from cold weather in winter.

Group:
FCI 5th Group, including also Chow-chow, Samoyeds, Alaskan malamute etc., (AKC Toy group).

Country of Origin:
Germany, but big efforts in creating a Pomeranian type were made  by UK and American breeders.

History:
Spitz breeds are considered as the oldest, and less modified dog breeds over the course of time. North Europe is considered as the native place of the breed.  The first spitz breeders’ club was founded in 1898 in Germany.