German Spitz

Breed: German Spitz
Temperament: active, naughty, fun-loving
Cost: from $400
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Maintenance: medium-high
Recommended for: families with older children, adults

Do you like the small, fluffy dog "look" but want one with attitude? The German Spitz has 'Mischief' as its middle name!

Appearance

In Germany the dogs come in five sizes but here the only type of any number is the 'mittel', or standard, which reaches around 30-36cm (11-14"). They have a very dense undercoat and harsh outer coat, with a wide range of colour variations although cream, gold, blue and charcoal or black are popular. They have erect triangular ears and a curled tail.

Temperament

German Spitz are very out-going, fun-loving little dogs that can also be quite yappy and, their owners say, quite naughty! Barking can be such a problem that many German Spitz are de-barked. De-barking is a surgical procedure which reduces the loudness of the dog's voice and is illegal in some states.

Health

Slipping patellas (kneecaps) are known in the breed. De-barking may be necessary. Attempts should be made to breed out this tendency towards excessive 'yapping'.

Grooming

The thick coat requires a thorough brushing for at least 15 minutes each week. Twice a year the coat sheds and daily brushing will remove most of the dead hair.

Space & exercise

This is not a breed which demands a lot of exercise, however, they do enjoy a walk. A secure fence is vital as the dogs will roam if allowed.

Ideal owner & housepet potential

A family with older children, and with the time to manage the grooming demands is ideal, although many German Spitz are owned by adults with grown-up families. They are small enough to live indoors, and despite appearances, shed surprisingly little hair other than during the two major moults.

Trainability

Don't think because it has 'German' in its name it will respond to training like a German Shepherd Dog - it won't! Owners say their dogs will obey commands eventually, when the dog is ready. Persist with basic training as it may help to minimise the risk of it developing into a yappy pest that irritates the neighbours.

Popularity & breeding

In 1998 there were believed to be around 70 German Spitz in Australia but those numbers are growing with 29 puppies being registered with the NSW Canine Council in the past 6 months. The breed has been here for just over a decade. They are said to be easy whelpers, with 3-5 pups per litter.

History

It's said German Spitz were used as multi-purpose dogs for guarding, companionship and sheep working, and spread around Europe and the UK in recent years. They may have descended from Samoyeds which accompanied Vikings on their travels.

For further information

NSW: Bev Hughes
Phone: (02) 4991 2112 Lorraine McCahon
Phone: (02) 6364 2224 Sue Jackson
Phone: (02) 4297 0330

VIC: Mrs Valerie Hodgson
Phone: (03) 5523 1396

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