The German Spitz!
The German Spitz, also known as the Keeshond or the Wolfspitz, comes in three
different sizes: Giant, Standard and Toy. These furry and affectionate dogs
with small feet and proportionally large eyes were said to have been introduced
in Europe by the Vikings. The German Spitz is mentioned in German literature
that has been dated back to 1450. It turns out that the Pomeranian is actually
a Toy German Spitz. These small versions of the German Spitz were imported
from
Pomerania,
Germany
to England about a century
ago and were subsequently called the Pomeranian. These miniature dogs were
once a favorite of Queen Victoria and were also referred to as the Victorian
Pom. The Poms, however, have developed their own breed standard since then. The
Standard sized German Spitz, more known as the Keeshond, was named after Dutch
leader W. Kees, who revolted against the House of Orange in the 17th Century.
Some Quick Facts:
Life Expectancy:
12-15 years
Energy Level:
Average.
Living Conditions:
Great apartment dog.
Barking:
Higher than average.
Exercise Needs:
Three twenty minute walks per week.
Breed Group:
Spitz
Size:
Giant: Medium-Small
Standard: Medium-Small
Toy: Small
Height:
Giant: 16-17 inches
Standard: 11-14 inches
Toy: 9-11 inches
Weight:
Giant: 37-42 pounds
Standard: 23-36 pounds
Toy: 18-22 pounds
Standard Hair Colors:
Cream, white, gold, blue, and gray or black.
National breed club:
The Keeshond Club of America
German Spitz Skills
The biggest and smallest German Spitz sizes have always been bred to act as companion dogs, while the Standard Spitz was bred to help out in farm work. Today, these German Spitzes, are being bred to be guard dogs and family pets.
German Spitz Personality
Whatever the size, the German Spitz is always happy, alert and watchful. The German Spitz is one that thrives on human affection and may actually be too demanding if the owner spoils it. This willful yet sometimes temperamental canine makes excellent watchdogs. They will bark at strangers and other strange dogs, often times in excess. Though this breed is good with children, they get too nervous around too many young children. They, however, make good companions for the elderly.
Exercise Needs
The German Spitz does not require a lot of exercise, what it needs is a lot of human affection. To the German Spitz, it doesn’t matter if you choose to bring him along on your 20 mile walk or just laze comfortably beside you while you read a book. He is happy as long as he is with you.
Living Conditions
Whatever the size, the German Spitz can survive in a house with limited space. They would, however, appreciate an occasional run outdoors, to stretch their legs.
Grooming Requirements
All three kinds of German Spitzes have a double coat that covers the entire
body with the undercoat being soft and wooly, and a long, harshly textured
top coat. Acceptable colors for German Spitzes are cream, white, gold, blue,
and gray or black. Because of the harsh top coat, you should make extra effort
to brush and clean the undercoat.
Health Issues
Aside from their tendency to yap incessantly, the only affliction the German Spitz is prone to having is slipped patellas (kneecaps).
If you liked this dog…
...you may also like similar breeds such as Lapphunds, Samoyeds, the Finnish Spitz, and the Norwegian Elkhound. If you want a smaller breed, you may like a Pomeranian.
