German Spitz
History
Developed from the larger European spitz, they are, in effect, miniature versions of the Keeshond and the Wolfspitz. Known as Pomeranians originally, they became popular in this country during the 18th century and can be seen in paintings by Gainsborough and Stubbs. Miniaturised by the Victorians, eventually only the very small Pomeranians were to be found which became the highly popular breed they are today. It wasn't until the late 1970s that a few individuals began the move to reintroduce the original, slightly bigger spitz from the continent, and they were recognised by the Kennel Club in 1985.
Breed Standard
The two most popular sizes in the German Spitz are the Klein and the Mittel. The Klein is the smaller version of the German Spitz, measuring 9 ins - 11.5 ins (23 - 29 cms) high, while the Mittels are 12 ins - 15 ins ( 30 -38 cms) high. Spitz can come in a variety of colours ranging from white through to tan, to dark browns, parti, sables and black. Group: Non sporting; Size: medium; Lifespan: 12-14 years; Exercise: medium; Grooming: medium; Trainability: medium; Watchdog ability: very high; Protection ability: low; Area of Origin: Germany; Date of Origin: ancient times; Other Names: Deutsche Mittel Spitz, Mittelspitz; Original Function: guardian, drover.
Temperament
The Mittel German Spitz is intelligent and lively, is a wonderful companion to its family, and will alert when strangers approach with lots of barking. It is a good idea though not to let it develop into a barker, and so unnecessary barking should be discouraged from a young age. Combine their sturdy bodies and intelligent minds, training these dogs can lead to formal obedience, or to the more "fun-types" of activities such as agility, as long as you have patience.
Maintenance
This is a lively breed that can have its exercise needs met with moderate exercise. A good walk on leash, combined with a vigorous game, can satisfy its needs. It can live outside in temperate or cool climates, but it is such a sociable dog that it prefers to share its life with its family. The double coat needs brushing weekly, and daily when shedding twice a year. Their coats should never be clipped in any way and even in the summer, clipping the coat is not recommended as it then loses its insulating qualities and the dog may in fact become hotter. An occasional bath won't hurt, but they don't require them if regular grooming is maintained and bathing will strip natural oils from the coat.
History
Developed from the larger European spitz, they are, in effect, miniature versions of the Keeshond and the Wolfspitz. Known as Pomeranians originally, they became popular in this country during the 18th century and can be seen in paintings by Gainsborough and Stubbs. Miniaturised by the Victorians, eventually only the very small Pomeranians were to be found which became the highly popular breed they are today. It wasn't until the late 1970s that a few individuals began the move to reintroduce the original, slightly bigger spitz from the continent, and they were recognised by the Kennel Club in 1985.
Breed Standard
The two most popular sizes in the German Spitz are the Klein and the Mittel. The Klein is the smaller version of the German Spitz, measuring 9 ins - 11.5 ins (23 - 29 cms) high, while the Mittels are 12 ins - 15 ins ( 30 -38 cms) high. Spitz can come in a variety of colours ranging from white through to tan, to dark browns, parti, sables and black. Group: Non sporting; Size: medium; Lifespan: 12-14 years; Exercise: medium; Grooming: medium; Trainability: medium; Watchdog ability: very high; Protection ability: low; Area of Origin: Germany; Date of Origin: ancient times; Other Names: Deutsche Mittel Spitz, Mittelspitz; Original Function: guardian, drover.
Temperament
The Mittel German Spitz is intelligent and lively, is a wonderful companion to its family, and will alert when strangers approach with lots of barking. It is a good idea though not to let it develop into a barker, and so unnecessary barking should be discouraged from a young age. Combine their sturdy bodies and intelligent minds, training these dogs can lead to formal obedience, or to the more "fun-types" of activities such as agility, as long as you have patience.
Maintenance
This is a lively breed that can have its exercise needs met with moderate exercise. A good walk on leash, combined with a vigorous game, can satisfy its needs. It can live outside in temperate or cool climates, but it is such a sociable dog that it prefers to share its life with its family. The double coat needs brushing weekly, and daily when shedding twice a year. Their coats should never be clipped in any way and even in the summer, clipping the coat is not recommended as it then loses its insulating qualities and the dog may in fact become hotter. An occasional bath won't hurt, but they don't require them if regular grooming is maintained and bathing will strip natural oils from the coat.