As there is no German Spitz club affiliated with DOGS Victoria, please direct all enquiries to the Non Sporting Dog Club.
About German Spitz (Mittel)
Background
The German Spitz is related to the very first type of dog, going back some 8,000 years. The breed is generally believed to belong to the group of northern spitz breeds and probably descending from the Samoyed. They are typical of the small spitz type dog, which is known to be over 2,000 years old. Evidence suggests that in pre historic times they were a native of Siberia, particularly along the shores of the Arctic Ocean and whose main occupation was a guard dog or watch dog. The art world shows us that they became much loved companions, evidenced in works by Drouais, Carpaccio, Gainsborough, etc, and Beatrix Potters Duchess (1905) was indicative of the popularity the breed was enjoying as the "Pomeranian". Prior to 1871 when Germany was not a single country, the spitz were developed in these countries to suit their requirements. All were given the nickname "Mistbeller" which means "dung hill barker" and would stand on top of the hill and snort their warnings. As these spitz accompanied their masters to German settlements in North America, the white spitz became known as the "American Eskimo". Queen Charlotte introduced the larger Pomeranian of at least Mittel size in 1888. Interbreeding of the various sizes was eventually not allowed resulting in the current day sizes of the German Spitz Breed.
Average Lifespan
When considering a dog please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. The German Spitz is a hardy dog and live until 15 years of age.
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
The German adjective "spitz" means "sharp" or "pointed" and describes those breeds of dogs who have pointed ears, sharp muzzles, curly tails and dense double coats. They should be compact and square bodied. They are intelligent, active and alert. Their buoyancy; independence and devotion to the family are breed characterisitics. Their temperament is a happy, equable disposition, showing confidence, with no sign of nervousness or aggression. Tail set high and curled right from the root lying curled over the back. The German Spitz has a double coat consisting of a soft woolly undercoat and a long harsh textured straight topcoat covering the whole body. All colours and marking are acceptable.
Suitability As A Family Pet
Like all spitz breeds they have no doggy smell and although they have a coat that is long and profuse, it requires very little attention and stays remarkably clean. They need little exercise compared with larger breeds, but appreciate a good run or a long walk. The German Spitz loves human company and adores their place on the couch.
Care Requirements
Although the German Spitz has an abundant coat, it is relatively easy to maintain. They do throw their coat annually and may require some professional attention at that time. Otherwise a weekly brush and a bath every few months is sufficient to keep them in good order. Normal heart and intestinal worming and annual vaccination is all that is required. Luxating patellas are occasionally evident in this and other small breeds, otherwise the breed is very sound.
Please Take Note
A number of Spitz breeds are inclined to be noisy. Often a Spitz first reaction to many new or alraming situations is to bark and they are very alert watchdogs. They can be trained and the environment may also need to be changed to reduce visual and auditory stimulus, which trigger a barking response. As they are very active dogs, they can be very mischievous, particularly when they are puppies, so they need to be given lots of toys and plenty of exercise and attention.
Ideal Owner/s
The German Spitz is a most suitable dog for todays family. Their cleanliness, love of humans and other animals, sense of fun and size make then an ideal human companion.
In Conclusion
Now you know a little about the German Spitz (Klein) and have decided this is the dog for you or you want more information, make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.
