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Spitz is a type of domestic dog breeds that have distinct physical features like long, thick, white (quite often) fur; their muzzles are elongated and ears are pointed.
An important fact to note here is that Spitz is not a name given to a particular breed but it is a designation given to a type of dogs that have similar resemblance and energy levels. Sometimes they have a strong resemblance to wolves.
The dogs that fall into the Spitz type are mostly from a variety of breeds and not one size fits all descriptions.
Some of the most common dogs that get counted as Spitz include Akita Inu, Alaskan Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Chow Chow, Canaan Dog, East Siberian Laika, Eurasier, Greenland Dog, Finnish Spitz, German Spitz, Kai Ken, Pomeranian, Siberian Husky and the list is, of course ,incomplete since there are so many other dogs as well that come under the Spitz designation.
Spitz Breed Characteristics Sheet
- Origin: German
- Size: Short to Medium
- Dog Breed Group: Sporting dogs
- Purebred: Yes
- Lifespan: 10 -15 Years
- Height (at Shoulder): 18 to 20 inches (Varies based on Dog type)
- Weight: 26 – 31 lbs (varies as per dog type)
- Coat Appearance: Long, thick, white (mostly) fur
- Coat Colors: White, Cream, Brown, Black & Tan, Orange
- Temperament: Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Independent
- Good With Children: Yes (better under elder’s observance)
- Intelligence Level: High
- Good With Pets: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Grooming: High
- Shedding: High
- Barking: High
- Suitable For Apartments: Moderate
- Need For Exercise: High
- Easy To Train: No (Need consistent training; can easily get bored so teaching them new tricks on a daily basis is advisable)
- Good For First Time Owners: Moderate (May need professional help at times)
- Health Issues: Tracheal Collapse, Cataract, Hypoglycemia
- Litter Size: 2 -4 Puppies
- Average Price: $ 700 USD
Spitz Size And Lifespan
Finnish Spitz Size And German Spitz Size
There is no such thing called standard weight and height when it comes to the Spitz dog types. Spitz dogs have varying weights and sizes.
While a Finnish Spitz may weight 26 -31 Lbs, German Spitz could be within 11 and 22 Lbs. The same goes into defining its height; Finnish Spitz could be 18 -20 inches tall and a German Spitz would range from 9 to 11 inches.
You can always get the average weight and height of Spitz Dog types on the internet if you are planning to purchase any of it.
Spitz Lifespan
Most Spitz dog types live up to 15 years, 9 years being the minimum. Certain owners have reported their pets to have lived up to 18 years with proper care and regular medication.
Lifespan cannot be standardized since it varies from dog to dog. Sometimes even with proper care, owners fail to keep their pets alive for more than 10 years.
Though it is an emotional topic to discuss, one needs to know that genetic diseases also play a major role in determining the lifespan of a Spitz dog. Care must be taken while choosing a breeder and while purchasing a pet from a local breeder.
Spitz Temperament
Each dog type will have its own unique personality and behavioral traits but on a common note, Spitz dogs are jovial, playful and possess strong stamina and endurance.
It goes without saying that these fluffy dog types love running around for hours even in cold, wet weather. They are most confident and love making friends with new people and pets.
They are quite easy to train but sometimes tend to exhibit a stubborn nature; hence a firm and confident approach is necessary to get them trained easily.
Spitz Health Problems
Each type of Spitz dog is different and so is their immunity. Certain Spitz dog type suffers from genetic disorders like hip dysplasia and tracheal collapse while some may suffer from common problems like cataracts, skin diseases, coat loss, etc.
This section explains a few common health conditions prevalent among Spitz dogs;
Hypoglycemia – Sudden seizures and loss of appetite in dogs could be a result of a drop in blood sugar levels; this condition is referred to as hypoglycemia.
It’s advisable that you keep honey handy; whenever you find your dog twitching and appearing shaky with lack of coordination, you must give it a spoon of honey immediately.
Take him to a vet soon after first aid and ensure that its blood sugar levels are stable when you bring it back home.
Cataract – It is a very common eye problem affecting the Spitz dog types mostly, and the chances of getting cataract increase with age.
Blurred vision would make your pet miss coordination and bump into walls quite often. If you notice this on a regular basis, then it is advisable that you get your pet’s eyes operated immediately by an experienced vet.
Tracheal Collapse – This is a condition caused by genetic traits. A strange honking or wheezing sound, while breathing, is the first sign of tracheal collapse.
Mostly the smaller Spitz dogs are prone to this condition. Surgery is the only way to ease the pain and discomfort caused by this disease.
Always ensure to keep an eye on its daily behavior; certain health conditions can be confirmed only after it reaches the peak of seriousness. Early realization of the disease is the only way to keep your pet safe from fatal outcomes.
Spitz Training
Spitz dogs are fun-loving and can easily be trained provided you follow a firm and consistent approach towards training.
They are the most energetic and very intelligent, but repetitive exercises can make them feel bored easily. Hence, ensure to teach them new and interesting tricks every day.
You need to be able to control their barking habits and make them bark only as a response to certain situations like an entry of a stranger, sound of the door-bell, etc.
Follow a reward approach while training, small treats will keep your pet motivated and active throughout the training sessions.
Spitz Food
Most Spitz dogs love eating food that they find themselves but smaller dog types fuss a lot about food. So it is important that you understand your pet’s eating habits.
Never encourage ignorance towards food by replacing it with yummy treats.
Feed them at least twice a day, 1 cup each meal would be enough unless instructed any different by the vet; keep a check on their weight and ensure they do not gain unnecessary weight.
Foods to “Avoid”
Foods Your Dog Can Eat
- Beef
- Turkey
- Salmon
- High-quality brand Dry Kibble
- Lamb
- Whole Chicken
- Duck
- Fish
- Fruits like Oranges, Apples, Bananas
- Brown Rice
- Vegetables like lettuce, Spinach leaves, Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, and Carrot
Spitz Puppy Names
| Male Spitz Puppy | Female Spitz Puppy |
|---|---|
| Bingo | Yuki |
| Noddy | Tossy |
| Rony | Angel |
| Charlie | Sherry |
| Bruno | Crazy |
| Hachiko | Hannah |
| Gentleman | Buffy |
| Mikie | Chiki |
| Toffy | Daisy |
| Vicky | Lucy |
Spitz Shedding And Grooming
Spitz are mostly double coated and shed heavily at all times of the year. You need to ensure that they are groomed regularly and the skin is kept clean to avoid infections. Give them a bath at least once a week with a good dog shampoo to avoid dirt accumulation.
Most of the Spitz dog types suffer from heavy coat loss that sometimes leads to Severe Hair Loss Syndrome(SHLS). If you notice your pet losing hair on the back of his legs or thighs, then it is time that you take him to a vet for immediate treatment.
Spitz Care
Here are a few important caring tips to consider while taking care of Spitz dog types;
- Choose your pet’s food carefully, ensure to buy high-quality food and avoid processed food that contains chemicals or additives.
- Take them out on a regular walk for at least 30 to 45 minutes daily.
- Your Spitz needs to have a regular check-up by a vet at least once in every 6 months.
- Spits suffer from dental problems; in order to avoid dental problems, it is advisable to brush your pet’s teeth daily.
- When your Spitz dog is young, make sure he receives all the necessary vaccinations.
Interesting Facts About Spitz
- Spitz is the name given to a group of dogs with similar personality traits.
- They are believed to have evolved from breeding a certain group of dogs with wolves, but no clear evidence supports this belief.
- They are good for apartment living but you may want to consider their barking habits. Unless trained properly, they may turn into a nuisance while living in a community.
- They were primarily used to pull a sled and used as hunting-companions.
- There are more than 12 dog types that come under the Spitz category.
Spitz Price And Breeders
Spitz Price
The average cost for Spitz dog type may range from $400 to $700.
Always consult a local guide or a reliable vet to get suggestions regarding breeders in your locality. Choosing the right breeder will help you be safe from unnecessary expenses in the future.
Spitz Breeders
Points to Remember When Choosing a Spitz Breeder
Analyzing the breed’s reputation is as important as selecting the right dog type. Here are 3 major points to consider while selecting a local breeder;
- Enquire about the pup’s direct bloodline
It’s important that you bring home a healthy dog in order to avoid frequent vet-visits. For that, you need to ensure that the pup’s parents are healthy and void from genetic issues.
- Always visit the pet personally before purchasing
Weird behavior or hostile behavior is very uncommon in Spitz dogs. Hence it is mandatory that you visit your future-pup and spend ample time with it; this will help you understand the nature of the dog long before you buy it.
- Consider checking medical reports if possible
Request to see the medical reports of the pup before purchasing one. It is better to check and clarify the health of the pup and its direct bloodline to avoid unnecessary medical expense.
Recommended Read: Thing You should ask a breeder before buying a puppy
