The German Spitz
This little breed is loyal and dedicated to its family that it tries to imitate the human smile. The German Spitz comes is two sizes Mittel (meaning middle) and Klein (meaning small). Despite the size differences between the two, they are both confident, sturdy and a happy little dog.
Origin
This breed belongs to the Spitz family which is one of the most ancient dog breeds. The German Spitz is descended from the Turfspitz.
In the 18th century German visitors brought these little dogs to England's royalty. Queen Victoria showed great interest in the breed and they were soon shown at the early Crufts shows, But the world wars soon saw the breed along with other German breeds rapidly fall out of favour. In the 1970's interest in the breed was revived in Britain and in the 1980's the first German Spitz was exported to Australia.
General Appearance
With their stand off coats supported by their plentiful undercoat, with a mane-like collar round the neck (ruff) and the bushy tail carried boldly over the back. With a fox type head and alert eyes and the closely set small triangular shape ears give the spitz his unique characteristic, cheeky appearance.
Size
The German Spitz come in two sizes Mittel (meaning middle) 29 - 35 cm and Klein (meaning small) 23 - 28 cm.
Temperament
The German Spitz is always attentive, lively and devoted to the family. They are teachable and easy to train but must be trained early in life with firmness. His distrust to strangers and lack of hunting instinct make him the ideal watchdog for the home. The breed is neither timid nor aggressive. Indifference to wether, robustness and longevity are his most outstanding attributes.
Care and Grooming
With a well balanced diet and clean water available and some exercise, such as a walk to the park is all the German Spitz needs.
They do require a brush once a week and a bath when needed, as they have no doggy odour. This breeds coat does not tend to mat, unless the coat is neglected. The breed has few inherent health problems and have a keen sense of hearing.
A dog for the whole family.
Information Kindly supplied by:
Lorraine McCahon
Nueboree German Spitz (Mittel)
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