Spitz is an ideal breed of dog for living in an apartment. The size of the animal is one of the main reasons for the popularity of the four-legged pet. We add here a charming appearance, a charming look, enthusiasm and inexhaustible life energy - qualities that few can resist.
Origin of breed
You can find rare references to the existence of the Spitz in the days of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. However, until the Middle Ages, the breed was not popular. Then the dog was used as a guard. In rare cases, adult Spitzs were hunted to drive the beast. The dog had no decorative meaning.
The name of the Pomeranian comes from the historical region of Germany - Pomerania. It is believed that it was there that they began to engage in professional breeding of the breed. However, some sources claim that at that time Spitz had already been selected in the Netherlands, Denmark and Finland. And in Siberia, Spitz-like huskies were popular.
Breeding dwarf adult spitz began to engage in England during the time of Queen Victoria. Breeders paid special attention to the size of the dog, the beauty of its coat and the overall appearance. To this day, the English representatives of the breed are the standard of grace, forcing the rest of the breeders to strive for the same results.
Spitz breed varieties
There are several varieties of Spitz breed . And each has its own characteristics and distinctive features. Here are some of the types:
- Pomeranian;
- German;
- Finnish;
- Italian, or Volpino Italiano;
- Japanese;
- American Eskimo;
- Greenlandic
- Karelian bear dog or Karelian bear husky;
- Eurasian Spitz;
- Karelian-Finnish husky.
The smallest breed is the Pomeranian.
Adult Pomeranian: photos, features
The appearance of the breed is characterized by thick hair with fluffy undercoat. The beauty of the coat will largely depend on the proper care of it. An attractive feature of an adult Spitz dog is its fluffy tail, twisted by a ringlet and lying on its back. Emotion is caused by small, closely set eye-buttons, a fox nose, protruding ears and thick “panties” on the hind legs.
The size of an adult Pomeranian spitz varies from 18 to 22 cm at the withers. Dog weighs from 1.5 to 3.5 kg.
Adult German Spitz
There are 4 varieties of German Spitz, each of which has its own distinctive features:
1. Kleinspitz is the smallest breed representative. The dog is distinguished by a mischievous disposition, active behavior and a resounding bark, which some potential owners can push away. Despite its size, the adult Spitz dog does an excellent job as a watchdog. The pet is devoted to the owner and can be a great friend. Below is a photo of an adult Spitz dog.
2. Mittelspitz is a variety of medium-sized German breed. Thanks to incredible optimism and playfulness, the dog will require long walks on the street from the owners. The pet likes to play and does not mind if the children keep him company. With proper training, voiced barking will be used by the dog only when necessary.
3. Grosspitz is a large German breed. Among all other Spitz, this variety is distinguished by special kindness and affectionate attitude towards others. For children grosspitz will become a true friend, companion and guard, with whom it will be impossible to part. Beautiful appearance attracts special attention to the four-legged people, even those who, in principle, are indifferent to dogs. The kindness of a gross-spitz allows a four-legged pet to get along with other animals. Representatives of this breed have one more positive trait - intelligence and ingenuity. This will make the training process a fun and easy task.
4. Keeshond - the largest representative of the breed German Spitz. The appearance of the animal resembles a wolf, which is a distant ancestor of Keeshond. This ancient breed was bred to protect houses, barns, ships and barges. Perhaps this is the reason that Keeshond love to swim. Despite its formidable appearance and size, the dog is friendly, sociable, faithful and restrained in its emotional outbursts, although prone to jealousy. Keeshond treats strangers with some caution and suspicion, which makes him a good watchdog. A distinctive feature of the animal is also its independence and self-confidence.
The sizes of an adult German Spitz vary from 23 to 55 cm at the withers. A dog weighs from 7 to 18 kg.
Adult Finnish Spitz
A wonderful representative of the breed. The dog is considered quite large among its brethren, so the Finnish Spitz is often taken for hunting. The four-legged is quite capable of dealing with a small beast or bird.
Representatives of the breed are characterized by restlessness, playfulness and sonorous barking, which can be heard quite often. And loyalty to the owner is not in doubt.
The size of an adult Finnish Spitz varies from 40 to 50 cm at the withers. The dog weighs from 7 to 13 kg.
Adult Italian Spitz, or Volpino
This small, extremely playful dog has a restless character. The Italian is very emotional and reacts to all events with a loud bark. But good nature and responsiveness allow you to close your eyes to the too absurd disposition of a four-legged friend.
The sizes of the adult volpino range from 25 to 30 cm at the withers. The dog weighs no more than 5 kg.
Adult Japanese Spitz
The snow-white handsome man is distinguished not only by his amazing color, but also by his dislike of barking. Pet voice is extremely rare, only if necessary. An adult Japanese can become a great nanny, because he loves children and is ready to spend a lot of time with them. The dog is kind, active, able to create a positive atmosphere in the house, playful.
The sizes of an adult Japanese Spitz vary from 35 to 40 cm at the withers. The dog weighs from 6 to 10 kg.
Adult American Eskimo Spitz
A distinctive feature of the "Eskimo" is an incredulous attitude towards strangers, therefore, if the owner wants to raise a dog that is good for contact, the animal should be socialized as soon as possible. A photo of an adult Spitz is presented below.
The American Eskimo Spitz, like its other brethren, is active and charismatic. A dog can serve a person as a guard dog, and on the hunt, and just like a four-legged friend.
The sizes of the adult American Eskimo vary from 22 to 49 cm at the withers. The dog weighs from 8 to 16 kg.
Adult greenland dog
Spitz of this breed is considered a sled dog. In the old days, the Greenland was taken to hunt large northern animals. And although in recent years the need for this has decreased, the representatives of the breed have not lost their courage, endurance, impudent temperament.
The size of an adult Greenland dog varies from 50 to 60 cm at the withers. It weighs from 30 to 32 kg.
Adult Karelian bear dog or Karelian bear husky
With its appearance, the Karelian bear dog is more like a husky than a spitz. The breed is distinguished by its large size and color. The color of the coat, which is not as thick and long as that of standard Spitz, is most often dark.
The hunting skills of an adult bear type Spitz are manifested in an active, bold character, unpretentiousness in food and lifestyle. A four-legged friend should be introduced to socialization from a very young age. This also applies to training. An enviable courage of a dog without proper training can manifest itself in an aggressive attitude towards strangers and other animals.
The sizes of an adult Karelian bear husky vary up to 60 cm at the withers. It weighs from 17 to 28 kg.
Adult Eurasian Spitz
The Eurasian adult Spitz is distinguished from its counterparts by restraint and calm disposition. The dog is perfect for the role of protector, but she will not throw a bark at each stranger. A pet can show aggression only if he or a member of the family in which he lives is in danger.
The sizes of the adult Eurasian Spitz vary from 50 to 60 cm at the withers. The dog weighs from 19 to 32 kg.
Adult Karelian-Finnish husky
Cute dog, very similar to a fox. Laika is a great companion and devoted friend of a person. Separation from the owner is the worst punishment for a four-legged pet. Their devotion goes to extremes: they can only love one person all their lives.
Karelian-Finnish husky is excellent at hunting. Her active character and endurance help to drive the beast into a corner. A cheerful disposition will brighten up the life of any person.
The sizes of an adult Karelian-Finnish husky vary from 42 to 50 cm at the withers. Dog weighs up to 15 kg.