What can bring a person the same incredible amount of positive emotions that pets bring? Only loyal, funny pets will help relieve stress, make them go out on a sunny morning and become a child for a while, having fun playing with a little puppy. However, how to choose the breed of a dog that suits you and your family that would please its owners? For this, it is necessary to take into account many factors: the number of people in the family, their age, the presence of children (and their ability to handle animals carefully), the level of physical activity in the family, the prevailing temperament of owners, their willingness to spend a lot of time on the street, financial situation, type and size housing. To take into account all the details and make the right choice, you should examine as much information as possible about the breed of interest to you.
In this article we will examine in detail the representatives of a miniature breed of dogs - German Spitz. This information will help you objectively evaluate all the pros and cons of deciding to adopt this puppy in your family.
General information
Surprisingly, the miniature Spitz, whose photo causes an uncontrollable stream of tenderness, is one of the most ancient breeds that live in the European part of the Eurasia continent. Previously, they were much larger, but already in the nineteenth century, people bred the breed of dogs that we love so much today. What do you need to know about the miniature spitz?
How do individual dog owners and experts evaluate individual breed characteristics?
- The puppy's price is generally quite high.
- Spitz is ideal for novice dog owners.
- He does not need high physical exertion.
- Representatives of this breed are smart enough.
- Spitz are extremely loyal to their owners.
- Not too tolerant of other animals.
- Moderately playful.
- The house will have a lot of wool.
- Dogs are generally very healthy.
- Spitz create a lot of noise.
- Not too suitable for security.
Character
You will probably be surprised at what kind of personality a miniature Spitz hides behind his toy appearance. The description of his character is striking. It seems that only the dog itself is not aware of its miniature size. He imagines himself the main defender of the owners. Spitz is a brave, fearless dog. Does not fear large dogs. If the Spitz believes that his master is in danger, he barks his best to immediately ward off the threat. At the same time, representatives of this breed are flexible and sensitive, affectionate and emotional. Such a pet will immediately feel the changes in the mood of its owner and will be ready to adapt to them. He is so attached to his family that he will always be with his master as long as he is allowed to. In the struggle for the attention of the beloved owner, the Spitz will patiently suffer any inconvenience.
Appearance
A miniature spitz can look different. There are only a few types of standard appearance of representatives of this breed. Among them are the following:
- Classical. These dogs have a tail of moderate length, a harmonious torso, their hair is long, quite thick. A striking feature of this type is a noticeable woolen collar. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is also harmonious, smooth.
- Fox type (also called "fox"). These dogs do not have such a thick coat, much taller and thiner legs, their tail and muzzle are elongated. In general, the dog looks proportionate and incredibly cute.
- Miniature Pomeranian Spitz. Their silhouette is rounded, the tail is extremely short. They are like toys: ears are tiny, round big eyes, the muzzle is small, the body is small and square. Their main feature is wool: axial hair and undercoat have the same length.
In general, representatives of the breed in question can be of the following colors: white, orange, zonal-gray, cream-sable, zonal-sand, black, cream, two-tone. The weight of an individual is always proportional to its height, which ranges from eighteen to twenty-two centimeters.
Training
The German miniature Spitz (photo above) has incredible quick wits, a pleasant, lively disposition, and moderate playfulness. All these characteristics provide the owner of the dog with great opportunities regarding the appropriate type of training for his pet: general training course, circus tricks, agility, dog frisbee, search and rescue service, obedience, pitch and go or dog frisbee. The owner can choose any one to his taste. As entertainment, you can teach a dog even a shepherd’s business, given the circumstances.
In some cases, depending on the personal qualities of the character of an individual dog (in this case, in the absolute absence of aggression), a spitz can be used in canis therapy. This is a great opportunity for a puppy or adult to fulfill their communication needs.
Grooming
Representatives of this breed need regular grooming. You will have to comb the spitz every day, otherwise the dog will look scruffy. The dog should take a bath at least once every two months.
All hygiene procedures must be taught to the dog from an early age. Then the puppy will eventually begin to perceive what is happening as a pleasant game and will not express aggression or discontent.
It is forbidden to use the machine when grooming a dog. It is important that the undercoat remains intact, even if shearing is done with scissors.
Family life
Representatives of the breed in question are suitable for both single people and large families. However, it is important that the children are well trained in the rules for handling pets. Dogs will not tolerate rudeness, careless attitude and excessive attention.
Spitz does not get along well with other animals. Often this is prevented by a strong predatory instinct, so small animals can be in danger. Spitz are jealous and cocky, can aggressively win the attention of the owner.
The miniature Spitz does not feel the need for intense physical exertion, although he will gladly share pleasant outdoor games with his beloved master.
Due to their characteristics, these dogs become excellent companions for the elderly. Nevertheless, the owner of the Spitz should not sit the whole walk on the bench. In any case, the dog needs active walks.
Interesting
Pomeranian Spitz was brought specifically as a home decorative dog. However, the newly bred types of this breed (“bear” and “puppet”) do not comply with any accepted breed standards. Their health is extremely poor. They are not allowed to play sports or participate in any exhibitions.
Despite the fact that they look incredibly cute, this selection harms the dogs themselves. The deduced types have more and more health problems, a vivid manifestation of signs of dwarfism, difficulty breathing and the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Addiction to disease
As a rule, a miniature Spitz lives incredibly long: about fifteen years (with high-quality feeding, some individuals survive to eighteen to twenty years). Accordingly, the health of dogs - representatives of this breed - is very good. Nevertheless, some problems still arise. For example, teeth and gums are a dog’s weak point. Spitz miniature requires care of the oral cavity. Teeth and gums should be cleaned regularly with a special paste and brush. This procedure should be taught a puppy from a very young age. And then in the future there will be no problems, and the miniature Spitz will have beautiful healthy teeth.
In addition to the diseases described above, which are characteristic of representatives of this breed, the following are: obesity, various joint defects, rash, excessive lacrimation, skin irritation, tracheal collapse.
Miniature Spitz puppies can have a number of congenital diseases that were passed on to them from their parents. That is why it is important to pay due attention to the choice of a breeder. Do not purchase puppies spontaneously from strangers.
Conditions of detention
A miniature Spitz is a breed that does not require the organization of any special conditions of detention. As a rule, this dog is not capricious in everyday life. The most important condition for happiness for her is the following: the presence of a beloved owner next to her pet. A miniature Spitz can sleep both on a couch specially purchased for him, and together with the owner or in a small house. How the dog will behave will depend on what you teach him when he is a puppy.
Total
The miniature Spitz is a pleasant breed for keeping both in a large house and in a small apartment, both for a single person and for a large family. And the age of the owner does not play any role. Everyone will be comfortable next to such a pet. It is important to remember that sometimes Spitz has health problems. It is necessary to regularly check their weaknesses and be prepared to spend certain funds on treating a pet. Also, representatives of this breed require daily grooming (it must be thoroughly combed to avoid the appearance of tangles). They should be bathed from time to time.
Dog food should be as balanced as possible. If the financial situation allows, it is advisable to purchase quality dry feed for the pet. Such nutrition will enable the dog to maintain its health and physical activity at the required level.
Do not forget about the needs of your pets. Give them the necessary caress and care, and they will certainly answer you with great gratitude.