Varieties of Spitz with their characters, types of Pomeranian Spitz
The origin of Spitz dogs dates back thousands of years. They were one of the first human companions, and according to legend, these dogs even accompanied the Magi, who came to bow to the baby Christ.
Spitz became known in Europe in the Middle Ages, where they were originally used as guard dogs, and only over time they became favorites of the European aristocracy. Spitz dogs can be found in the paintings of Thomas Gainsborough.
A significant contribution to the development of this breed was made by the English Queen Victoria. It was at her insistence that work began on the miniaturization of Spitz.
In Russia, the official name of this breed is German Spitz.
Spitz. Varieties
Miniature
These are the smallest dogs of this breed, having height from eighteen to twenty-two centimeters. They are also called pomeranian, dwarf, zwergspitz. These smallest representatives of all varieties have a friendly character, they are very affectionate, proud and courageous. Such a fluffy miracle with a sonorous voice cannot leave anyone indifferent.
These crumbs usually weigh from one and a half to three kilograms.
The Pomeranian is a popular decorative dog and therefore some dog handlers leave priority to him, and the German Spitz is considered as a larger variety.
In this regard, along with the classic orange, there are other varieties of these decorative dogs.
Types of Pomeranian:
- Pomeranian or miniature.
- Japanese.
- German (Wolfspitz).
- Big.
- Italian Volpino.
- American Eskimo.
Most often, the Pomeranian is confused with the German, however they still have differences:
- German can be up to thirty-five centimeters high;
- the orange has a shorter muzzle;
- the “German” has a coarser coat.
Among themselves, oranges also differ in muzzles. There are three types of such spitz:
- bear muzzle: the muzzle of such a dog is more round, almost not elongated, but even slightly flattened. The eyes are closer to the nose, the chin is slightly raised, and the cheeks appear plump.
- Fox muzzle: This type includes dogs with an elongated, fox-like muzzle, narrow chin, fluffy cheeks and a button-shaped nose.
- toy muzzle: the muzzle of this dog looks like a bear, but when viewed, you can see that it is flatter, and the eyes are located further apart and slightly higher.
Pomeranians also differ in color. They can be: cream, red, sand, white, gray, blue, dark brown, black, chocolate or mixed. In accordance with the color, some Pomeranians have received their own name.
Pomeranians, like all Spitz, are unique. Each has its own character. Although it is a small dog, but since it originated from large sled dogs, it has instincts to protect the owner. If the Pomeranian feels threatened by the owner, he will begin to bark as if he were a shepherd.
Having become attached to the owner, these little dogs begin to copy his character traits, imitate his behavior. So, if the owner is calm and quiet, then his little dog will be the same. This dog breed is very devoted to the family in which it lives.
Small
These dogs are growing twenty-three to twenty-nine centimeters are called Kleinspitz.
This Spitz character has a cheerful and very peculiar character. This is a brave, self-confident dog, devoted to his master. She will hardly go into the hands of strangers. When raising a small spitz, you should show a little firmness and patience.
The weight of an adult dog can reach ten kilograms. It is very easy to take care of her. You should properly organize the diet, devote a little time every day to raising her and combing her hair twice a week. In this case, there will be no trouble with the family pet.
Their life span about sixteen years old.
average
They have a height of thirty to thirty-eight centimeters and are called mittelspitz. These are very energetic dogs that need long and frequent walks. Puppies of this breed of dog need to be brought up and trained from a very early age in order to direct their energy in the right direction.
The weight of the average Spitz can reach eleven kilograms.
Lifespan – about fourteen years old.
Big
The breed of dogs of this variety has a height of forty-two to fifty centimeters. Their second name is Grossspitz. They are the ancestors of the northern herding dogs. In some countries, large spitz still fulfill the destiny of their ancestors.
Outwardly, a large Spitz is similar to a Pomeranian: its long, rearing and thick coat has a soft undercoat.
The color of the breed of these dogs is one-color: white, black and brown. They can weigh up to twenty kilograms..
Since a large Spitz has a moral character and can not always show obedience, it is imperative to educate and train it from an early age. If this moment is missed, then the owner will have to be nervous a lot. When training a large spitz, it is necessary to use perseverance and firmness of character, giving a variety of commands with a confident voice. Only then will the work be crowned with success, and a good defender will grow out of the dog.
wolfspitz
With their growth from forty-three to fifty centimeters, they close this row. Often this variety of Spitz is called Keeshond. This is the largest representative of the breed, whose homeland is the Netherlands. In the sixteenth century, such dogs were used as watchdogs, and since they have a good sense of smell, they are also excellent hunters.
In Germany, Keenshonds were brought together with local Spitz, resulting in Wolfspitz. The name comes from the color looks like a wolf. The Wolfspitz also has black ears, a black mask on the muzzle, a black tip of the tail and light “glasses” around the eyes.
The protective instinct, preserved in these dogs from ancient times, should be developed from an early age.
The wolfspitz can weigh up to thirty kilograms. Life expectancy – up to seventeen years.
Spitz dog health and coat care
Spitz are very prone to allergies. An important factor in the health of dogs is proper feeding, which has a direct effect on their coat. They should only be fed the food recommended by the veterinarian.
The coat of the Spitz is double wool coat. The head and front of the limbs are covered with velvety, thick, short hair. The tail has long hair. On the hips there should be luxurious trousers, on the forearms – tows. The coat on the withers and neck forms a rich collar. Every week, and as needed, and more often, you should use a special brush to comb your pet’s hair, not forgetting about the armpits and stomach.
From accumulations of wax and fat, the ears of dogs should be cleaned every week with cotton swabs to protect them from infectious diseases.
Spitz is energetic and alert dog with an independent and confident character. Sometimes, strongly attached to the owner, she can be jealous of him. Courageous and vigilant, Spitz are renowned as excellent watchdogs. In educating them, it is necessary to show patience and firmness. Having a kind and cheerful disposition, Spitz dogs become true friends for good and caring owners, loyal and faithful.