The Great Spitz is almost the largest dog of its group, only keeshond is larger than it. The characteristics of the fenders make it a very attractive choice for owners of spacious suburban areas. Adult dogs are highly intelligent, easily trained in protective and guard duty, are sensitive guards and excellent companions.
The first thing potential breeders are interested in: why this German breed of dog is so called. In fact, everything is simple - the prefix "gross" indicates the size of the spitz. Large, they seem only relative to their fellows in the group - animals do not grow above half a meter at the withers. But even a compact constitution does not prevent them from coping with all the basic functions of a guard and a defender.
Description
The history of origin of the bowler is closely connected with the cultural and ethnic traditions of Germany. When the Vikings came to these lands with their furry combat and riding companions, mixing the blood of animals from different continents led to the formation of a whole group of new breeds. The resulting hybrids, including the German Big Spitz, or, as it is also called, the fender were distributed to the whole of Western Europe by the end of the 19th century, and also entered the UK.
The main purpose of the breed was sheep grazing, guard duty, use in police and other activities. Smart, unpretentious dogs quickly gained people's trust. The first club of spitz fans was formed in Germany since 1899, and seven years later the standard for six size groups was recognized by the FCI.
The main differences between animals are in height and weight, as well as the behavior and use of representatives of the breed.
Features of appearance
Grosshpitz - a dog whose appearance has not changed for more than a century. It is characterized by the following external features:
- height at withers - up to 46 cm with a body weight of 17-20 kg;
- color white, black, brown, free from blemishes and tan;
- coat straight, with long guard hairs and thick undercoat;
- the presence of the characteristic "tow", collar, pubescent hips, fluffy tail;
- wedge-shaped head;
- high set ears proportional to the size of the head;
- white strong teeth converging in a scissor bite;
- high set tail, curled over the back in the form of a ring;
- deep, well-defined chest;
- strong and dry limbs of medium length, set in parallel.
The animal has a presentable appearance, good memory. A large spitz requires a fairly large number of walks, activity in the fresh air. Like his ancestors, this dog is distinguished by its independence in making decisions; the owner will have to make a lot of effort to educate and train him.
But, having won the love and trust of the dog, you can not worry about his obedience.
Pros and cons of breed
Among the obvious advantages of dog breeds terrier can be identified:
- medium size, allowing to keep the animal in the city without violating the rules and safety regulations;
- high intelligence pet - having mastered the rules of behavior, he strictly observes them;
- devotion to the master - the dog is suspicious of strangers, badly going through a change of owner;
- goodwill to children - to them, the bowlers show great patience;
- ease of learning, learning new skills - with large spitz you can not only participate in exhibitions, but also win competitions.
Grossshpits - a dog is not for everyone. Its disadvantages include a high need for physical activity, in the absence of which, during walks, the house or apartment will already suffer from an animal's energy splashes. Difficulty in caring for the coat, copious molting of the pet, delivering a lot of trouble, can also complicate the maintenance of pets. Adult dogs can leave odorous tags in the apartment.
In addition, males are much more difficult to educate and seek to establish their primacy over man.
Character traits
Dogs breed grosspitz pretty freedom-loving nature. With the right and timely start of upbringing and education, the animal grows balanced and obedient. But the puppy needs to be interested in learning, present it in the form of games or entertainment.
Smart big spitz can master dozens of teams, but they can make decisions on their own. For this reason, the breed is so popular with sheep farmers, using it to manage the herd. But such dogs do not tolerate weakness and always try to become the “leader of the pack” - you should not pamper the animal, training should be diversified as much as possible.
Experienced canine experts do not recommend turning a fender into a sofa dog or pet - this breed has much more serious potential. When choosing a pet, it is worth remembering that the animal needs regular exercise, long walks. The dog will perfectly cope with the Agility track, and in winter it can become part of a dog team.
Brave and independent big spitz possesses Nordic, balanced character. Most of the time he does not need society and entertainment, easily tolerates loneliness. But this dog is really devoted to the owner and is able to become a great friend for all family members. Outsiders are mistrustful, which makes him a good guard.
The dog is in good contact with other animals, does not show aggression.
A large reserve of patience makes big-spitz dogs a good partner in children's games. With such a companion, the schoolboy is not in danger, the dog treats the children condescendingly, does not offend them.
How to choose?
Grosshpitz is quite rare for the CIS breed - despite the abundance of nurseries, large varieties in them are rare. To get a puppy of good blood it is better to choose European breeding lines from the very beginning. There is traditionally a record for the purchase of high-purity livestock, but it often takes years to wait for an offer and turn. The cost of one puppy ranges from 500 dollars to 1 thousand euros.
When selecting and buying a pet, it is important to correctly determine its class. The show puppies of the fledger perfectly correspond to the standard, have an impeccable pedigree. They become the new breeding producers, are demonstrated at exhibitions. But if you just want to get a dog of a certain breed as a pet, you can choose the breed or pet class.
Pay attention to the appearance. Wool should shine, be thick, meet the standards of the breed in color. A healthy puppy is energetic, keenly interested in the outside world, friendly.
Content
The conditions of detention do not matter much. The dog easily adapts to life in a small-sized city apartment, and to the spaciousness of a country mansion. The animal must have its own territory: a place with a stove bench, bowls for food and water. At the time of growth puppy it is necessary to purchase an aviary in which the pet will remain during periods of absence from the owners, Otherwise, left alone, the pet may damage the property.
The dog is suitable for outdoor maintenance, without a chain, with free-range and personal aviary, equipped with all the necessary amenities.In the summer, the animals are happy to take water procedures - you can provide a special bath or build a kind of summer shower right in the territory fenced for the pet. The booth or house should rise to a height of at least 20 cm from the ground. In the absence of heating or with a strong decrease in atmospheric temperatures You must take the dog to the house.
Even with the captive content of the dog will have to regularly walk. Physical activity should be accompanied by games, workouts and other relevant activities, which allow you to avoid losing the optimal physical condition with your lashpitz.
The table of weight by month helps to appreciate the growth rate of the dog. The following changes in the proportions and parameters of the puppies of the Great Spitz can be distinguished:
- from 1 to 2 months the animal has a fluffy, well-developed coat;
- by 3 months the muzzle and ears acquire characteristic outlines;
- from 4 to 5 months - start the first molt, paws are drawn out;
- from 6 to 7 months coat grows, like an adult dog;
- 9-10 months - The age at which the puppy acquires the growth of an adult animal.
The final formation of the backbone continues until the age of two years.
Nutrition
Feeding the fender is recommended to be made with premium or super premium ready-made feeds recommended by breeders. A balanced diet in the period of growth and development will help your puppy to grow up healthy and strong. An adult dog will avoid obesity and many other health problems when getting ready-made feeds.
With a natural diet, dogs are given meat - raw and boiled beef, thermally processed chicken, turkey, veal. Balancing food helps in the diet of dairy products, boiled vegetables, cheese. In the process of preparing for the exhibition, additional vitamin-mineral supplements are introduced for the shine of wool. Included in the diet and cereals, providing a replenishment of energy reserves. Fish is not recommended for gross dogs due to the phosphorus content, but eggs and greens are perfectly acceptable.
If offal is included in the diet, it should be a scar or udder. The liver and lungs are poorly processed by the animal.
Hygiene
Big spitz are not too demanding in caring for themselves. Having a thick coat, such pets need regular removal of the undercoat. It is removed at least three times a week using a massage brush or other grooming devices. To help combing will help special disintegrating sprays.
The armpit area, wool on the collar, behind the ears and in the perineum is subject to the formation of tangles. Avoiding stubbing undercoat will help regular brushing out of natural bristles. Already formed mats are removed using koltunoreza, which is quite safe for the pet.
Bathing is necessary for the endgamers not more than twice a month. In the rest of the time, hair can be put in order using dry shampoo, wet wipes for dogs. Also, among the mandatory hygiene procedures, haircut claws, brushing your teeth, eyes, and ears are always included. In the summer heat, the coat is recommended to be significantly shortened - there are special styles of haircuts, which allow to preserve the visual appeal of the animal.
See the next video for all about big spitz.
