All about dogs breed Spitz

Among dog lovers, spitz have a special place. Companion dogs, whose history of origin dates back thousands of years, have a varied appearance, due to which they appear to be fluffy toys. The material of this article is intended to help the reader find answers to interesting questions regarding dogs of a given breed. We consider the description of animals, their main varieties, focus on the nature of pets, as well as the nuances of their content and breeding.

The history of the origin of Spitz is quite controversial and has many legends. According to one version, these dogs accompanied the Magi, who had come to worship the born Christ. Another legend says that these dogs were herders' assistants, the third - that they existed in ancient times in Egypt, China and Rome. In fact, the way it is: the existence of dogs in the old days is proved by the paintings of artists, as well as coins and drawings on the vases of bygone civilizations.

Someone believes that the roots of the origin of this breed stretch from the North. The findings of archaeologists, along with scientific studies, prove that the remains of the ancestors of modern Spitz found in 1862 date back to 2900-1900 BC. Some researchers were able to prove that the breed originated much earlier (about 4000 years BC. E.).

Images of the Greeks and Romans argued that the dogs here were less dimensional. Their skull usually did not exceed 15 cm, the muzzle was relatively narrow, the nose was short. There was also some severity on the back of the head.

The Germans were convinced of the need to maintain a standard weight (not more than 7 kg), and therefore only miniature representatives of the breed were selected for breeding. Gradually, these spitz became less and less. By the way, the fact that their color, like weight, at one time depended on the breeding region, is also curious.

So, Germany gave a start to the formation of a separate line of Spitz dogs, called German, although the final signs were fixed already in England. Since that time, dogs have become popular with the royal nobility. At one time, the English Queen Victoria held about 15 breeds of royal Spitz. It was from the Victorian era that they began to participate in exhibitions, which at that time only appeared.

It is noteworthy that Queen Victoria adored the Spitzs of decorative rocks. She especially liked dogs whose height at the withers did not exceed 22 cm. To date, such pets are considered the smallest among all varieties of Spitz. They are not adapted to tedious workloads and are rather partners, although they require a lot of time for maintenance and upbringing.

Many interesting facts are connected with the history of rock formation. For example, in the century before last, mostly women were engaged in the breeding of certain Spitz breeds.This is evidenced by the existing official lists of breeders.

Spitz has many varieties, which explains the difference in the description of their appearance and character. However, they all evolved from the so-called "peat" dog, who lived in the Stone Age. At the same time, the size of representatives of the breed Spitz can vary dramatically, as well as weight. Some are large, the others are typical representatives of "mimic" appearance and dimensionsthat is especially enhanced by the selection of the appropriate hairstyle or the so-called grooming.

Individual spitzs, being adults, weigh a little more than 1 kg. Dogs of this breed develop on average up to 5-9 months. The difference in performance depends on the type of dog: for example, large pets take longer to grow up. However, it is generally considered that the period of active growth ends when the animal turns 12 months old.

It is at this time that males are ready for mating. Dogs of this breed live for about 12-16 years, although the average period may be reduced due to various factors (for example, inadequate care and improper diet, the presence of pathological diseases or genetic disorders).

Babies can be born with a tiny weight: at the time of birth, it can be 90-120 grams. During maturation, the dog sometimes changes beyond recognition, becoming a charming fluffy friend. The dimensions of large Spitz are impressive: their weight can reach 22 kg with height at 55 cm. Today, Spitz colors can have blue, sable shades, beaver and tricolor.

Spitzs are crossed with dogs of other breeds, and mestizos tend to inherit the best qualities of their parents. For example, a cross between a husky and a spitz made it possible to achieve a Pomski breed, a half-breed of Spitz and a Chihuahua became known as the Pomci.

As for the general standard, it has a number of its characteristic features. Classic adult Spitz, according to the established standard description, has a small head. From above, it may seem a bit wide, but the angle from the front proves that the shape of the muzzle of dogs is narrowed. The nose may be slightly flattened, but always rather narrow and small.

Its color, according to the standard, can be black or dark brown. The lips of pets without folds, tight. The eyes on the background of the muzzle seem small, can be set at an angle, the eyelids are almost always dark.

According to the general characteristic, the bite is scissor-like in Spitz, the ears are small, strictly up. The neck is small, the back is not long and straight, the croup is not sloping, rather wide and short. Color Spitz can be different, for example:

• black with no light markings;
• black and silver with a darker color at the ends of the hairs;
• pure white or with rare milk points;
• monophonic brown without scorch marks;
• fiery-red without a pattern and spots of a different color.

However, regardless of the variety, the standard clearly specifies requirements for wool. It should not curl, and the undercoat should be necessarily straight, despite the fact that its length can be both short and long. The best spitz dog is one with a straight coat and thick undercoat.

Regardless of the variety, the representatives of the breed feel great. Therefore, they often do not count their strength and chances, bullying up to larger dogs or cats.Despite this, they are very active and mobile. They are not peculiar to boredom, but because they always respond to the attention of the owners, if they notice that the owners are not averse to play or walk with them.

They will show a whirlwind of their emotions with loud barking, while small dogs prefer to scare off strangerswhen they have doubts about their own victory in a conflict. Adoring the sound of his own voice is often the cause of discontent of neighbors, if the pet lives in an apartment building. Training becomes a salvation from the problem: in the process of training the dog becomes less noisy.

Often, owners are amazed by the energy of Spitz and their restlessness. Their life forces are enough for walks, games, training and assistance to households. The amazing quality of these animals is the understanding of the atmosphere prevailing in the house. Spitz dogs can be companions, they feel the mood of the owners, they can become loyal friends to people of different ages, with the exception of young children.

However, dogs are completely defenseless against loneliness. If you do not pay them proper attention, they yearn and literally get lost, not knowing where to direct their energy. They need human caress and care. Lack of attention can turn into mischief. Spitz requires both physical and mental stress.

Despite the fact that the spitz looks cute and friendly, a separate member of the breed can afford to dominate weak pets.

Spitz breed has many varieties. For example, the classification may be based on the assignment of a separate group by purpose. Based on this, dog experts generally distinguish traction, hunting, herding and guard dogs. In this case, most of the varieties of Spitz can be called guarding pets rather than hunters or shepherds. The only hunter can rightly be called the Finnish Spitz.

Regardless of the type and size, the spitz have excellent hearing, and therefore they report any danger to their owners with a loud and sonorous barking. For traction dogs can be attributed individuals capable of carrying loads, run for a long time in the harness. This species includes the Samoyed Spitz (Samoyed) and also Norbotten Spitz, although today they are rarely used for traction harnesses.

Also conventionally, Spitz can be classified by size, dividing animals into miniature, small, medium and large pets. Each type of animal has its own differences, which is manifested not only in appearance, but also in character traits. This explains the different behavior of dogs. As for the names, the Spitz has a lot of them. This breed includes dogs: Bataksky, Volpino (Italian), Keeshond (Wolfspitz), Kleinspitz (small spitz), German large, medium Mittelspitz, Pomeranian (dwarf).

In addition, the breed includes Samoyeds, Finnish, Japanese, French, English, Lapland, Russian species, as well as Scottish. Different animals and the type of wool.

For example, dwarf breeds, reaching a height at the withers of no more than 22 cm, are the most friendly. They love to play around with the owners, despite the fact that they belong to decorative pets, have a lot of courage and sometimes prove that they are not toys at all. At the same time, brave dogs with a sonorous voice weigh in the range of 1.5-3 kg. This line of varieties includes Pomeranian miniature dogs.

As for the German breeds, A separate category of dog handlers distinguishes the German Spitz or Wolfspitz into a separate, larger variety of dogs.. Oranges are often confused with the Germans, although the two types have obvious external differences. For example, the key difference is size: the growth of the German variety can reach 35 cm or more. In addition, his face is more elongated in comparison with oranges. The wool of dogs of two varieties also differs: in the German counterparts it is more rough.

Remarkable is the fact that the Pomeranian spitz-dogs have differences among themselves: they have a different type of face. It can be like a bear. At the same time, it seems rounded, not elongated, and sometimes completely flattened. Looking at such a dog, one gets the impression that she has full cheeks, a raised chin and eyes close to her nose.

Fox type muzzle is a more elongated shape. In this form, the chin of animals is elongated and narrow, the cheeks are fluffy, and the nose resembles a button. Toy attractive face has its differences, although something like a bear. If you look closely at it, you can see that this face is flatter, and the differences relate to the position of the eyes. In the toy type, they are not so close to the nose and are set slightly higher.

Dogs of miniature type have the most diverse color. For example, in kennels you can buy puppies of a bluish, white, red, sand, gray, brown, black color. Each color is unique in its own way. It is also surprising that miniature pets are able to quickly adopt some of the features of their owners.

In this line of Spitz are included individuals with a height at the withers from 23 to 29 cm. These babies are called Kleinspits. This also includes some oranges, whose height is 28 cm (females - 26 cm). These are companion dogs that do not need active physical exertion and grueling training. In addition, the Italian Volpino with a fox snout, the height at the withers which usually does not exceed 28 cm and weighs up to 4.5 kg, also fit into these dimensions.

These dogs differ in obedience, they are easy to train because of the good memorization of different teams. With all their decorativeness, they sense danger and can instantly change their mood if the situation demands it. For example, playfulness can abruptly be replaced by wariness and seriousness. It is worth noting that these dogs are extremely necessary to get rid of excess energy, but it is impossible to expose their short legs to prolonged loads.

These spitzs get along well with their same-sex relatives, as well as other animals living in the house. However, some members of the breed are very touchy and do not understand when they are overly squeezed, and moreover they are pulled by wool. Kleinspitsy very cheerful, but at the same time peculiar. For example, they go to the hands of far from all people, they require a lot of patience in their upbringing and education.

The weight of individuals of this line sometimes reaches 8-9 kg, oranges of this type weigh no more than 6 kg. These pets are characterized by a toy appearance, which is explained by the grooming of a fluffy fur coat. They always willingly come to the aid of the owner, able to lift his spirits. Because of this, they are often turned on by elderly and lonely people.

Small dogs are distinguished by livable character and ingenuity. They urgently need daily walks in the fresh air to maintain their health. They are non-aggressive, playful and active. In addition, these dogs, like mini-spitz, are mobile due to their size. You can take them anywhere.

This category includes individuals with an increase in withers from 30 to 35-38 cm.These include Mittelspitsev (immigrants from Germany), characterized by a huge energy and weighing up to 12 kg. They live an average of 14 years, but life expectancy may depend on care and adherence to rules (including hygiene and timely visits to the veterinarian). Like Kleinspitz, mittspitz are a German variety of a single breed.

At one time they were referred to the northern sled dogs. Their appearance is different from small brethren: they are not so compact, they have a more elongated muzzle and nose. It is somewhat similar to a fox, the dog's nose is dark, its hair is long, its tail is fluffy, curled upwards by a half ring. The color can be different (monochromatic white, black, reddish, ashen and brown).

These spitz need early socialization, which is explained by the stubbornness faced by breeders who have missed the time of training. Often, these spitz resist training, refusing to carry out the owner’s commands. The owners have to show a lot of effort to avoid repetitions of the same kind. It is important to ensure that dogs do not get bored during training, because it seems boring and stupid for them to perform the same commands.

Unlike previous varieties of these dogs are vital physical activity. They are active and independent, and with proper training they acquire affection for the house and loyalty to the owners. They have to be great inventors, because dogs literally adore games, but not the same type. It is undesirable to limit these Spitzs in walks and movements, as unspent energy develops into aggression and impetuous barking.

In comparison with other representatives of the breed, these dogs are jealous and do not tolerate competition in the struggle for the attention of the owner. Their degree of livability is lower than that of decorative Spitz: In some cases, dogs can pick off the evil on other pets living in the house. They differ in the texture of wool, which affects the complexity of grooming.

Large breeds of Spitz have their own characteristic differences in behavior and appearance. Their height at the withers can be on average from 42 to 51 cm, the height of females varies from 41 to 46 cm. This category of dogs includes Grosschitz, descendants of northern herding dogs. They belong to the European German Spitz, characterized by a high degree of observation.

The color of these animals can be white, black, chocolate. At the same time, it is clearly stated in the standard that there should not be marks or impurities of other shades in the color. Externally, these dogs are not only larger than the previous ones, they are distinguished by a muscular physique and the presence of a long-haired fur coat. Unlike decorative relatives, they are strong and need active physical activity.

This type of Spitz is considered rare, in these dogs the head has a wedge-shaped shape, it narrows towards the end of the nose, and is proportional to the body. Ears at the grosshpits always stand, the teeth are white and, as a rule, strong.

Bright representatives of this line are smooth-haired Keeshondy, which is often called wolf dogs. The height of these dogs at the withers is on average 55 cm; such a pet weighs about 30 kg. In fact, they are relatives of the German Spitz, but their homeland is the Netherlands. Of all the varieties, these dogs have the largest body dimensions.

They have long been used as watchmen and for hunting. Today they have not lost their instincts, which is why individual breeders take them with them to hunt. The dogs have an amazing appearance: they are distinguished by a dark nose and a characteristic coloring similar to a wolf. These dogs can live both at home and on the street.They have a thick and long hair, which does not allow the dogs to freeze even in the cold.

These dogs are clean and capable of self-washing their faces, like cats. They have a bright temperament: these spitz are confident, sociable and independent. A Wolfshpitz puppy is like a hurricane, but as it grows up it becomes calm and reasonable. At the same time, the dog's love of life remains the same as it was in childhood.

During training, these pets do not put up with a cry: it is the reason that they lose any interest in training and training. Such a dog can learn as many teams as its circus congener. Its average life span is 14-16 years.

Regardless of the variety, Spitz has many advantages. For example, one of them is their lordly appearance. These dogs are unique, some of them resemble cubs, others - wolves. With proper care and proper upbringing, they are the pride of the owners and occupy worthy places at exhibitions.

These pets are incredibly sensitive: they catch the intonation of a person’s voice, and therefore understand how to behave in a given situation. For example, some representatives of the breed can not only play with the owners, but also feel sorry for them. In addition, pets are often adjusted to the mood of man, which is not all animals do.

Their cheerfulness can sometimes inspire a person who is depressed. By the way, interesting is the fact that the color of dogs creates the effect of a smile. When you look at a pet, you create the feeling that a “dog-smile” lives in the house. The animal is almost always friendly, he rarely has mood swings.

Some representatives of the breed are characterized by special cleanliness. Like cats, they lick their own fur several times a day. At the same time, they do not resist hygiene, if they are accustomed to it from young claws. They are grateful to the owners for their attention and care.

Spitz dogs willingly accompany their masters, often show tolerance towards people, and some individuals manage to keep their emotions to themselves (in cases when they do not like a stranger). In general, their supply of friendliness and livability can only be envied. These are adequate helpers and companions, which is why they are suitable for owners of different social statuses.

However, with all the advantages Spitz has some disadvantages. For example, not every breeder is able to withstand a dog's communication for a long time, which it shows through a cheerful and sonorous barking. If at the same time she lives in an apartment building, the walls of which are poorly insulated from noise, then the owners of the dwelling may have problems with their neighbors. Deafening barking can be heard on several floors.

No less significant disadvantage is the predisposition to genetically determined anomalies and pathologies. For example, individual teeth do not fall out milk teeth. The change of teeth occurs with the help of a veterinarian who has a specialty dentist. Individuals have an excessively deep root base, and therefore they can remain in the gums.

Other animals may experience a collapse of the trachea, an open arterial duct. In addition, dogs are prone to dislocation of the knee caps, as well as diseases such as cryptorchidism, endocardiosis, tartar, rhinitis and laryngotracheitis in a chronic form. Individual members of the breed like a cataract can appear. Due to the large bouncy and fragile bones, dwarf spitz are traumatic.

Small puppies have a weak stomach, which is why the owner should select food very carefully. In addition, in puppies and in adult dogs, there is a predisposition to heat strokes and inflammatory processes on the skin.It is worth noting such a nuance as the active loss of wool in oranges. Loss of hair sometimes leads to the fact that the spitz becomes bald. This pathology is treatable, but the sooner a problem is detected, the better.

We can not say that the care and maintenance of the spitz is cheap. We have to invest in a bed, dishes, toys, vaccinations, preventive examinations, food, care products and bathing.

Normal spitz is very active with all family members, including children. However, if the children are still very small, it is undesirable to leave them alone with the pets, the reason for which lies in the excessive vigor. The dog can not calculate their own strength, knocking down a baby who is just learning to walk. As for the type of owner, the spitz-dogs are completely unsuitable for owners of slackers. These dogs are demanding of themselves, even the slightest violation of the mode of care will result in a problem.

It is important to note that some breeders consider Spitz as allergenic dogs. During the shedding, the pet's coat settles on almost all things at home. It is a lot of it, and therefore the number of allergens increases until the molting process ends. If the owner or his family members are not allergic to wool, this problem will not arise.

The breeding of dogs of this breed is considered difficult, which is especially true for miniature varieties. Not all born puppies meet the standard. In addition, not every individual is allowed to breed due to the incompatibility of its class. It is worth noting the fact that often spitz dogs are not at all interested in females: they are often indifferent to them.

However, the Spitz boy, who has known the mating, is constantly striving to mate, which is reflected in his behavior. He is in constant search for a couple, he becomes restless, which can turn into aggression. For breeding it is important to observe a number of conditions, among which the size of both partners is important.

On German Spitz, this rule does not apply. It is not so important whether the female is smaller or a male. But if you cross pets of more than one species, puppies will be born, the appearance of which will be different from the true Germans.

Knitting in Spitz has its own nuances. For example, the female must be ready for her, which means that you need to pick up the moment during her estrus, which usually lasts for 22 days, divided into two stages. It is useless to allow the male to the female in the first half of estrus (forerunner), which lasts an average of 5 to 12 days. At this time, the behavior of the dog is aggressive, and therefore it does not allow the partner to come to itself.

The estrus itself, which lasts an average of two weeks, is more suitable for mating. Dogs are left in an empty room, removing from there everything that can divert their attention. If a dog already has experience of communication with a female, there are no problems when mating. During the period of estrus males mate with the spitz-girl twice. Pregnancy in dogs lasts about 58 to 64 days.

Complicate knitting can long wool. Therefore, before pairing it is cut at each partner in the genital area. This aspect is especially important if the mating of two partners occurs for the first time. When breeding is important to consider the age of partners.

Depending on the variety, spitzs grow in different ways. It is believed that dogs are fully formed by 2-3 years.At the same time, each stage of development has its own nuances. For example, in puppies, up to a month, the skin still appears through the skin, parts of the body that can be used to determine the future coat color do not have the right proportions.

The puppy is born blind, the eyes of newborn babies open at the age of two weeks, hearing appears in 2.5 weeks from the moment of birth. At the beginning of the second month, baby teeth erupt from small pets, and therefore they have to buy toys and clean valuables. At 2 months, the baby character traits are laid.

In 3-4 months he learns his first molt in his life, in which the children's down is replaced by real adult wool. At this time, puppies go bald, and therefore become very ugly. In six months, molting can continue, at this time the teeth are completely changed. At 9 months, the pet has reached the age when it can take part in exhibitions. His fur coat was completely refreshed, and he became a dog with an attractive appearance.

The content of the spitz includes the implementation of the rules of hygiene, its training, timely and proper feeding, walking, as well as preventive examination at the vet and vaccination.

Particular attention has to be paid to thick wool: it quickly blends into mats if the owner misses the combing procedure. For these dogs, it is necessary to choose not only a comb, they also need a pukherka or furminator, through which the owner will be able to save his fluffy pet from dead wool that dogs wear on themselves for months.

Ears, eyes and teeth should be cleaned regularly. In addition, dogs need hygiene claws: they are cleaned of accumulating dirt and mowed in a timely manner. You shouldn’t often bathe dogs; for washing, you need to purchase special shampoos and conditioners that will make the wool silky and make it easier to comb. Wash your pet more than once a month is undesirable.

With the advent of a puppy in the house, you need to take care of buying a comfortable bedding and carrying, which will protect the fragile bones of the baby in the first months of his life in a new house. Own bed will allow the pet to understand its place, which is the first and key rule of education. If he is invited to bed or upholstered furniture, such a dog is doomed to misunderstand the boundaries and rules established in the house.

As they grow older, they will have to buy a muzzle, which is especially important for representatives of a large breed. So that during the period when the dog's teeth change, she does not gnaw at everything, she should get her own toys. It is important to take into account the fact that the spitz should have its own dishes. This is not associated with disgust, but seeing the dishes on the table, similar to the one from which the pet eats, he will not have an understanding that this is not his eating place.

Walks are mandatory, and to accustom the pet to the collar will have from an early age. Due to their frequency and regularity, it will be possible to quickly accustom the dog to the toilet outside. The collar must be selected according to the age and size of the pet. In rainy weather, decorative dogs should wear protective overalls.

In the nutritious diet of dogs should be all useful vitamins and minerals. Otherwise, the immunity of the animal will be weakened. Ideally, these dogs need natural food: they eat porridge, boiled meat, fish and even vegetables well. Raw fish is no good for them, as is flour (bread or pasta). From puppy dog ​​puchit, they have a bowel disorder.

You can not treat Spitz candy or sweet foods. This provokes the development of caries and is a factor inducing obesity.It is impossible to include legumes and potatoes in the nutritious diet: not every representative of the breed copes with such food. However, cottage cheese is useful to them, as well as boiled liver and heart.

Meat must be lean. Dogs should be given carrots, fresh fruits, dried fruits, kefir, buckwheat and rice. They can not eat anything fat and smoked. Sausage, chips and similar food is unacceptable for them. The multiplicity of food intake is 5 times a day for a small puppy. At the age of 8 months, the dog should eat no more than twice a day.

Regardless of the number of meals a dog should always have a bowl of fresh water. No need to pour into it fluids that do not drink up the household.

It is necessary to engage in pet training immediately, as he masters the new place. If you let the situation take its course, a cute dog will dominate the owner, getting up all that comes into her head (to the extent that she can allow herself to mark in the apartment). The owner will not only have to teach the pet to various teams, but also wean them from the harmful habits that a puppy could acquire in the kennel.

For example, individual individuals will have to wean biting, others - loudly and long barking. Classes on socialization and training should take place in a playful way. Otherwise, the dog will be bored and stop paying attention to the need to perform a particular task. You can not allow a puppy to get used to cracking favorite items: he must understand that he has special items for this.

Dogs respond to the intonation of the hosts voice. They quickly understand when and why they are praised, and therefore try to obey their owners.

Spitz dogs are the favorites of breeders, as indicated by the feedback from the owners left on the information portals. The comments noted the active life position and restlessness of representatives of this breed. Spitz dogs like their owners for their immediacy and positive attitude, they are loyal, dedicated and moderately cunning. As indicated in the comments, these dogs justify the name "companions".

They are really able to cheer up and save the owners from the blues. According to breeders, dogs are open in nature, can adapt to the rhythm of the lives of their owners, despite some kind of love of freedom. They can be contained in the conditions of apartments, and in private homes. They love to play the tug of war, catch up, they like to play with toys, not to give them away.

As for the care, the owners are unanimous in its complexity. The Spitz coat has a woolen coat thick enough, many have to take companions to professional groomers to bring their wool into a decent appearance. According to the assessment of the owners, it is prone to entanglement and pollution. During the molting period, it is necessary to comb it daily, using a furminator.

Interesting facts about the spitz in the video below.