Juliette Cunliffe - German Spitz

Physical Characteristics of the German Spitz

(from the Fdration Cynologique Internationale breed standard)

Head: Tapers in wedge shape to the tip of the nose.

Stop: Moderate to marked.

Eyes: Of medium size, longish shape, slightly slanting and dark.

Nose: Round, small and pure black.

Muzzle: In pleasing proportion to the skull.

Lips: Close fitting to the jaws.

Chest: Deepwell sprung, the forechest well developed.

Forequarters: Straight, rather broad front. The shoulder blade is long and well laid back. The elbow joint is strong, close fitting to the brisket. The forearm is of medium length in relation to the body, sturdy and completely straight. The front feet are as small as possible, round and closed, so-called cat feet, with well arched toes.

Ears: Set high and relatively close to each other, triangular and pointed.

Neck: Medium lengthset broadly into the shoulders, slightly arched.

Withers/Back: High withers drop imperceptibly into the shortest possible, straight, firm back.

Tail: Set on high and of medium length. It lies firmly over the back and is covered with very bushy hair.

Hindquarters: The hind legs stand straight and parallel. The stifle joint is strong with only moderate angulation. The hock is of medium length, very strong and vertical to the ground. The hind feet are as small as possible, tightly closed with well arched toes, so-called cat feet.

Coat: Double coat. Head, ears, front side of front and hind legs and the feet are covered by short, thick (velvety) hair. The rest of the body has a long rich coat.

Contents

A member of the ancient European spitz group of dogs, the German Spitz, a rare breed in the US, descended from hunting dogs. Follow the German Spitzs ancestors introduction into England, where the dogs became popular and fashionable companions for royalty, and see how the breeds different-sized varieties emerged.

Intelligent, lively and personable, the German Spitz is a happy little dog, well suited to most any living situation and clad in a magnificent coat seen in a veritable rainbow of colors. Learn about the breeds personality and physical characteristics; also discover what German Spitz ownership requires and discuss potential breed health problems.

Learn the requirements of a well-bred German Spitz by studying the description of the breed as set forth in the Fdration Cynologique Internationales breed standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Find out about how to locate a well-bred German Spitz puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and acclimating pup to his new home.

Cover the specifics of taking care of your German Spitz every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails and bathing; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are the essentials of dog identification.

Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the German Spitz, including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Get started by introducing the pup to his collar and leash and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and other activities.

By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD

Become your dogs healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.

Know when to consider your German Spitz a senior and what special needs he will have. Learn to recognize the signs of aging in terms of physical and behavioral traits and what your vet can do to optimize your dogs golden years.

Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Acquaint yourself with the basic principles and organization of conformation shows. Also meet the FCI, the world kennel club.

Analyze the canine mind to understand what makes your German Spitz tick. Among the issues addressed are separation anxiety, various types of aggression, chewing, barking and food-related problems.

K ENNEL C LUB B OOKS G ERMAN S PITZ

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-325-9

eISBN 13: 978-1-62187-070-8

Copyright 2005 Kennel Club Books A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC

3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618 USA

Cover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 Printed in South Korea

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Photography by Carol Ann Johnson and Michael Trafford
with additional photographs by:

Paulette Braun, T.J. Calhoun, Alan and Sandy Carey, Isabelle Franais, Bill Jonas and Alice van Kempen.

Illustrations by Patricia Peters.

The publisher wishes to thank all of the owners of the dogs featured in this book, including Pat Hawker, Audrey Metcalfe and Carol Westwood.

The Mittel, or Medium, Spitz is right in the middle of the German Spitz sizes.

ORIGIN AND ESTABLISHMENT