Giant German Spitz

Other Names

• Deutscher Grossspitz
• Giant Spitz
• Great Spitz
• German Giant Spitz
• German Spitz
• Deutscher Spitz Klein, Giant
• Gross Spitz

Pronunciation

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Description

The Giant Spitz’s coat colors are solid white, brown or black. The compact, triangular ears are close together and high set. The hair on the head is short compared to the rest of the body, but it is still very thick. The feet are very small with hair in between the toes. The eyes appear to be proportionally large. The tail is curled on top of the back and lies against the side of the body.

Temperament

Happy, alert, watchful and buoyant, German Spitzes make good watchdogs. They are excellent jumpers and love to stand on their hind legs. They enjoy a lot of human attention, and are very happy to please. Teach this dog early that it may bark a couple of times when the doorbell rings or when there are visitors, but then it needs to keep quiet. Be very consistent about this. They are alert, curious and very busy. They must be taught that the owner is the boss, or they will not listen. This breed may become too demanding if the owner allows it. If you do not show this dog all humans are pack leader to him, he will not be trustworthy with children. They may become nervous and snappish toward them. However, they can get along well with children so long as the child is taught how to demonstrate leadership skills. It is a good companion for an elderly person. Without a stern, confident, consistent pack leader, they will be feisty, willful, bold, temperamental and will not be easy to obedience train. When trained properly they make good companions. Along with being a strong pack leader, socialize well to avoid them from becoming reserved and barking at strangers, other dogs and animals, which may lead to dog aggressiveness. They are very beautiful and elegant in the show ring. The best way to reinforce your pack leader status is to take them for daily pack walks. This not only helps the dog see you as the leader, but it releases mental and physical energy, making the dog stable minded, levelheaded and confident that he knows his place in the world.

Height, Weight

Height: Giant 16 - 17 inches (40.5 - 41.5 cm)
Weight: Giant 38.5 - 40 pounds (17.5 - 18.5 kg)

Health Problems

Generally a healthy breed with few genetic health problems

Living Conditions

The German Spitz is good for apartment life. It is fairly active indoors and a small yard will suit it well.

Exercise

This breed needs to be taken on a daily walk or jog. They will happily company their owners on a 20-mile walk or one-mile daily walk.

Life Expectancy

About 12-13 years

Litter Size

Has been known to have smaller litters, with only 1 or 4 puppies born at once. There are always exceptions and some lines produce more puppies in one litter and have been known to have 8 - 10 pups at once.

Grooming

Regular brushing is needed to prevent matting. Some Spitzes do not like to be groomed and you have to teach them to stay for you during the grooming session.

Origin

The German Spitz is directly descended from the profusely coated Nordic herding dogs, such as the Samoyed and the Lapphund. It was said to have arrived in Europe with Viking plunderers. German literature refers to the Spitz as early as 1450. The Giant and Toy German Spitz has always been used as a companion dogs, while the more common Standard Spitz was once used as a resourceful farm worker. The Toy German Spitz was imported to England from Pomerania, Germany, over 100 years ago and adopted the pseudonym Pomeranian. It was a favorite of Queen Victoria and was occasionally called the Victorian Pom. The Pomeranian has since developed separately with its own standard. German Toy Spitzes and Pomeranians are very similar, but they are separate breeds. The German Spitz is rare and has been losing popularity, even in its homeland.

Group

Northern

Recognition

• ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
• DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
• FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
• NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.