The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

Indian Spitz

Information and Pictures

A man in a tan and yellow shirt outside sitting in a wooden chair holding a small fluffy white dog outside on a concrete patio.

"Chikoo, is a male Greater Indian Spitz shown here at 7 months old. There are two versions of Indian Spitz, one is larger and one is smaller. Chikoo is a very intelligent and energetic pup, who can read his owner's gestures and postures. He goes on walks with me in the morning and evening. He is very alert and shows good watchdog behaviors, though he is naughty also."

Other Names
  • Smaller Indian Spitz
  • Lesser Indian Spitz
  • Greater Indian Spitz
Pronunciation

in-dee-uh n spits

Description

The Indian Spitz comes in two sizes, a smaller version and a larger size. It has a longhaired coat, compact, triangular ears which 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. Coat colors include white, brown, black and white with black spots.

Temperament

The Indian Spitz is a high-spirited, intelligent and playful dog, which is alert, vocal and obedient. This bold little dog is a good watchdog and will alert its owners when it feels it is necessary. The Indian Spitz is not difficult to train as long as the owner is always consistent. This breed learns quickly and really enjoys playing. This happy dog is usually good with children and usually gets along well with other dogs and household pets. The Indian Spitz is, in spirit, a big dog in a little dog's body. This little dog acts like the house protector and guardian. The Indian Spitz can turn into a barker if you allow it to believe it is in charge. Be sure to tell your dog enough is enough and to quiet down if he starts barking obsessively. Cheerful, bold, proud and affectionate toward its masters. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems. When dogs are allowed to be pack leader to humans they can develop many types of behavior issues, including, but not limited to being suspicious of and barking at strangers, guarding, separation anxiety, destructiveness, snapping, and even biting. These are not Spitz traits, but rather behaviors resulting in a lack of leadership on the human’s part. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals. They need rules to follow, limits to what they are and are not allowed to do and a firm, consistent, confident pack leader, along with daily mental and physical exercise.

Height, Weight

Smaller Indian Spitz - Height: 8 - 10 inches (20 - 25 cm)
Smaller Indian Spitz - Weight: 11 - 15 pounds (5 - 7 kg)

Greater Indian Spitz - Height: 14 – 17.5 inches (35 – 45 cm)
Greater Indian Spitz - Weight: 26 – 44 pounds (12 – 20 kg)

Health Problems

Generally a healthy breed

Living Conditions

The Indian Spitz is good for apartment life. This breed is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard as long as it gets plenty of outings and exercise.

Exercise

This is a busy little dog that will adapt himself to your lifestyle so long as you take the dog for a long, daily walk. In addition, it will enjoy regular chances to run off its lead in a safe area.

Life Expectancy

About 10- to 16 years

Litter Size

About 1 to 5 puppies

Grooming

The Indian Spitz should be combed and brushed regularly. This is a very tidy animal that should be bathed only when necessary. When the dog is shedding, use a comb with a double row of metal teeth to remove loose hairs from the under-layer.

Origin

India

Group

Utility Dog

Recognition
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
A man in a tan and yellow flannel shirt sitting outside on a concrete patio sitting in a wooden chair holding a small fluffy white dog with perk ears, dark eyes, a brown nose with its tongue hanging out.

Chikoo the Indian Spitz at 7 months old with his owner Ajit Roy from India

A man standing outside in front of a fancy medal gate door holding a small white puppy belly out.

Chikoo the Indian Spitz as a puppy with Abhijeet Roy from India

A man in a black jacket kneeling down next to a brown large dog who is laying on a tan mat and a small white fluffy puppy who is looking at the brown dog outside on a concrete patio. There is a bicycle next to them.

Chikoo the Greater Indian Spitz as a puppy with Ajit Roy and Rocky an Indian Pariah Dog from India