The dream of almost all representatives of the fair sex, the star of the world wide web and in particular YouTube, one of the most popular breeds of our time is a dog belonging to the Pomeranian Spitz breed.
It is worth noting that this type of dog has always been highly valued and in demand.
Nowadays, dwarf Pomeranians are at the peak of their popularity. These are beautiful, cheerful and funny dogs.
Description and specifics
The Baltic is the birthplace of this wonderful animal. There is an area there, Pomerania, where this type of Spitz was first selected. Hence its name. However, there are no historically accurate records that the dog was bred there. However, researchers believe that the Spitz originated from the Baltic.
Initially, such dogs were bred by commoners. Pets delighted and amused people; this could not escape the attention of rich aristocrats. By the end of the 18th century, Spitz dogs lived in almost every wealthy European family.
As a hunter or bodyguard, this dog is completely useless, but as a “toy for the soul” - on the contrary. The animal radiates positive energy with its entire appearance, gives love to others, makes you smile and admire.
Unfortunately, by the end of the 19th century there were practically no representatives of this breed left in Europe. They were eclipsed by the Pekingese. But, in those years, there lived an outstanding personality who contributed to the emergence of dog breeding clubs that revived the glory of these cute decorative dogs.
It was Queen Victoria. It was thanks to her that institutions began to appear in most European countries where they were breeding Pomeranian Spitz dogs . Even then, there was a tendency for it to decrease. That is, it was believed that the smaller the lap dog, the more valuable it is.
Breed standard
In the 19th century, representatives of this breed were an order of magnitude larger than modern ones. But they were in no way inferior to them in terms of attractiveness and cuteness. The Pomeranian in the photo looks like a little fox. The visual specificity of the breed is its very lush coat. The dog's fur is dense and very warm, so it is not afraid of frosts, even severe ones.
The dog's fur fits tightly to each other, folding into a fur coat. They are slightly shorter on the muzzle. The longest fur is on the sternum and tail. By the way, the Spitz's tail lies on his lower back, twisted into a ring. The dog really looks like a toy.
It has compact flexible paws. They are quite short, but this does not prevent the animal from moving quickly. The physique is harmonious, slightly lean. The neck practically does not stand out. It is not visible behind the lush fur.
The dog's head is medium in size. The muzzle is slightly flattened, like a Pekingese. The eyes are large, black, and protrude slightly. The nose is small and dark. His ears are located close to each other and have a high landing. The transition from the muzzle to the frontal line is well defined.
According to the standard, the height at the withers of the animal should not exceed 19-22 cm, and the weight should not exceed 1.5-2 kg. According to another opinion, the permissible weight mark for an adult representative of this breed is 3 kg. Behind the thick fur it is difficult to discern the physique of such a dog.
In any case, if she is overweight, she is disqualified and does not participate in the competition. A dog is considered low-breed if it has multiple deviations from the internationally accepted standard.
Kinds
Thick coat is the main parameter of the attractiveness of the Pomeranian Spitz breed . According to the standard, many variations of its color are allowed. But, most often, these decorative dogs are born red or sandy.
Important ! Only by 6 months of life can you accurately determine what the fur color of a Pomeranian Spitz will be.
Acceptable dog color options:
- Pure white.
- Ginger.
- Reddish.
- Sand.
- Creamy beige.
- Sable.
- Orange.
- Pure brown.
- Pure black.
- Blue with brindle.
Character
Spitz are very nimble and energetic dogs. It is difficult for them to sit still when there is so much interesting things in the world! The dog's attention will be attracted by a guest, a ringing phone, the owner's call, and absolutely any little thing.
Calmness is completely out of character for her. Some representatives of the breed strive to perform security functions. But this is rare. Males are more likely to bark at unfamiliar guests than females.
Sociability is another character trait characteristic of the Pomeranian. He will begin to communicate with great joy with a person, an animal, and even an inanimate object. A lot of things attract his attention: from loud human laughter to the rustling of grass on the street.
A joyful and active dog will happily frolic, run and briskly chase after the owner who is playing catch-up with him. By the way, it is rare to find fat Spitz dogs. The dog's mobility and energy allow it to maintain a good metabolism in the body. Therefore, she rarely gains weight.
Excessive curiosity and agility make the Spitz greet every living creature that comes his way.
These dogs tolerate loneliness relatively easily. Yes, they are upset when the owner leaves for a long time. But during the period of separation, they will probably find something to occupy themselves with. Such an animal can easily be left with friends or relatives if you are going to leave for a long time. It tends to be trusting and obedient.
You should not think that the Pomeranian will be offended and begin to play dirty tricks on your friends with whom you leave him. No, a smart dog will understand that you will soon take him away and will try not to be sad at the time of separation.
He will begin to listen to strangers who will soon become “friends” for him. An adult is an authority figure for such a dog. But she treats children with less respect.
In a pack of dogs, the Spitz will strive to prove itself as a leader. It is important for him to earn the respect of other four-legged animals, no matter that some of them are significantly larger than him. But, even being an authority for others, such a dog will not behave immorally. That is, he will not humiliate or in any way offend other animals.
Important ! This dog can't stand cats. Making them friends is almost impossible. At the sight of a cat, the Pomeranian Spitz goes into a rage.
The psychological state of such a pet depends on the emotional climate in the family. If household members treat him kindly, the dog will be cheerful and gentle, and if he is rude, he will be irritable. Such an animal needs careful and tolerant treatment.
It is sensitive and very vulnerable. Any rudeness said to a decorative dog deeply hurts it. Therefore, in order for your four-legged pet to always remain happy, do not stop showing him your reverent feelings.
How to properly support your baby
Having decided on a place for the puppy, place a basket or a cute house from any pet store there. Now you have to keep your baby's crib clean. To do this, lay out a diaper and place a mattress with a pillowcase on it. Change the pillowcases as they get dirty to keep your puppy comfortable.
If you plan to sometimes go away without your mini puppy, then purchase a small enclosure for him. Otherwise, in your absence, the baby will spoil something or get hurt himself. But never leave a small puppy alone for a long time - the Pomeranian is a very loyal dog, he will suffer from loneliness.
Required Items
A securely constructed enclosure should provide enough space not only for sleeping and eating, but also for toileting and toys. The rest of the area should be free for active games.
Toys for mini dogs should be safe, it is best if they are made of soft and durable latex, without metal or plastic parts. If the puppy manages to bite off a piece of the toy, it will not cause any harm to the stomach - the bitten off piece will come out naturally.
Food bowls should be made of metal or ceramic and securely attached to the floor.
A special dog litter box can be purchased at a pet store. A good option would be a tray with fasteners for disposable diapers, which perfectly absorb liquid and odor. If you have a mini male Pomeranian, he will appreciate a tray with a post.
Adaptation of the Pomeranian Spitz
While the puppy is small, he behaves like a baby: he often goes to the toilet anywhere. At first, you will have to constantly clean up piles and puddles, but you cannot scold the puppy for this. It is better to be patient and gradually begin to accustom your pet to the toilet.
Since the puppy does not immediately get used to a new place, you need to keep an eye on him. If you see that the baby begins to squirm in one place, immediately take him to the tray. Usually puppies relieve themselves naturally after eating and sleeping. As soon as your pet has gone to the toilet in the right place, praise him in a calm and gentle tone and reward his good deed with a treat.
Feeding mode
At first, it is best to feed the puppy the same thing that he ate at the breeder; the mini dog is gradually transferred to another type of food, otherwise stomach problems will arise. Caring for the health of a small dog must be correct.
Products included in a puppy's diet are usually recommended for children under six years of age. Some useful tips for the correct feeding regimen:
- natural products and dry food are the best option;
- do not skimp on dry food;
- fruits, vegetables, meat should always be fresh;
- Before creating a diet, consult your veterinarian;
- do not feed the puppy immediately before a walk - at least an hour should pass after eating;
- do not overfeed the dog, this will have a bad effect on its health;
- food should be at room temperature;
- After half an hour, remove the food, even if the micro dog has not eaten, and never feed the puppy - accustom him to the regime.
Walking with a Spitz
The first walks should take place in good, calm weather, without rain or frost. And only after scheduled vaccinations and the required quarantine. Go out for a few minutes at first, gradually increasing the duration of your hikes to two to three hours.
Make sure that your puppy does not pick up anything from the ground or run after cats or stray dogs. A leash or harness is perfect for this purpose. You can allow your pet to eat grass or chew tree bark.
As soon as the puppy adapts to the street, start visiting special areas where he can run freely without a leash and socialize with other dogs. All this will have a great impact on the health of your dwarf dog.
Maintenance and care
With good quality care, a pet dog becomes a loyal companion to a person. It requires constant attention, care and careful treatment. One of the main grooming requirements is regular cleaning of the dog’s ears. In sulfur that is not removed in time, microorganisms settle and multiply, causing an inflammatory process. You should get rid of them in time.
How can you tell if your dog's ears are clean? Just look at their inside. They should be bright pink. Brown stains on the surface are sulfur and dust, which can be easily removed with a cotton pad or swab. This procedure should be carried out weekly.
Note! Does your dog constantly scratch his ears and secrete a suspicious secretion? He probably caught an infection. Take him to the vet immediately.
The second necessary care procedure is removing plaque. It forms in the dog's mouth all the time, even when he is not eating. Plaque destroys tooth enamel and therefore must be removed.
The animal also requires regular bathing. Show Spitz dogs are washed with professional shampoo every month. Also, their owner must have combs for dogs: with iron and massage teeth.
Pomeranian Spitz is a frequent “guest” in zoological beauty salons. There are a large number of options for cutting it. Usually, a dog’s thick fur is almost completely cut off for the summer, but this cannot be done for the winter.
Every day the dog's body, regardless of its haircut, is massaged with a brush. This procedure improves not only the animal’s health, but also its mood. In addition, brushing a small dog that sits in a person’s arms is an important act of bringing them together. The dog associates pleasant sensations arising in different parts of the body with the person who is nearby. This strengthens their psychological relationship.
Despite the lush fur, the dog can freeze in winter. Therefore, caring owners came up with the idea of dressing her in down clothes, for example, overalls for decorative dogs. They can be purchased or ordered individually. There is no need for summer insulation of the Pomeranian Spitz.
The animal's claws are trimmed with scissors or nippers. After this, it is recommended to saw them with a soft-abrasive file. Well, the last point - if you notice dirt on the pads of your pet’s feet, it is better to remove it immediately.
Coarsened dirt is removed with a damp sponge. It's better to do this in the bathroom. By the way, so that a lap dog is not afraid to swim, it should be placed in water when it is a puppy. At the same time, it is important to speak kindly so as not to increase her fears.
Nutrition
A Pomeranian puppy should not eat dry food immediately after leaving its mother. It requires a lot of protein, fats and amino acids. These substances are found in raw meat, cottage cheese and cow's milk.
These 3 products are given to the dog daily for 4-6 months. Then he is transferred to an artificial diet. Food for decorative breeds of dogs contains all the substances that their body needs for a normal life. How can you tell if your dog is eating properly and is healthy? There are several signs:
- Shiny wool.
- Energy.
- Interest in life.
- Loud barking.
- Smooth skin.
A dog that is undernourished or overeats is less active, slow and apathetic. An adult indoor Spitz should be fed no more than 2 times a day.
Grossspitz, up to 45 cm
They are also called Greater German Spitz . They weigh from 17 to 22 kg, grow to 40-50 cm at the withers. They can be brown, white and black. Grossspitz are smart dogs and easy to train. They need long walks in the fresh air, and their owner is nearby at any time of the day, because... they cannot stand loneliness.
These are kind, well-mannered, active dogs that tolerate children's pranks and can become good guards. They can get along with other pets.
Reproduction and lifespan
Breeders of decorative dogs know that they can breed only those individuals that belong to the same breed species. That is, if the bitch is brown, then she should choose an appropriate partner.
However, mating dogs of different colors often results in the birth of puppies with an interesting shade of fur. But it is worth keeping in mind that they are unlikely to meet the standard and take part in exhibitions.
It is advisable to breed a male dog with a female Spitz, counting a couple of days from the beginning of her heat. Why? On the 3rd or 4th day after this, there is a high probability that she will become pregnant. Small indoor dogs live longer than large and service dogs, from 14 to 17 years.
Kleinspitz, up to 30 cm
This is also a German Spitz, which is called small because... it is small in size - up to 23-29 cm, they weigh from 5 to 10 kg. They have a sharp, fox-like muzzle, fluffy fur with a lush mane and panties. Color may vary.
Very smart and capable dogs, active, energetic, they need constant walks. They often adapt to their owners, because... with older people they become calm, and in a family with children they can walk and play all day long.
Kleinspitz are good-natured, sociable, but sometimes they become capricious and jealous, they constantly need affection and attention. They love to bark, they are called “bells”. They get along well with other animals and love children.
Price
There are many private advertisements on the Internet for the sale of cute pet dogs. The price of a Pomeranian without pedigree, health documents and veterinary passport is 10-15 thousand rubles. You should not assume that buying such a pet is an investment. He is unlikely to be selected for any animal event.
If you really plan to make money on your four-legged friend, then plan to buy him from a nursery. The cost of a purebred representative of the breed with a passport and all documents is from 35 to 50 thousand rubles. Show class puppies cost even more, starting from 60 thousand rubles.
Origin story
The original breed of dwarf Spitz was bred by German breeders in the 17th-18th centuries and was named after the German historical region of Pomerania. At the end of the 19th century, small dogs gained popularity in England at the court of Queen Victoria. English dog breeders began crossing decorative breeds in order to reduce the size of dogs.
The Dwarf Orange breed is divided into types: toy, fox-faced, bear. Each Mini Pomeranian Spitz is individual; what type the puppy will belong to becomes clear only when it grows up; the type of appearance is not inherited.
Education and socialization
Not only people, but also animals, including dogs, undergo the process of socialization. To make it as smooth and problem-free as possible for your young pet, surround him with warmth and attention. Show the dog that he is not alone in this world. Be there for him as he learns, grows, and meets other living beings.
If the socialization of a service dog implies giving it the right to cope with stress independently, then the opposite is true for a decorative dog. Remember, the Pomeranian is not a watchman, a bodyguard, or even a security guard. He is a sweet and friendly dog, ready to share his charm with anyone who smiles at him.
It is useless to teach him complex circus tricks. Such a dog will only be able to jump over a ring that is placed in front of it. You can teach her commands such as “freeze” or “down,” but this will take a long time.
Advice ! If you decide to train a Pomeranian, such as a German Shepherd, prepare treats for him, such as cheese or sausage. A lap dog will follow commands only for a reward.
Never ignore chewed furniture in the house or barking for no reason. If you show weakness even once, your pet will take advantage of the situation and conclude for itself that bad behavior is the norm in your home.
Italian Spitz, up to 30 cm
It is also called Volpino Italiano . This is a decorative dog of white or red color, which weighs from 3 to 4 kg. Girls' height is from 25 to 28 cm, boys' height is from 27 to 30 cm.
The Italian Spitz is a very cheerful and playful dog, easy to care for. But she does not tolerate loneliness well and constantly needs her owner. Very attached to her family.
The most nimble among Spitz dogs, they vitally need movement. Optimists never get bored and don’t let others get bored. The Italian Spitz gets along well with children and can play with other pets.
Possible diseases and methods of treating them
Some careless owners of Pomeranians think that if they have small ears, then they don’t need to be cleaned. This is mistake. The ears are their most vulnerable part of the body.
Wax should be cleaned regularly. Without this care, the animal's ears hurt, itch and become inflamed. The most alarming symptom indicating infection is the discharge of a gray-green liquid.
Also, these cute creatures often suffer from gastritis. The disease occurs due to improper feeding. The best prevention of stomach diseases in dogs includes:
- Eliminating sweets from the diet, especially baked goods.
- Stool control.
- Timely correction of the animal’s poor health due to overeating.
Never ignore your pet's unwellness caused by food. Yes, one of the household members, due to inexperience or ignorance, may give him some “wrong” food.
In this case, we advise you to immediately give the animal a sorbent, for example, Enterosgel. This will help quickly remove toxins from his stomach. Caring for your Pomeranian should also include vaccination.
