How to choose a Spitz

Choosing a four-legged friend is an exciting task that requires responsible and thorough preparation. Dog owners tend to choose Spitz dogs due to the compact size of the dog breed. These pets are ideal for an apartment. You can even take them with you to the store by placing them in your handbag.

Lost in conjecture about who is better than a Spitz, a boy or a girl, you have to spend a long time in hard thoughts.

Let's look at the positive and negative sides of different genders and look at important criteria that help you choose the best option.

How to choose a Spitz - basic criteria

A Spitz is chosen not just based on one’s own desires, but also taking into account the important characteristics of the breed. Knowing the basic selection criteria will allow you to become the happy owner of a small pet, so let’s look at them in more detail.

Floor

Victory at a Pomeranian Spitz show is more likely to go to a boy than a girl. This is due to its impressive size and thick coat, which make it more attractive to judges.

For those who purchase an animal as the main subject for everyday cuddles, you should choose the opposite option. Boys are worse at making contact and rarely have an affectionate character.

Color

According to the ICF classification, the colors of Spitz dogs are:

• orange;
• black and black and tan;
• creamy;
• chocolate;
• white;
• sable;
• bicolor.

If the task of the purchased animal is not future battles for first place, then in addition to the listed colors, you can choose blue and blue and tan . Despite the fact that they are not approved in the standards, the orange coat with this shade looks very beautiful.

Choosing a color is very difficult, because as the puppies grow older, it changes. In this matter, you will have to trust the knowledge of the breeder or still try your luck. To do this, look behind the ears , or check the color of the hair at its base by parting the fur on the back of a small Pomeranian.

Height, size

The choice of size of a dog participating in breeding work depends on its gender:

• girls are supposed to reach large sizes (at least 22 cm);
• boys, on the contrary, are chosen to be miniature.

The small size of the breed, reaching less than 18 cm at the withers, does not meet the standards. He is not allowed to attend exhibition events or participate in breeding. Such individuals have a weak bone structure and are poorly socialized.

When trying to choose a puppy, check its weight. Babies weighing less than 70 g are at risk of developmental delays. Also, non-ossified areas (fontanelles) form on their skull, requiring increased attention from the owner. Any head injury received by such a pet is extremely dangerous.

Age

Undoubtedly, you want to choose a stupid and cute baby much more than an adult. However, such thinking poses a number of problems:

1. Weak immunity. Early separation from a mother who is breastfeeding the baby will deprive it of a number of beneficial substances. The puppy not only receives all the necessary vitamins, but also acquires passive immunity, which allows him to avoid dangerous diseases at an early age.
2. Mental disorder. Babies faced with the fact of independent life can seriously suffer without the usual maternal care.
3. The difficulty of soberly assessing the main parameters. Problems will arise not only with determining the color of the future four-legged friend, but also with understanding the quality of the teeth and the skeletal structure of the body.
4. Difficulties with feeding. A Pomeranian who is not accustomed to eating on his own will certainly encounter problems with his gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, any intestinal disorder will lead to severe dehydration, which can take the baby’s life.

The considered problems are solved at 3 months of age. If age is not important, then it is better to choose a 2-year-old Spitz, who has a mature psyche and body structure.

Please note that you should not be afraid of unsightly 4-5 month old babies. At this time, they undergo active molting, depriving them of baby fluff and renewing their full woolen coat. to choose a beautiful orange after the molting is over.

Playfulness

It is important for future Spitz owners to understand that the Pomeranian is a real energizer that requires attention and love 24/7. The smart creature will happily remember new commands and interesting tricks.

If girls try to be mannered and agreeable, then owners of boys' dogs will have to come to terms with their restlessness and cockiness.

Gender does not have a serious influence on the playfulness of character, but a slight difference can still be traced.

Price

The cost of a Spitz is determined by:

1. Floor. It is cheaper to choose a boy, since he has fewer nuances for participating in breeding work.
2. Origin . A rich pedigree involving foreign representatives will cost a pretty penny.
3. Parameters. The price of miniature Pomeranians is an order of magnitude higher than that of small Spitz dogs.
4. Fashion. The fashion for dachshunds, huskies and corgis is gradually subsiding, but the dwarf Spitz breed has still not found a worthy replacement. However, a possible competitor will ensure that prices fall.
5. Belonging to a class (an active participant in exhibition events, breeding work, or an ordinary pet). Whom to choose in this case is up to the owner.
6. Age. Grown-up Spitz dogs are more expensive because they are fully prepared for life with a new owner and do not carry the “pitfalls” inherent in puppies.
7. The authority of the seller. High cost does not always guarantee quality, but too low prices are a good reason to choose a more reliable source.

The cost of Spitz varies from 20 to 150 thousand rubles. Do not rush to buy a Pomeranian for 5 thousand on a well-known bulletin board, citing a lack of desire to participate in important events. Such a dog may have a serious illness and an unclean pedigree, turning it into an ordinary mongrel with good external characteristics.

For exhibition or for home

When trying to choose a Spitz, focus on the class that determines compliance with existing standards:

1. Show class. Such Pomeranians are ideal representatives purchased for exhibitions. In addition to excellent external data, they have all the qualities that allow them to feel confident on the big stage. Please note that a show girl rarely participates in breeding, since her parameters do not allow her to bear healthy offspring and avoid complications during childbirth.
2. Breeding class. Despite their good pedigree, Spitz dogs have certain disadvantages that exclude a place in first class. They are also allowed to participate in exhibitions, but the likelihood of them receiving prizes is greatly reduced. Nevertheless, breeding girls are the best in breeding work, but male dogs are not allowed access to this matter. In this regard, future breeders are advised to choose a girl.
3. Pet class. The dogs have disqualifying features, but are completely healthy and are quite suitable for home comfort. Problems with teeth or bite do not at all take away the beauty of a purebred animal. They are still the same beautiful, cool Spitz dogs that bring smiles to those around them.

Regardless of the purpose of your pet, purchase Spitz dogs only from specialized nurseries and from trusted breeders.

Appearance of Pomeranian Spitz puppies

The first thing you should pay attention to is health. Healthy puppies are well fed, do not have mucus in the corners of their eyes, they have a clean and shiny look, there is no dirt in the anus, their skin is clean without redness, swelling, irritation and large dandruff. When purchasing a dog for your home, you should not be intimidated by the presence of a small fontanel.

As for distinctive behavioral traits, you need to choose a Pomeranian puppy that is willing to make contact, cheerful and lively. When you take the puppy in your arms, you need to look at his reaction; the baby should not squirm and struggle, or behave aggressively.

Pomeranian Spitz puppies have their own distinctive external features, which are clearly visible if the breeder has already trained the kids in the show stand. They have beautiful soft thick hair, the neck is raised up, there is a “smile” on the muzzle, the front legs are straight and the hind legs are slightly set back, the tail is pressed tightly to the back, their movements are elastic and energetic.

Color does not matter when choosing a Pomeranian as a family companion. But for an exhibition career and breeding, it is important to choose puppies of a standard color, taking into account that dogs of certain colors are recommended to be bred with dogs of the same color, and that there are exhibitions for Spitz dogs of a certain color, for example, only for white or only black and brown.

Dogs come with different types of faces; there are classic and Pomeranian types. In one litter, puppies of different types can be born - different heights and with different types of faces.

Dogs of the classic type have a narrow “fox” muzzle, and they also have sharp, large ears, thin paws, and abundant hair with a predominance of guard hairs. Classic type Spitz dogs are rare.

Pomeranian-type dogs have a short muzzle like a bear cub, a rounded head, thick cheeks, a high tail, thick paws, hair sticking up, and a thick undercoat.

Most often there are dogs of the intermediate type, having something from the first and second types.

Pros and cons of male dogs

Having decided to choose a male dog, familiarize yourself with the gender characteristics that distinguish him from the beautiful representatives.

The main advantages of the Spitz include:

1. Spectacular appearance. The Spitz boy, with his luxurious coat and harmonious proportions, makes you fall in love at first sight. It is highly likely that the judges will choose a boy rather than a girl.
2. Restraint. Boys' emotionality is kept within certain limits, allowing them to control their behavior.

Do not forget about the disadvantages, including:

1. Pugnacity. Aggressive control of its own territory and desperate defense of its beloved owner often end in serious skirmishes with a larger enemy.
2. Difficulty in litter training. Due to their gender characteristics, male dogs love to leave marks. You can't do without a daily walk here. Also try training your dog to walk into a plastic bottle.
3. Waywardness. The nature of the animal, including donkey stubbornness, complicates training, so sometimes you cannot do without the help of a dog handler.
4. High libido. For the sake of the opposite sex, a male is ready to forget about everything in the world. This behavior often leads to the loss of a lost dog. Also, the male does not mind having fun with soft toys, so this dog is not suitable for small children.

Advantages and disadvantages of girls

Charming girls also have their own characteristics and behavior, so it is important to prepare for them in advance.

The main advantages of the fair sex, which force you to choose them, are:

• gentle character;
• quick memorization of commands;
• no problems with the toilet.

Of course, the Spitz girl also has a number of nuances that complicate its maintenance:

• prolonged estrus, lasting 3 weeks and requiring constant monitoring;
• a tendency to manipulate, allowing one to direct a person’s actions in one’s own favor;
• the need for constant attention from the owner, expressed in uncontrollable barking during his absence;
• high cost, paid not only at the time of purchase, but throughout life, especially for breeding Spitz;
• troubles with pregnancy.

Please note that mating is not required for girls. However, in the opposite case, it is better to choose sterilization of the animal. The operation will reduce the risk of possible cancer.

How to check documents

Together with the dog, the breeder's representative must give you a complete package of documents, namely: registration documentation, pedigree, a list of vaccinations already done, as well as a list of those still to come, a description of the basics of the diet. It is also worth checking the puppy for the presence of a breeding mark.

Similar article: Decorative Kleinspitz or German Small Spitz

What to look for when choosing

If you have managed to figure out the purpose of your future pet, then it’s time to start looking at the features that will allow you to choose not only a beautiful, but also a healthy animal. Let's take a closer look at the main criteria.

Wool and leather

A healthy Spitz has:

• thick undercoat;
• fluffy wool without foreign odors;
• skin that fits tightly to the body and does not form strange folds.

Having a small amount of dandruff is normal and not cause for concern. If you choose such a puppy, then a few water treatments will quickly correct the situation. However, large pieces of skin particles that have a yellow tint indicate helminthiasis or a fungal disease . You should also not choose a puppy with rashes or redness indicating dermatitis.

Ears

To select a healthy Spitz, inspect the ears. If it is soft and results in drooping ends, it is a sign of insufficient calcium in the animal’s diet. Unpleasant odors and discharge from the ears are not allowed. The presence of redness, strange spots and wounds also indicates obvious problems with the Spitz's ears, including infestation with lichen or ticks.

Eyes

Spitz eye color is brown or black. The convexity of the visual organ is a deviation that requires additional care from the owner, so it is better not to purchase such dogs. You should also not choose a pet with purulent discharge, which is often a symptom of viral diseases.

Nose

There are no major differences in the nose of a Spitz. Like any healthy dog, humidity and coolness are welcome, as well as the absence of unpleasant odors and discharge.

Mucous

Excessive pallor of the mucous membranes, making them almost transparent, indicates helminthiasis or heart disease. With such symptoms, it is better to choose someone else.

Teeth, bite

Teeth are the main problem for Pomeranians. Selecting puppies from a litter is not that easy. A thorough diagnosis is necessary.

Good teeth are characterized by snow-whiteness, eliminating transparency and yellowness. Any wounds inside the oral cavity are not allowed. It is also important to count the number of teeth. If the amount received is less than 12, then the adult pet risks being left without a full set during the change from dairy to permanent.

With a correct bite, the upper row of teeth covers the lower ones. Other options are not considered.

Stomach

When feeling the abdomen, pay attention to its softness. The presence of seals in the groin or navel indicates a hernia, and swelling indicates helminths. If umbilical hernias are not dangerous and can be easily operated on, then if there is an inguinal seal, it is better not to choose a dog intended for breeding.

Genitals

When checking a male dog, examine the scrotum. If prolapse of at least one testicle does not occur, then such a pet runs the risk of getting a hernia and even oncology . Also, the Spitz is deprived of reproductive function due to disruption of hormone production.

Joints

When examining a Spitz joint, check it for:

1. Confidence of gait. Dragging paws, lameness or rolling over are not allowed.
2. No hump. When in a vertical position, the dog's back should be flat.
3. Integrity of the vertebrae. When palpated, the tail eliminates the presence of creases.

Behavior

Conditions of detention affect behavioral characteristics. Take a closer look at the Spitz. A confident and calm dog that is active will fit into any family. The presence of aggression and cowardice is not a reason to abandon an animal, but when purchasing such a dog, it is important to understand the further difficulties in raising it.

Tips from dog breeders

Experienced dog breeders who have managed to raise more than one generation of Pomeranians advise:

1. Choose a seller carefully. Don't skimp on the price. The cost includes expenses incurred by the breeder. Check the dogs' living conditions in advance and make sure they are appropriate in order to choose a truly healthy family member.
2. Don't get hung up on class and background. Sometimes prizes were taken by representatives with defects. Remember that although natural data is a significant advantage, the final image is formed by the proper care and concern of the owner.
3. Check for vaccinations. Passive immunity is of course good, but disappears after the end of feeding. Remember that trying to choose a tiny baby will result in a tragedy for both the puppy and the owner.
4. Don't be afraid of enclosure keeping. Contrary to popular belief, such conditions do not make dogs wild, but help protect them from indoor dangers.
5. Do not try to retrain animals with behavior problems. Whatever the reason the breeder gives, do not believe in the ease of self-socialization of the Spitz. If an animal has a healthy psyche, then it will be the first to make contact, trying to please the person and receive praise.

When you decide to choose a Spitz, try to adhere to these recommendations and carefully weigh in your head all the pros and cons of the breed.

Remember that to get an adequate pet, education and training are extremely important. Say a strict no to food “for as many as he eats, we give for as many.” Rapid weight gain in oranges is fraught with a number of concomitant diseases. It is necessary to build a diet correctly, focusing on fractional feeding of a certain calorie content.

Deciding on the purpose of purchasing a puppy

Before choosing a Pomeranian puppy, decide for yourself why you need it, because the cost of the pet will largely depend on this. So, Pomeranian Spitz puppies are conditionally divided into several groups:

• show-class dogs are animals that are potentially participants in all kinds of exhibitions and competitions;
• breeding class – boys and girls suitable for breeding;
• pet class - dogs that, due to their characteristics, are deprived of the privilege to participate in competitive programs, but are ideally suited to the role of pets.

Of course, if you choose representatives of the first two groups, be prepared to pay an order of magnitude more than for a dog “for the soul.”

Similar article: Scheme and features of vaccination of Spitz puppies

Be sure to tell the breeder about your intentions for the Spitz dog: he will be able to advise which of his pets is best suited specifically for your case.

Even if there is no doubt about the pedigree and parents of your baby, he looks perfect, this does not mean that you have become the owner of a guaranteed winner. A lot will depend on your efforts and quality care and education.