Prick up your ears! We want to introduce you to a fantastic four-legged friend, the Großspitz.
Is there a real rascal behind his fox-like head?
Today you will find out what tasks the Großspitz is particularly well suited to, what life expectancy and colors it brings with it and whether there are any problems to be expected when keeping this breed of dog.
Nice that you are here and have fun reading!
Great Spitz fact sheet
Size 40 to 50 cmWeight20 to 27 kilogramsColorsBlack, Brown, WhiteLife expectancy10 to 14 yearsOriginGermanycharacter/temperamentlively, spirited, docile, reliable, affectionate, attentive, stubbornFCI groupGroup 5: Spitz and archetypal dogs, Section 4: European Spitz without working trial
Look
There are many German top. More precisely, they live 5 different varieties of the German watchdog on our planet:
- Wolfspitz/Keeshound
- Great Spitz
- mid point
- Pomeranian
- Pomeranian
They differ mainly in their size. Externally, the five variants have many similarities.
Above all, all representatives of the German Spitz are equipped with fluffy, lush and soft fur. They wear a thick collar that is almost reminiscent of a lion’s mane.
The Great Spitz wears its fur in the colors black, brown or white. It has a dense undercoat that protects it from both cold and heat and a dirt-repellent top coat.
The head is described as «fox-like», giving the clever watchdog a cheeky and happy face.
As is typical for Spitz, it wears small, close-fitting and pointed ears.
Great Apex reach one height of approx. 45 centimetres, with a deviation of plus or minus 5 centimeters being permitted.
History & origin of the Großspitz
Unfortunately, the Großspitz is considered a dying breed of dog. Since 2003, the GEH (Society for the Conservation of Old and Endangered Breeds of Domestic Animals) has taken care of the spitz-like dog.
The Großspitz has meanwhile moved into all sections of the population. His attitude is particularly popular to guard house and yardbecause that has been in the Spitz’s genes for centuries.
The popular dog breed has now spread all over the world and is bred in other countries as the Japanese Spitz or Eskimo Spitz, similar to the Großspitz.
Nature & character of the Great Spitz
Spitz, watch out! Do you know the classic game that requires attention, skill and responsiveness? The Spitz has rightly contributed its name to it.
The Großspitz is one excellent guardian.
He is alert, neither fearful nor aggressive, and is initially suspicious of strangers. All qualities that make him the perfect guard dog.
Accordingly, this dog breed also tends to bark a lot. This behavior should be steered in the right direction from the start – but you cannot train it out of it completely.
Reliability and joy in learning make living and training with the Great Spitz very pleasant, even for novice dogs. Nevertheless, he has a stubborn head and does not like to submit.
He has a lively temperament and is extraordinarily affectionate and devoted.
The Spitz loves its people more than anything and accordingly takes good care of them and its territory.
We are Team Spitz!
The lovable nature of the Großspitz makes it an ideal companion and family dog.
Since the Spitz has no hunting instinct, it is much easier to let it off the leash when going for a walk.
Many characteristics make him an ideal beginner’s dog and a pleasant four-legged companion.
attitude & upbringing
The Great Spitz is intelligent and docile. He enjoys working with his people and is usually easy to train.
Parenting can be a challenge, but one that can be overcome with patience and consistency.
Despite his willingness to learn, the Great Spitz is stubborn, which is why some commands can take a little longer to get the hang of.
Submissiveness isn’t necessarily one of his strengths either.
Close contact with his family is important for the affectionate dog. As a pure court guard who is not allowed to sleep in the house, the friendly guy is out of the question.
As with all dogs, it is important that the Great Spitz also has a puppy as a puppy good socialization enjoy. This is where the basis for a balanced, friendly and self-confident mind is laid.
Great Spitz are very active and lively dogs, which accordingly require a lot of exercise and workload.
Long walks, the opportunity to let off steam and brainwork should be on the agenda.
The Großspitz is also ideal for dog sports or tracking.
Leaving alone can be a great challenge for the Great Spitz and should be trained from an early age.
Bring a lot of patience, perseverance and consistency with you.
But be prepared that despite the training, you won’t be able to leave him alone for long. That would make him very unhappy in the long run.
As he is very adaptable and just wants to be in the company of his «pack», a city apartment can be just as suitable as a house with a garden.
Important!
If you want to adopt a Pomeranian, see if there is one waiting for you at the animal shelter.
If it should be a puppy from the breeder, please find out exactly how you can distinguish between serious and dubious offers!
Health & Care
The Großspitz is a very robust dog that little susceptible to disease is.
Nevertheless, it can also catch your dog at any time when it comes to accidents or aches and pains.
The pointed coat requires moderate maintenance.
Regular brushing helps your Spitz, especially when it comes to changing the coat. Then the undercoat falls out and can be easily combed out.
You can make the transition from winter to summer easier for your Great Spitz by helping it get rid of the thick winter wool.
Like all dogs, your Great Spitz also needs conscientious claw care and a person who generally cares about their health.
With species-appropriate husbandry and nutrition, the Great Spitz has one Life expectancy of up to 14 years.
Does the Großspitz suit me?
Are you considering getting a dog and the Großspitz is on the shortlist? This is a good idea if:
- You are aware that this is a true guard dog (he will most likely bark a lot)
- You are looking for an active companion dog that you can offer a lot of variety and exercise
- You live in the house and yard so that your Spitz can fulfill its role as guardian
- You have sufficient financial resources to care for an animal for up to 14 years (even in the event of illness!)
- You are aware that a dog requires a lot of time, money and attention
- You are willing to care for your Großspitz in a species-appropriate and loving manner
Conclusion: The Großspitz as an attentive companion dog
The Spitz unites one smart little head with a fluffy appearance and one strong waking instinct.
His cheerful and lively nature brings a lot of momentum to every family home. The docile dog is welcome here and willingly provides its services as a House and yard guards.
If you are aware of that high temperament and energy levels If you are one of these dogs and don’t mind never wearing socks without dog hair again, the Great Spitz might be an option for you.
It is a very sociable, extremely affectionate and reliable dog, which is also suitable for dog beginners.
What are you saying? Will a Großspitz move in with you? If we can answer any questions about this dog breed in advance, please write them to us in the comments!
We are glad that you read our article.
Happy day, happy dogs!