Origin: Ireland (16th century)
Weight: 32-36 pounds
Height: 12.5-14 inches
Life Span: 13-14 years
Breed Type: Terrier
Europe has produced Spitz dogs for over 6,000 years. The German Spitz is a breed that assumed the role of herder, hunter, and watchdog throughout the centuries. With a fluffy look, this dog has a wedge-shaped face and feathered tail. Its full coat comes in a variety of colors, including orange, gray, white, brown, and black. A lively and social pet, the German Spitz loves attention. A playful dog, it might stand on its hind legs when it gets happy. It is a dog that gets very attached to its family. Therefore, it is a loyal companion and a great watchdog. The German Spitz is suspicious of strangers; it will bark when someone unfamiliar is near the house. It enjoys its daily walks, and is open to other types of exercises. It is not a breed, however, that needs to have a lot of exercise daily. However, if its owner’s lifestyle is an active one, the German Spitz will happily join in on the jogs and activities. When it comes to health issues, this breed is not particularly prone to any major genetic conditions. Concerning grooming, the coat of this dog needs frequent brushing to help avoid matting.