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Kleinspitz
What is a merged breed?
Basepaws analyzes this breed as part of a group that also includes Keeshond, Kleinspitz, Mittelspitz, Pomeranian.
Despite being distinct in characteristics and origin, some pairs or groups of breeds lack the number of genetic differences required to distinguish these populations from one another, particularly when only a subset of these differences are inherited by a mixed breed dog. As we continue to expand our breed database, we aim to increase the resolution of our ancestry algorithm such that differentiating between increasingly specific ancestral sources becomes possible.
The Kleinspitz, also known as the German Small Spitz, was a guard dog used to keep mice and rats out of houses and stables. The Kleinspitz was bred in southern Germany, and served two purposes, as a watchdog and as a cute furry companion for women.
Main Info
- Origin
- Europe
- Dog Size
- Small
- Lineage
- Spitz and Sled Dog Lineage
- Alternate Names
- Wolfsspitz (German), Keeshond,
- Life Expectancy
- 13-15 years
- Average Male Height
- 8-12 inches (Toy), 12-16 inches (Medium), 16-20 inches (Large)
- Average Female Height
- 8-12 inches (Toy), 12-16 inches (Medium), 16-20 inches (Large)
- Average Male Weight
- 10-11 pounds (Toy), 15-25 pounds (Medium), 30-50 pounds (Large)
- Average Female Weight
- 10-11 pounds (Toy), 15-25 pounds (Medium), 30-50 pounds (Large)
- Hypoallergenic
- No
- Activity Level
- Moderate
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Grooming requirement
- Low
- Coat Length
- Short
- Coat Type
- Double
- Coat Colors
- Black, Black & Tan, Brown, Cream, Orange, Red, White, Wolfgray
- Coat Pattern
- Sable, Parti-Color
Genetic Predispositions and Health
The Kleinspitz is a generally healthy breed, but can suffer from albinism (oculocutaneous), progressive retinal atrophy, thrombopathia, and von Willebrand disease (Type I and II). Genetic testing is recommended, including for the following additional conditions: hyperuricosuria, degenerative myelopathy, and progressive rod-cone degeneration.
Personality and Behavior
The Kleinspitz is an intelligent breed that learns quickly. They respond well to motivation and are eager to please their owners. Socialization is important because this breed can be highly independent if not trained consistently. They tend to bark a lot, can be uneasy around strangers and lack hunting instincts which makes them ideal and effective guard dogs. When socialized early, they tend to be good with older children and other pets.
Fun Facts
Before 1974, there was only one variety of "small" spitz which included the Kleinspitz and the Pomeranian. In 1974, the German Spitz club made a formal distinction between the two, separating them into different varieties based on size.
References
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-spitz/
https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/standard-german-spitz https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/097g05-en.pdf
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