White Spitz: character, photos and training methods

A properly raised Pomeranian is wary of strangers. He doesn’t show aggression first, but he also won’t allow anyone to touch his luxurious fur coat. Without proper training, the dog will bark at every passerby on the street, and ring a bell at any rustle in the apartment. To avoid conflicts with neighbors, your pet’s behavior needs to be corrected from childhood.

Poms get along quite well with other dogs and cats, especially if they grew up with them, but they periodically strive for dominance. When a second dog appears in a house where an adult Spitz lives, the owner will have to make an effort to make friends with the pets. To do this, you need to pay no less attention to Pomeranz than before. Otherwise, the pet will begin to prove to the owner that he is still the boss in the house and will become aggressive towards the newcomer. Spitz dogs should not be kept together with small pets (birds, hamsters, rats, etc.). Like the Karelo-Finnish husky, doggies have a very strongly developed hunting instinct.

Command training

Training and attitude towards it

The first step should not be training, but raising the pet. You need to teach your baby the rules of behavior in a new home from the first days.

All family members will have to show firmness. Fluffy puppies are very stubborn, they will quickly figure out the “weak link”, begin to manipulate, and set their own rules. The second important point is training in hygiene procedures.

Owners should be prepared for the fact that at first (up to about 6 months) the puppy will relieve itself in the apartment. Getting him used to walking will take time and patience. To begin with, you can lay out a diaper and sit your Spitz on it immediately after sleeping and eating. “Accidents” sometimes occur in adults as well. Due to the peculiarities of their physiology, it is difficult for Pomeranians to hold urine in a bladder for a long time, but well-mannered dogs know how to ask to go outside as needed.

When the little Pomeranian gets a little comfortable in the new place, you can begin to master the basic commands. Not only the comfortable coexistence of people and dogs, but, above all, the safety of the pet itself depends on the accuracy of their implementation.

It is recommended to study the commands in this order:

• “place”, “impossible”, “fu”;
• “to me”, “sit”;
• “lie down”, “stand”;
• “can”, “near”, “give”;
• “wait”, “voice”, “walk”, “fetch”.

In the case of the Pomeranian, it is very important to teach your pet the command “to be silent.”
Dogs are prone to barking for no reason. Babies usually receive the basics of upbringing in the breeder’s home; the owner’s task is to consolidate the acquired skills and continue the development of the Spitz. Pets have different abilities, but dogs master the full course of the listed commands (subject to daily exercise) by 6-7 months. A new order should begin to be learned only after the Spitz has fully mastered the previous one. There should be no breaks in classes, otherwise the child will forget some of the loose skills, and everything will have to start all over again.

Pomeranians are endowed with high intelligence and are quite trainable. The only thing that gets in the way is their stubbornness and desire to demonstrate independence. The main thing is not to make the mistake of mistaking Poms for stupid kids because of their touching appearance. Dogs must respect their owner and be aware of his dominant role. If you do not show strength of character, the Pomeranian will consider itself the “leader of the pack” and will not follow the orders of the owner.

You cannot hit or scold the dog! Representatives of this breed cannot tolerate rudeness or cruelty. In response, they show uncontrollability or aggression. You need to encourage your baby with a favorite treat or praise. Dogs love to be praised, they subtly sense the intonations of the human voice, strive to please their owner, and will be able to master not only basic commands, but also some circus tricks. In such an atmosphere, classes will be effective and will bring a lot of pleasure to both the owner and the dog.

Spitz character

This dog breed is easy to train. They easily become attached to people and always obey their master.

The German Spitz is very affectionate and will never attack a person without a command. Therefore, this breed is often started in families with children. This dog will become a true friend for a child. The baby will not be bored with such a “nanny”. After all, thanks to playfulness and playfulness, a younger friend will always evoke positivity. It is also worth noting that the Spitz is very sensitive to the mood of its owner, so it always adapts to it, like any other dog.

Despite their friendliness, white Spitz puppies (like other species) are wary of new people. In addition, they remember well the attitude of others towards them. Therefore, you need to treat such dogs both affectionately and persistently if you want to train them well. Spitz love attention and perform all sorts of tricks for treats. They are often trained to perform in the circus arena.

The difference between a dog and a bitch

The main external and behavioral characteristics of the Pomeranian breed are inherent in individuals of both sexes, but there are still some differences between them. Thus, males are always the brighter representatives of the breed. Male poms are superior to females in appearance, have a more luxurious coat, and look better at shows. In addition, Spitz males shed less often and do not lose hair as much during seasonal shedding.

Males of this breed are more emotional and openly express their love and devotion to their owners. Males are less touchy, but more stubborn and cocky.

The main unpleasant aspects of keeping male Pomeranians are urine getting on the fur on the tummy and possible marks in the apartment. These points can be easily corrected by a suitable haircut, proper upbringing and timely walking of the pet. A properly cut Spitz does not have any unpleasant odors.

Another point is the “rut”. Even the most trained dog, having smelled a “dog wedding,” can become uncontrollable and run away from its owner.

Spitz females are very clean. Their long fur always looks neat, but they shed more. In addition to the seasonal change of hair, the female loses her undercoat before estrus, greatly “sheds” her hair after giving birth, then quickly grows back. During these periods, dogs require special care and enhanced nutrition.

By nature, Pomerantsev bitches are more cunning than males. They know how to find an approach to the strictest owner and know when to show tenderness. Females are more flexible and are not prone to escape.

Grooming

Features of color

The Spitz has long and thick hair, usually white. Black nose, mouth and edges around the eyes. Initially, the dog had a cold snow-white color. For a long time it enjoyed enormous popularity. Later, dogs with other shades were bred.

The color standards include three categories of open classes:

• cream, orange and sable;
• brown, black and blue;
• other acceptable colors.

Each standard has its own nuances. For example, black has dark skin, black undercoat and nose. Light spots are considered a defect. But even with light hairs in the undercoat, black dogs take part in exhibitions. Before the seasonal shedding, the undercoat of black oranges may turn brown.

Today, a dog with a white color is a rarity, and besides, it is the one that is allowed for exhibitions. If a small spot is noticed, she is immediately removed from participation.

Care and maintenance in the apartment

Let's now talk about how to properly care for a dog. Pomeranians are suitable for keeping in a city apartment or private house, but not on the street.

Miniature dogs are not intended for kennel (especially chain) life. Before the puppy arrives, you need to prepare a corner where the baby will feel safe.

The best option is a house made of fabric and padding polyester in which the dog will sleep. It should be placed in a part of the apartment that is protected from drafts and not too dark. It is better to install a “shelter” in the master bedroom so that the pet does not feel abandoned. You cannot take a puppy into your bed. Firstly, it is unsafe for the fragile Spitz. Secondly, it will be impossible to wean him off spending the night together.

In addition to the main house, you will need a bed, which will be located in the kitchen or in the room where the family spends time more often, because Pomeranians love to be with people. It is important to remember that little bullies prefer active games. To prevent him from using things that are absolutely not intended for this purpose for his fun, the baby must be provided with a sufficient number of rubber toys.

For walks you will need a collar or harness. Some owners consider a harness not the best choice, since the hair gets wiped out under the straps and bald patches form. However, if the dog runs around a lot outside, walks are frequent and short, you can buy a harness.

The collar should be leather or nylon, soft but durable. It must be tightened so that a human finger fits between the collar and the dog’s neck, otherwise the accessory will compress the dog’s airways.

A Spitz leash must be strong, thin and light in order to withstand an unexpected jerk if the pet suddenly wants to rush after a pigeon or cat. The optimal length is 5 meters. The dog will be able to move freely while remaining under control. Roulette is also a good option.

Muzzles for Pomeranians are usually made to order. Their faces are poorly suited for wearing such restraints. A muzzle will be required if the dog behaves aggressively, grabs passersby by the legs, or constantly picks up something from the ground.

Clothes for Poms, despite the presence of a thick undercoat, are also necessary. Overalls are needed not to insulate a pet, but to protect a chic fur coat from contamination in the off-season. A T-shirt, shirt or blanket will be needed during walks in the summer heat to protect the baby from overheating. Other elements (skirts, dresses, ties) are sometimes needed for participation in exhibitions. All things must be made from natural materials and fit freely on the dog.

At home, Pomeranz's clothes need to be taken off!

There is no great need for shoes - they are a fashionable element of a dog's wardrobe. If the baby categorically refuses to wear shoes, he should not be forced.

Hygiene

The main difficulty lies in caring for your pet’s luxurious coat. Pomeranians are less susceptible to matting than other long-haired breeds, but it is sometimes necessary to comb them out. A special tool will help you with this.

Combing wool

The procedure should be carried out three times a week, during the molting period - daily. For manipulation you will need a massage brush and a comb with long teeth. It is advisable to first spray the fur with a special spray to avoid splitting the ends of the hairs. Particularly carefully and correctly it is necessary to comb the groin, armpits, and areas behind the ears. Pomov's hypoallergenicity is a myth. Such dogs can provoke an allergic reaction in allergy sufferers, just like any other.

Bathing

Pomeranians should not be washed frequently. It is better to do this no more than once a month, only if it is heavily soiled. It is better to wash the baby with diluted shampoo for dogs of long-haired breeds; be sure to use conditioner.

A haircut

Do you need to cut your dog's hair? Certainly! This is the only way she will look beautiful and neat. To cut Pomeranians, buy thinning scissors. Usually the fur is trimmed slightly to maintain a neat appearance. When preparing for exhibitions, you need to round off the ears, shape the collar and “pants” - this is best left to a professional groomer. For hygiene purposes, you need to carefully trim the lint between your fingers and around the anus.

The machine cannot be used! This will disrupt the hair structure.

In addition to haircuts, when caring for Poms you need to:

Teeth cleaning

Brush your teeth with veterinary paste 2-4 times a week. This can be done with a soft brush or by wrapping your finger in a clean bandage. To prevent tartar from forming, it is good to buy special treats.

Nail trimming

Nails should be trimmed as needed using a nail clipper for toy breeds. Finish the edges with a nail file. The dog's paws should be washed after every walk, and vegetable oil should be rubbed into the pads - this will help prevent painful cracking.

Ear treatment

Pomeranian ears should be regularly inspected, cleaned with a special lotion to remove accumulations of sulfur and dust, and hairs should be plucked. For the procedure, use cotton pads; you cannot clean the ears with ear swabs; this method can cause serious injury to the dog.

Eyes

Now about why your eyes water so often. Due to their anatomical features, Pomeranians are prone to excessive tearing. It occurs more often during wind, dust storms, and hot weather. To eliminate the problem, you need to contact your veterinarian and ask to prescribe suitable eye drops.

It's better to have two bowls

Hair care for white dogs

As we have already said, the Spitz is a fairly fluffy breed of dog, but caring for its coat is quite simple. To do this, bathe your pet as it gets dirty and comb its coat once every seven days. For bathing, use high-quality shampoos specifically for long-haired dog breeds. American or European products are considered to be of the highest quality. Coat conditioner is often used when bathing long-haired pets.

If a Spitz develops tangles, which is unlikely in a healthy dog, under no circumstances should you pull them out. To do this you will need a special detangler and a little time. Gently spread the “ball” with your fingers, then comb it.

In addition, do not forget about timely trimming of the coat. Particular attention should be paid to the areas between the fingers and around the anus. You can perform this procedure yourself or contact a specialist.

What to feed

The Pomeranian Spitz is suitable for both natural feeding and industrially produced food.

Breeders recommend the second option to novice dog breeders, since factory products are well-balanced in protein, fat and carbohydrate content, enriched with all the necessary vitamins and microelements, and the dog eats them well.

The best dog food is at least premium class. Economy-class goods, offered in large quantities by supermarkets, are dangerous to animal health. When choosing food, you need to carefully study its composition. In a good product, meat comes first in the list of ingredients (accounting for at least 30%). You also need to check the presence of vitamins and minerals in the list.

You should refuse to purchase food if it contains:

• offal;
• cellulose;
• sugar;
• nutshell;
• caramel;
• chemical preservatives, flavorings.

Pomeranians are well suited for food brands such as:

• Now Natural Holistic;
• Purina Pro Plan;
• Hills;
• Royal Canin;
• Optima Nova.

If the owner decides to cook for the dog himself, he will have to maintain the optimal ratio of the main elements. Half of the total daily diet should be protein foods, 30% should be cereals, 20% should be vegetables.

The best meat products for Pomeranians are beef and veal. Sometimes they can be replaced with chicken or turkey. The meat should not be boiled, but pre-frozen in the freezer (at least 15 hours). This way you can get rid of helminths while preserving the maximum of nutrients. By-products should not be given to Spitz dogs often - they can cause stomach upset in dogs.

In addition to meat, the diet should contain:

• buckwheat grain;
• vegetables. It is better to give them raw, grated;
• cottage cheese;
• rice;
• fruits;
• oatmeal;
• eggs (a couple of times a week). The product must be administered carefully, first give the dog the yolk, then the white. If no allergic reaction occurs, eggs can be given whole, boiled or raw;
• sea ​​fish, boned;
• kefir, yogurt. Adults do not need to be given milk. It is not absorbed by the body.

What you should not feed your Pomeranian:

• fatty meat;
• onions;
• legumes;
• beets;
• grapes;
• smoked meats;
• baked goods;
• mushrooms;
• persimmon;
• sweets;
• potatoes;
• tubular bones;
• garlic;
• raisins;
• fresh bread;
• sausages.

Vitamin supplements can only be given to dogs as prescribed by a veterinarian!

The combined type of feeding for Poms is not recommended - the stomach of these dogs does not react well to frequent changes in food. An adult dog should eat twice a day in approximately equal portions, and constant access to clean water is required. And of course you will need at least two bowls for food and drink.

Read about the nutrition of older dogs in a special article.

The best option would be to purchase a special automatic dog feeder that will feed your pet strictly on an hourly basis, even in your absence. It is also recommended to add a water fountain so that the dog is provided with filtered, oxygenated water.

Dry food contains everything you need for growth

Table of height and weight by month

Now about how much a Pomeranian Spitz should weigh. The development of different lines may differ significantly. Thus, some individuals reach the weight and height of adult dogs by 4 months, while in others this process is completed by nine months.

On average, it is believed that the period of intensive growth of Pomeranians ends at six months of age; they continue to gain body weight for some time. In a bitch, development may stop completely or temporarily during the first heat. Full physical development of representatives of this breed is completed by 2-3 years.

The rate of growth and weight gain of a puppy is influenced by various factors: heredity, diseases suffered at an early age, level of activity, approach to breeding dogs.

Some unscrupulous “breeders” deliberately underfeed puppies in order to pass them off as a dwarf variety and sell them at a higher price! Subsequently, such malnutrition will inevitably have a negative impact on the pet’s health.

The organization of nutrition by the owner himself has a huge impact on the full development of Poma. At first, it is better to feed the puppy what he ate at the breeder's house (you can ask for some food). Then, gradually, the baby can be transferred to the type of food preferred by the new owner.

This should be done gradually, adding one new product every 3-4 days, and observing the puppy’s reaction to unfamiliar food. Dry food should be selected according to the age of the Spitz. Giving your puppy food for adult dogs is prohibited!

The number of meals changes as the pet gets older:

• up to 2 months the puppy eats 6 times a day;
• from 2 to 3 months - 5;
• from 3 to 6 months - 4;
• from 6 to 8 months - 3 times a day.

After eight months, Pomeranz is gradually transferred to a two-time feeding regimen. Food should be given out at the same time, adjusting the portion size. This can be done by observing the baby. When he greedily licks an empty bowl, the amount of food should be increased; if there is food left in the cup, it should be reduced.

One of the indicators of the correct development of Pomerantz is his weight. You can estimate body weight by the type of pet:

• when the ribs can be clearly felt, there is practically no fat layer, the Spitz is underweight;
• if the ribs cannot be felt and are covered with a thick layer of fat, the baby becomes obese;
• with normal weight, the ribs can be felt, but the pits between them are insignificant, the layer is dense and of normal thickness.

To fully assess your pet's condition, it is necessary to weigh it regularly. We present the norms for weight gain by Pomeranian Spitz in the form of a table.

Minor (5-10%) deviations from the norm are not a cause for serious concern if the baby is playful, eats well, and looks harmonious. Perhaps the dog has a light frame or is not growing evenly, over time it will “catch up” with its brothers. Underweight of more than 10% of the norm is a reason to contact a veterinarian. Most likely you will have to increase the calorie content of food or physical activity. If the cause of your Spitz's slow development is a previous illness or mistakes in breeding, serious treatment may be required.

Breed standard

Standard: FCI No. 97 (03/05/1998). Country of origin - Germany, group 5 “Spitz and primitive dogs”, companion dog, guard type.

Spitz babies are a decorative breed. Their coat is very soft, their muzzle is shorter than that of the German Spitz, with which they are often confused.

Appearance and special features of the breed

The muzzle is slightly pointed, flattened, narrow. It seems that the dog is always smiling. There are three types of breed:

• classic – characterized by a muzzle like a fox’s;
• bearish;
• baby doll.

It is difficult to understand what kind of face an adult dog will have, even if the parents are of the same type. Puppies are fully formed at the age of 1 year.

There are three categories of dogs:

A child's height below 18 - 20 cm is considered undesirable.

The shape of the head is wedge-shaped. The skull is of medium size, widening at the base and tapering towards the nose. The forehead is wide and round.

The dog has 42 teeth, they are small in size, the jaw is normally developed. The teeth are located perpendicular to the jaw. Bite: straight, scissor. Children with dwarf appearance may lack premolars.

The eyes are small, oval-shaped, slightly obliquely set. The color of the eyes is always dark, the eyelids are black, and in orange or brown cats they are the same color tone.

The lips are dry, without folds in the corners, moderately pronounced. The color of the lips is black, if the dog is red or orange, brown is possible.

The ears must be erect, otherwise the dog is considered a “failure” of the breed. Located close to each other, set high.

Neck of medium length, convex scruff.

The top line starts from the ears and ends at the base of the tail. The silhouette of the animal is rounded, thanks to the bushy tail covering the back of the back. The withers are short, straight, well developed. The loin is characterized by a slight convexity, the croup is flat, wide, and short. The chest is wide, its anterior part is developed. Rounded ribs, lower sternum line pulled back, tucked belly. Spitz have a square body, the ratio of height at the withers to body size is 1:1.

The tail is set high and can be pressed against the back or curled into a ring.

Paws are straight, set parallel. The dog's shoulder blades are directed backward at an oblique angle. The shoulder and shoulder blade are at the same right angle. The muscles are well developed, the shoulders fit well to the sternum. The elbow joint is slightly pressed to the chest, at a normal distance. The forearms are of medium length, strong, straight, with thick hair on the back surface. The pasterns are medium in length, in the ball they are at a 20-degree angle. The paws are miniature, the toes are the same length, slightly bent. The claws are black in color; brown representatives of the breed are distinguished by the same pads and claws.

The coat is straight, with coarse hair and a soft, dense undercoat. There is feathering on the shoulders and hips, a fluffy tail and a collar. The hind legs are “dressed” in fluffy pants. There is less hair on the face, back and ears. On the back, the hair falls into an even parting. The coat is soft to the touch, there should be no shaggy or curly curls. A characteristic feature of dogs is that with daily brushing they practically do not shed, which makes the owners very happy.

The most common colors are white and fox (red and white). Outwardly, they look like fox cubs or bear cubs. The following types of colors are distinguished:

It is difficult to breed a white dwarf Spitz; it is not recommended to breed two white representatives of the breed. The texture and quality of the fur suffers, the sizes change - they should not exceed the accepted standard. For such a puppy to be born, the parents must be of different shades (for example, white and cream). The dominant color is red, so the puppy is born white, but becomes slightly yellowish as it matures. Up to 12 weeks, you can examine the color of the fur behind the ears: if it is white, then the baby will remain that way. Without exception, all newborn puppies go through a color change.

Advantages and disadvantages

When choosing a pet, it is important to take into account all the positive and negative qualities of a particular breed.

Among the main advantages of Pomeranians are:

• magnificent appearance;
• good learning ability;
• devotion to the owner;
• fairly good health (with the exception of dwarf individuals);
• cheerful disposition, energy;
• gets along well with children and other animals;
• suitable for keeping in a city apartment;
• They tolerate travel and changes of environment very well.

Cons of the Pomeranian:

• the high cost of the dog itself and its maintenance;
• requires serious education;
• needs long walks;
• complex grooming;
• stubbornness;
• tendency to bark for no reason;
• not suitable for outdoor living.

Pom shows its negative qualities only in the absence of proper care and education. You will have to do a lot of work with the dog; the owners will need patience and perseverance. Pomeranians are not suitable as a first dog.

Puppies are absolutely charming

Description of the appearance of the Italian Spitz

Another small Spitz dog is the Volpino Italiano. According to the requirements of the standard, a miniature dog has the following properties:

• The dog's weight is 3-5 kg, height 25-30 cm;
• representatives of the Italian breed live up to 15 years;
• cute dogs have a short muzzle slightly built towards the nose;
• oval skull and domed forehead;
• tightly fitting lips with a black border;
• round golden or brown eyes;
• small triangular ears located close to each other;
• ring-shaped tail curved towards the back, with long hair;
• the Spitz has thick, long hair, rough on the collar, and short, flat on the ears and muzzle;
• The color is often white, less often red, fawn, black and tan and black.

Knowing what a Spitz of this breed looks like, it will no longer be possible to confuse it with other varieties.

Volpino Italiano short stature

Mating, pregnancy, childbirth

The Pomeranian's first heat occurs between 8 and 12 months. It is impossible to knit a girl at this age, since the body is not yet fully formed.

Early pregnancy and childbirth are dangerous for the health of the pet and can result in the birth of non-viable offspring.

It is recommended to cross a Pomeranian bitch for the first time at about two years of age (on her third heat). The same rules apply to male dogs.

Spitz females can become pregnant after each heat, but this should not be allowed more than once every 1-1.5 years. Childbirth and breastfeeding exhaust the bitch's body and she needs time to fully recover.

A pair for mating is selected through a club or nursery. It is important that both dogs have a full package of documents, undergo the necessary tests for the presence of genetic diseases, vaccination and deworming procedures.

Female Pomeranians weighing less than 2 kg are excluded from breeding.

Pregnancy in the Pomeranian Spitz lasts from 58 to 64 days. Some individuals give birth on day 67 - this is also considered the norm. Puppies born before day 57 usually die. If labor does not occur longer than 70 days after mating, you need to contact a veterinarian - the pregnancy may be frozen. You cannot give your pet stimulants on your own! Such actions can lead to injury and uterine rupture. Such medications are used only by a doctor.

You need to be well prepared for the birth of your babies. Organize a comfortable “nest” for the bitch in which she can safely give birth. It is desirable that it consist of two sections. In one there will be newborn babies, in the other - a giving birth bitch.

About 7 days before giving birth, the female’s stomach drops, the vagina increases in size, and the back sags. The day before the puppies appear, the Spitz's body temperature drops to 37 degrees. The bitch becomes nervous, loses her appetite, and does not leave her owner’s side. She needs to be reassured, not left alone, and shown an organized place to give birth.

The process itself is usually easy for Pomovs and does not require emergency assistance. The first baby, when born, causes pain to the mother, the bitch may begin to whine. Other puppies are born less painfully.

Newborn puppies “come out” in the placenta. More often the bitch chews it herself. If this does not happen, the dog will have to help: grab the bubble with a clean gauze, tear it near the puppy’s muzzle, and remove it. You need to hold the baby upside down, clear the mouth and nose of mucous secretions, and blow into the face. If the puppy squeaks and starts spinning, then everything is fine. The umbilical cord must be cut with sterile scissors three centimeters from the tummy. You cannot tie it in a knot.

Little Pomeranians are born 15 to 30 minutes apart. After giving birth, the bitch should be given water with a small amount of honey (but not sugar). If she asks for food, you can give her some kefir or cottage cheese. You also need to provide her with a tray to relieve herself. When a female asks to go outside, she should be carried out in her arms and not allowed to walk around much. The vagina, tummy and anus should be treated with a slightly pinkish solution of potassium permanganate.

Pomeranians usually give birth to 1 to 3 puppies. To make the babies larger, a female is chosen weighing about 2.5-3 kg, a male - 500 g less. When mating a large bitch with a much smaller male, 4-6 Spitz dogs may be born, but they will be small and of different sizes. It is impossible to predict litter size in advance.

While nursing puppies, it is necessary to transfer the bitch to a special feeding diet for nursing mothers so that she has a sufficient amount of milk. Only in this case can you count on healthy offspring. If there is still not enough milk, it is recommended to supplement with a bitch milk substitute.

Caring for nails, eyes, ears and teeth of a Pomeranian

The Spitz also needs to have its nails trimmed. This is not worth missing out on. Otherwise, there is a risk of finger damage or inflammation.

It is not uncommon for light colored dogs to have very watery eyes. In order to remove discharge, you need to wipe your eyes with a cotton swab pre-moistened in a special solution.

Spitz ears, like any other dog, are cleaned when they become dirty. It is worth noting that this must be done both outside and inside the auricle. If during this procedure the dog experiences pain, then this is a reason to contact a veterinarian.

Dwarf White Pomeranians are prone to the formation of tartar, which causes not only aesthetic discomfort, but also internal discomfort, periodontal disease and even tooth loss.

How to choose a puppy, prices in Russia

A healthy Pomeranian puppy that meets all breed standards can only be purchased in a nursery or from a qualified breeder. People who breed responsibly do not sell Poms before 6-8 weeks.

It is better to pick up the baby in the house where he was born. This way, the potential owner will have the opportunity to see the conditions in which the puppies grew up and assess the condition of the mother and the entire litter.

There is no need to think about how much a puppy costs; first of all, the Spitz must be healthy. This can be determined by signs such as:

• no discharge from the eyes, nose or ears;
• tummy without bloating (this is a sign of infestation);
• the skin on the belly is not irritated, without rashes or redness;
• white teeth, correct bite;
• limbs are strong, straight;
• the fur is clean and shiny;
• a good appetite.

Little Pomeranians are playful, playful, curious, enjoy meeting new people, are not afraid of a hand sharply extended in their direction, and have a harmonious, proportional physique. The size of the baby should not be the determining factor in choosing a pet. Even a very small Pom puppy can grow quite large.

All Pomeranians change color slightly during hair growth (from 8 to 12 months). Lighter individuals become slightly darker and vice versa. Those who want to buy a pure white dog need to take a good look at the fur behind the ears; if a different shade is noticeable, the Pom will definitely not grow up completely white.

A purebred puppy always has a brand or chip, a veterinary passport with marks of the first vaccinations, a pedigree (or a puppy card). At the buyer's request, the breeder is obliged to provide documents from the dog's parents and test results for hereditary pathologies.

The price of a Pomeranian Spitz depends on the class to which the dog belongs:

Pat

A pet-class puppy can be purchased for 20,000 rubles. Such individuals are not suitable for breeding due to serious exterior defects, but they have all the physical and psychological characteristics of the Pomerantz. The kids will make excellent companions and pets. It is advisable to sterilize them at 6-10 months. This will help avoid accidental pregnancies and many health problems.

Breed

Breeding class puppies are sold for 30-50 thousand. These breed representatives most likely will not be stars of dog shows, since they have minor flaws in their appearance. However, they are included in the mating plan.

Show class

Show-class Spitz dogs, the offspring of elite parents, are the most expensive. Such a Pomeranian will cost the owner from 50,000 to 100,000 rubles.

Those who are not going to engage in breeding should not spend money on buying the most expensive dog, but there is also no need to buy a cheap Spitz from an ad on the Internet. Purebred dogs are not sold in this way; there is a high risk of buying a sick, non-viable individual.

Diseases

Pomeranians are extremely healthy, but under certain circumstances their body may malfunction. Rarely, they are diagnosed with cryptorchidism, hypothyroidism, tracheal collapse, cataracts, entropion, progressive retinal atrophy, sick sinus syndrome, and medial luxation of the patella.

In addition to breed ailments, Spitz dogs can suffer from distemper, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, adenovirosis, rabies, parvo- and coronavirus enteritis. However, these health problems can be easily prevented with routine vaccination. In addition, they may be infested with helminths or fleas. therefore, they need to be systematically treated against external and internal parasites.

How is it different from others

Spitz breeds are one of the oldest types of breeds. It has been established that such dogs are descendants of dogs that lived in the Stone Age. Therefore, traits similar to Pomeranians can be found in other, both related and unrelated groups. The common characteristics of such dogs are: magnificent fur and a fox-shaped muzzle. Let's take a closer look at several breeds that are sometimes mistaken for Spitz and tell you how to distinguish them.

Small German Spitz

Small German Spitz

Of course, it is extremely difficult to confuse him with a Grossspitz or a Mittelspitz due to the difference in size, although there are some similar features, but it is easy to confuse him with others.

Most often, the Pomeranian Spitz is confused with the Small German Spitz, but these are different breeds. “Germans” are the result of natural development. Their ancestors are considered to be the turf dog and the pile Spitz. The Pomeranian appeared as a result of artificial selection, the purpose of which was to make the individuals decorative.

The main emphasis was on appearance, while the German variety was used in economic activities, with guarding qualities, endurance, and good health of the dogs at the forefront.

Externally, the dogs are also somewhat different. The German Spitz is larger (up to 35 cm tall), has an elongated body, and a fox-like muzzle. In comparison with the more “square”, squat Pomeranians, “Germans” look graceful, and when moving they create the feeling of walking “on tiptoe”.

The ears of the German type dogs have a raised triangular shape, set vertically, the tail is fluffy, raised high, and wrapped in a ring. Their coat is straighter and coarser. Teeth are strong and healthy. While the Pomeranian species often does not have a full set of teeth.

Only one breed is officially registered in the FCI - the German Spitz, and the Pomeranian is considered its subspecies. In Russia, “Germans” are allowed to be crossed with “Pomeranians,” but with such mixed matings it is impossible to predict how tall the puppies in the litter will be.

Zwergspitz

Zwergspitz

These dogs are a dwarf variety of the Pomeranian. The standards of different international associations vary slightly.

Thus, FCI divides Pomeranian dogs into two types:

• small (Kleinspitz) - height 23-28 cm;
• miniature spitz - 18-22 cm at the withers.

One litter can contain puppies of both varieties. In character, miniatures are no different from their larger counterparts. They are brave, but not aggressive, and are distrustful of strangers. Provided proper selection, they have fairly good health. Some individuals live up to 22 years.

Italian Volpino

Italian Volpino

The breed is very similar in appearance to the Pomeranian. Its representatives have common ancestors with their Germanic counterparts. Unlike the latter, the “Italians” are slightly taller (25-30 cm). Only two colors are allowed: white and red.

Volpino Italiano is a fairly rare breed, but in recent years it has been gaining increasing popularity. Italian "foxes" are wonderful companions and guards, they have a cheerful, playful character. They are quite trainable, but can be quite stubborn.

Schipperke

Schipperke

Medium-sized, harmoniously built dogs, completely black in color, bred in Belgium, despite their sweet appearance, belong to the group of shepherd dogs and have all the qualities of shepherd breeds.

Schipperkes are hardy, tireless, and endowed with excellent guard qualities. They love children very much, they are devoted to the owner’s family members, but they are wary of strangers; if they sense danger, they may bite.

They are not recommended to be kept with small pets. Due to the developed hunting instinct, “shepherds” perceive rats or hamsters as prey.

Wolfspitz

Wolfspitz

This variety was originally called Keeshond. The breed was bred in the Netherlands, where its fairly large representatives (43-55 cm) were used for protection or hunting, since the dogs have an excellent sense of smell.

Later in Germany, Keeshonds were crossed with Spitz dogs, creating the Wolfspitz breed. The name of the dog is due to its wolf coloration. Their distinctive features are black ears, a mask, the tip of the tail and light “glasses” around the eye sockets. Wolfspitz dogs still retain their guarding qualities, but these working abilities need to be trained.

American Eskimo dog

American Eskimo dog

The breed is a direct descendant of the German Spitz. The height of “Eskimos” reaches 48 cm. The color is recognized exclusively as white, a light beige tint is acceptable.

The dogs are kind, playful, have an easy-going character, a cheerful disposition, and are completely devoid of aggression. This is one of the most obedient varieties of Spitz; “Americans” are perfectly trainable.

They perform brilliantly at various dog competitions and take part in circus performances.

American Eskimo dogs make good house watchdogs, but to do this they need to be trained and socialized in a timely manner to prevent the dog from becoming excessively timid.

Eurasier

Eurasier

Wolfspitz and Chow Chow were taken as the basis of the breed; later Samoyed blood was added to them. As a result, the dogs turned out to be of medium size (48-60 cm), strong build, athletic, and hardy.

Externally, Eurasiers are very similar to Pomeranians, but lack some negative character traits (for example, the desire to hunt). Any color of dogs is allowed, except for perfect white or brindle. The presence of large white spots is also considered defective.

Samoyed dog

Samoyed dog

The Samoyed dog is often mistaken for a huge Spitz, but the breed does not belong to this species. It is one of the oldest Aboriginal sled breeds. It was bred in Siberia and received its name from a similar name of one of the small nationalities.

From living in the Far North, Samoyeds have abundant, dense hair with a soft, thick undercoat and hard center hair. The color is recognized exclusively white, a slightly noticeable cream tint is possible. The eyes and nose should be black.

The dogs are quite large, the weight of an adult dog reaches 30 kg, the height at the withers is 46-56 cm (females are slightly smaller than males). The dogs' build is strong, their limbs are widely spaced.

By nature, Samoyeds are extremely sociable, agile, brave, but not aggressive, and easily adapt to new living conditions. They are friendly towards people and other animals. If there is an immediate threat, they can fight back, but the Samoyed dog will not make a guard. Despite its harmless appearance and good disposition, it is not recommended for novice dog breeders to own a Samoyed. They are stubborn, require a serious approach to education, and are prone to running away without sufficient physical exercise.

Care

The basis of caring for your Spitz is regular brushing of its coat. This is especially true of the collar, the area behind the ears and the tail, where hair can become matted. This will make the dog uncomfortable. The dog also needs to be cut regularly, and this can only be done in specialized grooming salons. It is recommended to visit them before molting.

As for food, well-chosen food is quite enough, but the dog’s health should be carefully monitored: visit the veterinarian regularly, get the necessary vaccinations and do not forget about vitamin complexes. Unlike Shepherds and Labradors, whose fur lies close to the body, Spitz dogs are a kind of fluffy ball. Even a warm undercoat does not protect them from the wind, so health care comes first.

Interesting Facts

Mozart's pet was the Pomeranian Spitz Bimperl, to whom the great composer dedicated a short sonata.

Three dogs were rescued from the sinking Titanic, including Elizabeth Barrett Rothschild's two Pomeranians.

Description of the Bedlington Terrier breed, its character and photos of various colors

In Europe and America, the cost of an adult Pomeranian of the doll or bear type reaches $10,000. In Russia, the difference in price in rubles is not so great.

Dogs of this breed often become heroes of films and literary works. The heroine of Anton Pavlovich Chekhov's story “The Lady with the Dog” was walking with the Spitz. Pom also starred in the TV series The X-Files.

Spitz varieties

To date, we have managed to breed 5 types of Spitz:

1. Wolfspitz or Keeshond. This name comes from the English word “wolf”, which means “wolf” in Russian. This type of Spitz was named so because they are very similar to wolves. The largest dogs reach a height at the withers of up to 46 centimeters. They are usually gray animals, very often with multi-colored spots on the sides.
2. The Grossspitz, or Greater German Spitz, is the largest representative of this breed. It grows up to 50 centimeters at the withers and is usually white in color. Scientists achieved this about 20 years ago. Initially, Grossspitz dogs had red or black coats.
3. Mittelspitz. This is a medium-sized dog, reaching a maximum of 38 cm. In addition to white dogs, today you can find reddish, gray and black ones. The white and red Spitz is the most common variant of this species.
4. Klanspitz or small German Spitz. It grows from 23 to 29 centimeters at the withers. As a rule, these are small dogs of gray, white or red shades.
5. White Pomeranian Spitz. It is distinguished by its miniature size. Its height at the withers is from 18 to 22 centimeters. They are like little bear cubs that will melt the hearts of even the most gloomy people.