German Spitz Klein

by Kate Barrington

Published: August 10th, 2016

About German Spitz Klein

Weight

11-22 lb

Lifespan

14-16 years

Group

AKC Foundation Stock Service

Best Suited For

apartment or condo, active singles, active families

Temperament

happy, friendly, confident, social

Comparable Breeds

Keeshond, American Eskimo Dog

Height

9-11 inches

German Spitz Klein Basics

Known as both the Miniature Spitz and the German Spitz, this breed is bright and friendly by nature and they tend to form strong bonds with their owners. There are several different dog breeds that fall under the German Spitz Klein category and there are some who consider the Miniature Spitz to be a different breed from the smallest German Spitz known as the Kleinspitz or the Toy German Spitz.

Known as both the Miniature Spitz and the German Spitz Klein, this breed is bright and friendly by nature.

Origin

The dog breed known as the German Spitz Klein is actually one of four German Spitz breeds divided by size. The largest of the four are the Giant Spitz (or the Grossespitz) and the Keeshond (also known as the Wolfspitz). The Mittelspitz (or Medium or Standard Spitz) is in the middle of the pack and the Miniature Spitz is the smallest. All four breeds were developed from dogs of the German Spitz type which date back more than 6,000 years. In more recent years, the German Spitz Klein was developed into different categories for different purposes. The Miniature Spitz primarily serves as a companion pet.

Pedigree

The German Spitz Klein shares its origins with three other German Spitz-type dogs, the Giant Spitz, the Mittelspitz, and the Keeshond.

Food/Diet

As a small-sized dog breed, the German Spitz Klein should be fed a high-quality commercial dog food diet formulated for dogs of its size. Because this breed is a high-energy breed, however, an active or working breed formula may be more appropriate to meet his needs.

The Miniature Spitz is a smart little dog that can respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Training

The German Spitz Klein is a smart little dog that can respond well to positive reinforcement training as long as you are firm and consistent. Like many small dogs, however, this breed can take a little bit longer to housetrain and they may be prone to developing small dog syndrome if you don’t provide firm leadership. This breed requires early socialization and training, especially to curb problem behaviors like incessant barking. It does best as a companion pet, though some may respond to training for various dog sports.

Weight

The Miniature Spitz is often classified as a miniature or toy breed – it stands between 9 and 11 inches tall and weighs between 11 and 22 pounds.

Temperament/Behavior

The German Spitz Klein is a friendly and active little breed that forms strong bonds with family. These dogs tend to bark at strangers so they make good watchdogs, though they won’t be able to do anything against an invader. These dogs can be aloof around strangers sometimes, so it is necessary to start with socialization as early as possible. This breed adapts well to apartment or condo life because they do not need an excessive amount of exercise but they do not do well when left alone for long periods of time.

Common Health Problems

Like many spitz-type breeds, the German Spitz Klein is fairly healthy and it enjoys a long lifespan in most cases. Like all dogs, however the Miniature Spitz is prone to certain health problems which may include patellar luxation, dental problems, obesity, and allergies.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy for the Miniature Spitz is between 14 and 16 years which is on-par for other dogs of its size.

Exercise Requirements

The German Spitz Klein is an active little dog but he does not require a great deal of daily exercise. A 30-minute walk once a day will be plenty to meet this dog’s exercise needs.

The German Spitz Klein is fairly healthy and it enjoys a long lifespan in most cases.

AKC

The Miniature Spitz has not yet been recognized by the AKC but it is a member of the Foundation Stock Service. This breed belongs to the Utility Group for The Kennel Club in the UK and to Group 5 for the FCI.

Coat

The German Spitz Klein has the characteristic spitz-type coat – it is thick and double, standing away from the body. These dogs have a soft, wooly undercoat with a straight, smooth outer coat. The fur around the neck can be a little bit thicker than in other areas, giving the dog an almost lion-like appearance. The hair is straight but it can become crimped when wet and the tail is carried curled up over the back. These dogs can come in a wide variety of colors, though black-and-gold is one of the most common combinations. Because these dogs have such thick coats they require regular brushing and grooming to keep shedding under control.

Puppies

The average litter size for the German Spitz Klein breed is 1 to 5 puppies. Because this breed is a small breed the puppies may reach their adult size fairly early, generally before they reach 12 months of age. To make sure that your German Spitz puppy gets the energy he needs to fuel his growth, consider feeding him a small-breed specific formula. Like all puppies, Miniature Spitz puppies should be introduced to socialization and training from an early age.

Photo credit: SokolovAnna/Bigstock; srubina/Bigstock; vivienstock/Bigstock

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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This can make it difficult to determine if a dog you are considering will be a good fit for your home.Even if the dog breed you are considering is well-known for their hypoallergenic coats, I recommend having a conversation with the breeder, the shelter/rescue you are adopting from, and your doctor (or allergist) to prepare yourself to take precautions and minimize any risk. Individual dogs may have unique grooming needs or considerations even within a breed.Here is a list of breeds commonly referred to as hypoallergenic: Affenpinscher Afghan Hound American Hairless TerrierBarbado da Terceira Barbet Bedlington Terrier Bichon Frise Bolognese Chinese Crested Coton de Tulear Irish Water Spaniel Kerry Blue Terrier Lagotto Romagnolo Lowchen Maltese Peruvian Inca Orchid Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard) Portuguese Water DogRussian Tsvetnaya BolonkaSchnauzer ( Miniature, Standard, Giant) Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Xoloitzcuintli Yorkshire TerrierWhat about mixed-breed dogs? With the current buzz surrounding poodle mixes like Golden Doodles, Bernedoodles, Labradoodles, and more, many interested in finding a hypoallergenic companion have been told they are the perfect option. The truth is that no one can give you an honest and definite answer that can be applied to all dogs of a specific mix.While “doodle” dogs do have poodles in their genes, it can’t be guaranteed that the hypoallergenic qualities of a poodle coat will be present in every puppy. For example, a Golden Doodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle) could be born with a hypoallergenic poodle-like coat or a coat that resembles the Golden Retriever more. If you live with allergies, you know that Golden Retrievers are definitely not a hypoallergenic option.This isn’t to say that mixed breeds won’t be hypoallergenic. However, you need to consider each dog's physical attributes individually instead of making an assumption based on their breed makeup. Dog Breeds Commonly Mislabeled as HypoallergenicOf course, while people generally mean well when making recommendations of the best dog for people with allergies, mistakes are going to be made. Some dog breeds are often recommended that shouldn’t be given this label.As we just discussed, the first group of dogs that should be mentioned here are mixed-breed dogs. While mixed breeds can be born with the hypoallergenic characteristics of a parent, there is no guarantee that the puppies will inherit those physical traits. Many families have adopted poodle mixes with the promise of purchasing a hypoallergenic dog, only to find their new beloved family member is badly triggering allergies in the home.Dog breeds often mistaken for hypoallergenic may share traits or commonalities with dogs on the previous list. However, they have other characteristics that contribute to allergic reactions in those around them. For example, a dog could have a very short coat but produce larger amounts of dander, a common dog-related allergen.Purebreds that are often mistaken or mislabeled as hypoallergenic include: Basset Hound Boxer Doberman Pinscher Labrador Retriever Pug Shih TzuIf in doubt, speak with the breeder or rescue worker about your needs. A reputable breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed they produce and committed to only placing their dogs in homes that are an ideal fit. Shelter and rescue workers are dedicated to finding the best home for the dogs in their care. Even if the dog you’re considering adopting isn’t a good fit, they will likely have recommendations for others you should consider.

Ready to De-Stress Bath Time for Your Dog?

(photo credit: Gudman / shutterstock.com)I was raised to believe you shouldn’t bathe a dog because it would deplete the natural oils in their fur and dry out their skin. Back in the day, it was assumed that a dog’s ability to self-groom was sufficient to take care of whatever clean-up they might need.Fast forward, and with dogs sleeping in our beds and snuggling on our sofas, we’re suddenly much more aware of the need to keep our pets well-groomed and yes, smelling fresher.Aesthetics aside, bathing your dog not only allows you to check for ticks, sores, and lumps that shouldn’t be there, but a periodic scrub can also keep his skin and hair, healthy. With some breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, and West Highland Terriers (to name a few), a skin condition called Seborrhea can be common. Yes, just like with humans it’s down to an increased production of skin cells and/or skin oils.When it’s the dry version, you get flaky, scaly skin cells (dandruff) caused by excess keratin production. When oily, you get a waxy substance comes from the sebaceous glands which causes your dog’s coat to look greasy.Whether your pooch falls into the above category or he simply loves to dig, burrow, and roll in whatever he can when given the chance, cleaning him up is something you both deserve.

How Long Can You Leave a Labradoodle Alone?

Labradoodles – an adorable mix of Poodles and Labrador Retrievers – are renowned for their affectionate, playful, and energetic nature. These intelligent, social dogs thrive on companionship, making them less suited to long periods of solitude. If you’re considering adding a Labradoodle to your family, it’s essential to understand how long they can comfortably be left alone – and how to meet their needs while you’re away.How Long Can You Leave a Labradoodle Alone?Several factors determine how well a Labradoodle can handle alone time, including their age, training, and individual temperament. With the right preparation and understanding, you can ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy, even when you’re not home.Alone Time by AgePuppies (Up to 6 Months)Labradoodle puppies require constant care, attention, and socialization. With tiny bladders and boundless energy, they need frequent potty breaks, playtime, and interaction. Puppies should not be left alone for more than 2–3 hours at a time. To keep them comfortable, provide a cozy bed and their favorite toy to entertain or comfort them during short absences.

Rescue Dog Goes on Tour with Pink to Find Forever Home

We often hear about musicians and artists making an impact through financial donations or participating in charitable events. But a new heartwarming story of a dog’s search for his forever home has been capturing the hearts of animal lovers everywhere. Graham Cracker was found by a young girl in the woods of Vilonia, Arkansas, with his mother and littermates. She had been sneaking food to the stray mama dog, trying to do what she could to help. After her mother found out about the dogs, she contacted a rescue team to find them and get the pups to safety. This was when their journey led the pups to The Bond Between, a non-profit rescue organization in Minnesota. But for Graham Cracker, this was just the beginning! On October 17th, an announcement on Instagram revealed that Graham Cracker had found a loving but very unique foster parent. After seeing the young pup’s adorable photos, Grammy-winner Pink invited the pup, who appears to be a Labrador Retriever mix, to join her and her family on tour. She went on to announce the decision to her fans during her St. Paul, MN show:“We rescued a puppy from this awesome organization called The Bond Between. His name is Graham Cracker. He’s currently peeing all over my dressing room,” Pink stated while seated at her piano on stage. “We’re actually – I haven’t told anybody this yet, but we’re gonna foster him for the tour, and he’s gonna go on this big carnival adventure with us.”

What Is Dog Splooting?

Dogs do a lot of quirky things—one of the many reasons why everyone loves them so much. But have you heard of the sploot? This is a common behavior, with puppies and adult dogs from all breeds exhibiting it. Keep reading to learn all about dog splooting, including how to recognize when this isn’t considered a normal behavior.

When To Say Goodbye To Your Dog? A New Survey Sheds Some Light

Deciding when it's the time to say goodbye to a beloved canine companion is the toughest decision you’ll have to make. Even when the pooch in question is sick or old, it’s never easy to choose to euthanize a furry friend. The question for many dog owners remains - how do you know when it’s time to say goodbye?Difficult questions like this one spurred the members of the Dog Aging Project to survey 2.570 dog owners about the details of their companion dog’s death. Researchers asked the owners to list the dog’s cause of death, whether euthanasia was involved, the reason why euthanasia may have been chosen, the dog’s age, the quality of life the dog had before death, and what medical symptoms they exhibited. The survey’s findings were published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The Dog Aging Project is a collaborative, research-driven project that accepts dogs from various backgrounds to study the effects of aging. The idea behind this project is to get a better insight into what contributes to a long and healthy dog lifespan. Data showed that over 85% of owners whose dogs had died reported choosing euthanasia. Almost half of those owners stated they chose to euthanize their dog to relieve their pet’s suffering. More than half of all respondents listed disease or illness as the cause of their dog’s death.“What this survey shows is that all dog owners struggle with deciding when it’s time to say goodbye, and you’re not alone if you’re facing this decision,” said Dr. Kellyn McNulty, an internal medicine resident in the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, who worked on the study. “As veterinarians, we encourage people to consider not just the ‘lifespan’ of a companion animal, but also the ‘health span’  - the portion of your dog’s life when they’re in good health,” she added. “Advocating for your pet is about more than helping them live longer - it’s also about making sure that the time they have here on Earth is a good time.”The interesting thing about this survey is that it has allowed researchers to learn that euthanasia isn’t something that mainly affects older dogs. Many diseases and conditions can affect younger dogs, lowering their quality of life and leading owners to wonder whether it might be time to say goodbye to their companions sooner rather than later. “It’s not a decision that anyone wants to have to make, but the survey showed us that many pet owners face these questions regardless of how old is their dog,” said McNulty.Age may become a more significant factor in determining the quality of a dog’s life as veterinary medicine continues to improve at treating and managing chronic conditions in dogs. One thing dog owners can do is be on the lookout for the signs of aging and talk with their vet to determine whether age or chronic illness is affecting their dog’s quality of life.“If your dog is well-trained and potty-trained and begins soiling the house that’s a possible sign. Others include restlessness at night, new onset anxiety and fears, and arthritic issues.”One thing every dog owner needs to remember - you are not alone when it comes to deciding to say goodbye to your pooch. In addition to family and friends you can turn to, there are many dog owners out there facing the same tough decision. Additionally, your veterinarian can always provide expert advice based on your dog’s condition and answer all of your questions.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

A Month of TLC Transforms a Practically Feral Dog Into a Loving Pet

A two-year-old Great Pyrenees, named Wesley, arrived at Austin Pets Alive with a nasty-looking neck wound. One look at the fluffy pooch would surely melt your heart, but a month ago Wesley desperately hoped no one would look his way. According to a post from Austin Pets Alive, rescuers found a practically feral Wesley running with a pack of stray dogs. A concerned citizen called Austin Animal Center after they spotted a fluffy dog with a serious-looking neck wound. After receiving the call, Austin Animal Center picked up the injured Great Pyrenees and removed a piece of old rope that was embedded in the dog’s neck. Since Wesley still required medical assistance after the rope was removed, Austin Animal Center transferred him to Austin Pets Alive.   Wesley arrived at the rescue frightened and in pain. “He needed lots of medical care, attention, and his favorite snack, cheese, which he prefers to enjoy when no one’s watching,” said Clare Callison, the director of national programs at Austin Pets Alive. Thanks to donations, the rescue was able to cover the cost of Wesley’s wound care, which totaled hundreds of dollars. “Our community’s love for pets is immense and generous donations help cover Wesley’s medical expenses and ensure he receives the best care possible.”While donations helped heal Wesley’s flesh wounds, Alex, an Austin Pets Alive staff member helped mend the dog’s broken heart. “The fluffy boy was in need of our Medical Triage & Wellness Clinic due to a large wound around his neck, but he was practically feral, so giving him medical attention required some added patience,” wrote Austin Pets Alive in a Facebook post. Over the next several weeks, “Alex showed up for Wesley day in and day out, patiently showing this injured soul that people can be good and offer love. Gradually trust was gained and these two formed a friendship that will last a lifetime,” the rescue wrote in a post. When Wesley first arrived at the rescue, he was shut down and scared. The poor pooch didn’t want to be seen or touched, shying from any physical affection. Over time and thanks to Alex’s continued efforts, Wesley started to open up. Gradually, the pup began to acclimate to love and affection, starting with gentle touches and petting and working up to real play sessions. At first, Wesley was terrified of wearing a harness and walking on a leash. But thanks to Alex’s patience and a lot of delicious treats the fluffy pup is no longer scared of being leashed and enjoys going on long walks. Only a month after he arrived at the rescue in a horrifying condition, Wesley has blossomed into a trusting and loving dog. Soon after, Wesley was deemed healthy and placed in a foster-to-adopt home, handpicked by Alex. The pup’s new family has spent weeks getting to know him and learning about his routine and the things he likes and dislikes. According to Austin Pets Alive, Wesley has settled nicely into his new home and has adjusted to his new family.This pooch made a 180 transforming from a practically feral stray dog to a loving and affectionate companion to his new family. This goes to show that a little patience, love, and determination can make a huge difference in the life of a stray dog.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do I Get Cat Odor Out of the Carpet?

Cats are incredible companions and loving family members, but bringing a feline friend into your home can sometimes come with some unpleasant and unwanted odors. If you’ve ever dealt with the scent of cat urine or other feline-related odors in your carpet, you know how frustrating it can be.Fortunately, there are many effective methods to eliminate these odors and leave your carpet smelling clean and fresh, including both commercial cleaning products and DIY solutions.In this post, I will share techniques and tips to help you banish cat odor from your carpet once and for all, whether fresh or dried. Plus, I’ll address cleaning methods for other surfaces in your home that may be hanging onto odors, like blankets, clothing, and hard surfaces.Being a cat parent doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a clean home!Why Does Cat Urine Smell So Bad?If you have ever shared a space with a cat, you know cat urine has a distinct smell. This means not only bathroom accidents but even the scent of the urine in their litterbox. What gives it such a pungent odor? There are several reasons why this happens.Cats are believed to have evolved from desert animals, meaning their bodies have adapted to survive in hot climates with limited hydration. Their bodies are more effective at absorbing and retaining water to lower the risk of dehydration. As a result, their urine is much more concentrated than, for example, our urine. This makes the odor more prominent.As the urine sits, whether in a litter box or on your carpet, bacteria break down the urea in the urine. This process releases smelly gases that carry the characteristic ammonia smell. The longer the urine sits, the more it will break down and the more pungent that smell will become.Factors that Could Make Your Cat’s Urine Smell WorseWhile cat urine is known to have an unpleasant ammonia smell, there are factors that could make that smell less noticeable (or even worse). This doesn’t eliminate the risk of cat odor in your carpets, but it is an important consideration when trying to limit the smells in your home. If you have noticed your cat’s pee has a stronger or more unpleasant smell than usual, here are a few things you should consider:Urine ConcentrationWe mentioned that cat urine is more concentrated, but this doesn’t mean it can’t become even stronger and more intense in some cases. This is usually the result of severe dehydration (your cat isn’t drinking enough water) or kidney disease and complications that impact your cat’s ability to process or absorb water. Consider it a red flag if you notice the smell from your cat’s litter box is stronger than usual.Feline DiabetesIf your cat suffers from feline diabetes, their body fails to process and regulate sugar levels properly. This can make their urine smell sweeter or give it a fruity scent. On one hand, this may seem more pleasant as the smell is less troublesome than the typical ammonia smell. But it is a sign of health complications that should be addressed for your cat’s health and well-being.Urinary Tract Infection Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in cats, especially as they age. If your cat suffers from a UTI, their urine may have a more pungent or fishy odor. UTIs also impact your cat’s ability to pee normally, which can lead to more accidents outside of the box. The good news is that these infections are usually easy to treat. With antibiotics, most cats recover in 7 to 10 days. However, you need to contact your veterinarian to start the treatment process.DietYour cat's food can directly impact their waste, changing the smell of your cat’s urine. For example, you may notice a stronger ammonia smell if they eat a high-protein diet. If you recently noticed a change in the scent of your cat’s urine, take a moment to reconsider what they have been eating lately (including both food and treats), and you may identify the cause.Medical ConcernsThere are several illnesses and diseases that could change the way your cat’s urine smells. It could be because the illness impacts their kidney function or changes the chemical composition of their urine. The only way to rule out medical explanations is by making an appointment with your veterinarian.

How To Care for a Hairless Cat

Are you thinking about bringing a hairless cat like the Sphynx, Peterbald, or Donskoy into your family? That’s great! But before you adopt one from a shelter/rescue or purchase one from a reputable breeder, take some time to research the needs of these unique cats. That way, you’ll know what to expect when it comes to properly caring for them.Here’s some helpful information and tips on caring for a hairless cat. You might be surprised by what they need.

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