Mobile:
0418 231 617
0418 231 617
Address:
PO Box 4017
TINANA
QLD 4650
PO Box 4017
TINANA
QLD 4650
HomePhone:
07 4129 7568
07 4129 7568
FAQ's
1. IS A GERMAN SPITZ'S COAT HARD TO MAINTAIN?
No. The Spitz coat is relatively easy to keep in good condition. It's harsh, off-standing hairs make the coat
less prone to matting and other knots than other long-haired breeds, but they do require REGULAR
maintenance, and to be groomed thoroughly each week.
No. The Spitz coat is relatively easy to keep in good condition. It's harsh, off-standing hairs make the coat
less prone to matting and other knots than other long-haired breeds, but they do require REGULAR
maintenance, and to be groomed thoroughly each week.
2. DO GERMAN SPITZ GET HOT EASILY?
Yes. All dogs can get hot, especially if there is no escape for them to a cooler area. The spitz coat is a double
coat comprising stiff outer guard hairs and a soft, fluffy undercoat. The outer guard hairs work to keep the
undercoat lifted and separate. However, if the undercoat is allowed to matt, air circulation around the skin
will be impossible, and will trap heat close to the dog's skin.
The double coat works as insulation against the heat, but if exercised on hot days, the heat may become
trapped due to the dog's inability to sweat. Spitz lose heat by panting, and are usually far happier sleeping on
the bathroom tiles rather than the master bedroom (unless the room is air-conditioned) on hot days.
TIP: Try adding ice cubes to a metal waterbowl (kept in the shade), exercising only in the early morning or
late afternoon (night time could be even better in summer), and keeping your spitz brushed often to allow for
air circulation. Find the coolest spot in the house by placing a thermometer on a floor accesible to your dog,
and measure the temperature in various places throughout the house. Ice bricks are another consideration,
but do not use ones that may contain toxic gels, instead use the hard, water-filled ones which are easily
washed and re-frozen.
Yes. All dogs can get hot, especially if there is no escape for them to a cooler area. The spitz coat is a double
coat comprising stiff outer guard hairs and a soft, fluffy undercoat. The outer guard hairs work to keep the
undercoat lifted and separate. However, if the undercoat is allowed to matt, air circulation around the skin
will be impossible, and will trap heat close to the dog's skin.
The double coat works as insulation against the heat, but if exercised on hot days, the heat may become
trapped due to the dog's inability to sweat. Spitz lose heat by panting, and are usually far happier sleeping on
the bathroom tiles rather than the master bedroom (unless the room is air-conditioned) on hot days.
TIP: Try adding ice cubes to a metal waterbowl (kept in the shade), exercising only in the early morning or
late afternoon (night time could be even better in summer), and keeping your spitz brushed often to allow for
air circulation. Find the coolest spot in the house by placing a thermometer on a floor accesible to your dog,
and measure the temperature in various places throughout the house. Ice bricks are another consideration,
but do not use ones that may contain toxic gels, instead use the hard, water-filled ones which are easily
washed and re-frozen.
3. DO THEY SUFFER FROM ANY HEREDITARY DISEASES?
Yes, they can. Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, Auto-Immune Haemolytical Anaemia and Generalised Progressive
Retinal Atrophy could occur in this breed, but careful selection of breeding stock by most breeders have
made these abnormalities a rarity, with the breed recognised as one of the heathielse and longest-living
companion dogs. Always adopt your new spitz from a Registered Breeder who does health tests.
Yes, they can. Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, Auto-Immune Haemolytical Anaemia and Generalised Progressive
Retinal Atrophy could occur in this breed, but careful selection of breeding stock by most breeders have
made these abnormalities a rarity, with the breed recognised as one of the heathielse and longest-living
companion dogs. Always adopt your new spitz from a Registered Breeder who does health tests.
4. DO SPITZ SHED MUCH HAIR?
Yes. During the moulting process which occurs every season for undesexed bitches, but less regularly for
desexed bitches or dogs, your spitz may appear to have 'clumps' of hair throughout the coat, just prior to the
'blow'. This moult is usually only restricted to seasnal changes, unlike shorter haired breeds which moult
continuously. When a spitz is moulting, it can appear you have an indoor snowstorm, unless you follow the
dog around with the vacuum. The good news is that once your spitz has finished this coat drop, they will
only leave 'tumbleweeds' floating in the corners of your rooms. These 'tumbleweeds' are easily swept up or
vacuumed off the carpet, unlike shorter breed'
s hairs which 'stab' carpet and cushions and are very difficult to remove.
Yes. During the moulting process which occurs every season for undesexed bitches, but less regularly for
desexed bitches or dogs, your spitz may appear to have 'clumps' of hair throughout the coat, just prior to the
'blow'. This moult is usually only restricted to seasnal changes, unlike shorter haired breeds which moult
continuously. When a spitz is moulting, it can appear you have an indoor snowstorm, unless you follow the
dog around with the vacuum. The good news is that once your spitz has finished this coat drop, they will
only leave 'tumbleweeds' floating in the corners of your rooms. These 'tumbleweeds' are easily swept up or
vacuumed off the carpet, unlike shorter breed'
s hairs which 'stab' carpet and cushions and are very difficult to remove.
5. ARE GERMAN SPITZ GOOD WITH CHILDREN?
The GS was bred as a companion/watch dog, and as such, makes an excellent family dog. This does not
mean the dog will put up with being treated cruelly by children. If your Spitz is part of a family with small
children, teach your children that the dog must be respected and treated with kindness. Do not leave small
children alone with ANY dog, as no toddler can be expected to realise the consequences of their actions until
an avoidable accident has occurred.
This statement relates to ALL breeds, not just to the Spitz breeds. Most spitz love children, but supervision
is always recommended for small children. All our spitz are raised and live with the family here, and you
should look for a puppy which has been socialised with children if purchasing a puppy for a family
household.
The GS was bred as a companion/watch dog, and as such, makes an excellent family dog. This does not
mean the dog will put up with being treated cruelly by children. If your Spitz is part of a family with small
children, teach your children that the dog must be respected and treated with kindness. Do not leave small
children alone with ANY dog, as no toddler can be expected to realise the consequences of their actions until
an avoidable accident has occurred.
This statement relates to ALL breeds, not just to the Spitz breeds. Most spitz love children, but supervision
is always recommended for small children. All our spitz are raised and live with the family here, and you
should look for a puppy which has been socialised with children if purchasing a puppy for a family
household.
6. SHOULD I CLIP MY SPITZ?
NO! Clipping your spitz defeats the purpose of purchasing a long-coated breed. If you feel this is a necessity,
perhaps you should look at what you really love about the breed before committing to owning one, especially
if the amount of grooming is an issue. Breeders do not recommend clipping becasue it allows the dog to be
affected by temperature changes (both hot and cold) quite severely.
Having said that, I have also see the 'Lion Clip' where the mane, chest, forelegs and tail were left intact, and
the rest of the hair clipped to no less than 1 inch long.
NO! Clipping your spitz defeats the purpose of purchasing a long-coated breed. If you feel this is a necessity,
perhaps you should look at what you really love about the breed before committing to owning one, especially
if the amount of grooming is an issue. Breeders do not recommend clipping becasue it allows the dog to be
affected by temperature changes (both hot and cold) quite severely.
Having said that, I have also see the 'Lion Clip' where the mane, chest, forelegs and tail were left intact, and
the rest of the hair clipped to no less than 1 inch long.