As the German Spitz has a double coat, they’ll shed their undercoat twice a year. You’ll want to brush their coat around once a week to keep it looking its best and remove any dirt, debris or loose fur. While they’re shedding, you may want to brush them on a daily basis, as their fine hair can easily stick to furniture and clothing.
A pin brush is ideal along with a sturdy steel comb when grooming. Pay close attention to tangles that can form where the legs meet the body and work those tangles loose with the comb.
You’ll only need to brush the fur of your German Spitz. It doesn’t need to be trimmed. They also won’t need a bath too often — only when they’ve rolled in something smelly and perhaps a little more while they’re shedding.
Nails should be trimmed every few weeks. The ears should be cleaned once a week and teeth need to be brushed often to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
This dog doesn’t need to go on long hikes, but will benefit from a short walk and a game of fetch in a secure backyard. They can also get their exercise from indoor games and activities — including learning new tricks. It’s important not to let this breed become bored as they can bark excessively and become destructive if they do.
German Spitz health risks
German Spitz are generally a healthy breed with very few health issues — but, like all dogs, there are no guarantees against illness or injury.
One major concern with this breed is:
There’s also a chance of patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia and persistent pupillary membrane, though these are only minor concerns.
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Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can occur in any breed of dog. Recurring seizures result in uncontrolled jerking movements and momentary loss of awareness or consciousness that can last, on average, up to 90 seconds. You must get this treated, otherwise the seizures can become more frequent and even life-threatening.
There may be an underlying condition that’s causing a dog to have seizures, but there isn’t always an identifiable reason for them. If your vet determines the cause then the pup will be treated for this. If they don’t, you’ll be asked to monitor your pet. They will only receive treatment after multiple seizures or if they are very severe.
Feeding a German Spitz — what’s the best diet?
It goes without saying that you should feed your German Spitz high-quality dog food — which can be wet, dry or a mixture of both. Make sure high-quality animal-based protein is the first ingredient. Our guide to the best dog food for Pomeranians — a breed the German Spitz is similar to — is a useful starting point for recommendations.
If you have the smaller size of this breed then you definitely want to look at food that has been formulated for small breeds.
Start by feeding your puppy four meals a day and then reduce this to two as they become adults. Treats are beneficial — especially for training them — but take this into account when serving up their meals.
You’ll want your German Spitz to have the best possible diet. Our friends and partners at Dog Food Advisor have more advice, including their top picks for the best dog food for small dogs.
