Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy often between 12 and 16 years, the German Spitz is one of the breeds that can accompany their family for a long time when it receives an appropriate diet, a stable weight and serious veterinary follow-up. The smallest varieties can sometimes live a very long time if they are well cared for.
Build
A robust breed?
Overall, the German Spitz shows good hardiness and a solid constitution. Its dense coat provides it with appreciated protection against the cold, but this robustness does not exempt it from monitoring the eyes, joints and weight depending on the dog's size.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to breathing in the smallest subjects, to weight management and to eye monitoring. As with many small breeds or compact varieties, early and regular check-ups help to better prevent or detect certain common conditions.
Tracheal collapse : May mainly affect the smallest individuals and manifest as a cough or breathing difficulty, warranting a veterinary opinion.
Obesity : The German Spitz can easily gain weight in case of excess treats, an improperly adjusted ration, or lack of activity.
Alopecia X : This coat condition causes hair loss that can sometimes be significant, more often reported in certain lines of small Spitz.
Progressive retinal atrophy : This degenerative eye disease can progressively impair vision and deserves ophthalmological follow-up.
Epilepsy : Seizures may appear in some predisposed individuals and require veterinary support.
Patellar luxation : This orthopedic condition, common in small dogs, can cause lameness, discomfort, or intermittent pain.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The German Spitz generally tolerates cold well thanks to its thick undercoat. On the other hand, its tolerance to heat is more limited, especially in the middle of summer or during sustained exertion. It is advisable to avoid outings during hot hours and to always leave fresh water available to it.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The German Spitz can gain weight if it is overfed or insufficiently exercised. A measured ration, adapted to the variety, age and activity, as well as regular monitoring of body condition, are important to limit the consequences of excess weight on the joints and breathing.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Brush the teeth regularly to limit tartar.
- Check the ears, eyes and the condition of the coat every week.
- Monitor the weight and body shape throughout life.
- Consult promptly in case of persistent cough, lameness or decreased vision.
Vaccination
German Spitz vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a German Spitz? Like all dogs, the German Spitz receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for German Spitz is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult German Spitz vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your German Spitz?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy German Spitz
A regular ophthalmological examination is relevant in this breed. Depending on size and family history, the veterinarian may also recommend orthopedic, dental and respiratory monitoring, particularly in the smallest individuals.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
