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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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, a poorly 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 gradually 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 limping, discomfort, or intermittent pain.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a German Spitz need? Like all dogs, German Spitzs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial German Spitz vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle 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 diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle 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 booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your German Spitz need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
