Dwarf Spitz have straightened hair and a significant undercoat. They are usually black, brown, white, orange or wolf-gray (cloud-gray) in color, but other colors may also exist. As the name of the Dwarf Spitz suggests, they are small in size (20 cm at the withers in adulthood). The weight varies depending on the size and is approximately 2 to 3.5 kg.

According to the International Canine Federation (FCI), the Miniature Spitz belongs to the Group of dogs of the Spitz type and of the primitive type, in the section of the European Spitz (Group 5 Section 4). (1)

The Dwarf Spitz’s nickname, Pomeranian Loulou, refers to the Pomeranian region, currently shared between northern Poland and eastern Germany. This name is sometimes neglected in favor of the more technical name of German Dwarf Spitz, but more often it is simply called the Dwarf Spitz. According to the International Canine Federation, all German Spitz breeds are direct descendants of the Stone Age Bog Dog Rüthimeyer marshy dog and “dogs of the lake cities”. It would therefore be the oldest breed in Central Europe.

The Miniature Spitz is an outgoing dog, with great intelligence and a quick wit. This makes him an excellent companion, but also a very good dog for competitions and dog training events.

They are not a dog that will try to run away, but it is still better not to let them run free, as they are surprisingly fast and do not have the notion of danger in front of cars or even of other animals. When exercising in the open air, they should therefore be in an enclosed space or kept on a leash.

These dogs will enjoy the outdoors when you are outside with them, but with their small size their exercise needs are quickly met. Rather, the main characteristic of the Dwarf Spitz is its need for attention. He is a particularly affectionate dog who develops a very strong attachment to his owner. Their favorite place therefore remains inside the family home with their masters. (2)

The Miniature Spitz is a robust dog and little subject to disease. They can live up to 16 years.

Alopecia X

The most common disease in the Miniature Spitz, like other fluffy dogs and Nordic breed dogs, is X-alopecia. The term X-alopecia is used to illustrate the mystery surrounding the causes of this skin condition. skin). It is characterized first of all by an altered appearance of the coat (dry, dull and brittle hair) then, the disease progresses slowly and, gradually, the dog loses all its hair on the affected areas. this advanced stage of the disease secondary skin infections can appear and cause itching (pruritus). It is not, however, a serious or contagious disease, but for the Dwarf Spitz, whose coat is largely the charm, it is a serious cosmetic problem.

The first signs usually appear in areas of friction, such as the neck or the base of the tail, while the head and extremities of the limbs are spared. Ultimately, the disease can affect the whole body and the skin in the affected areas becomes dry, rough and hyperpigmented, which has given the name Black Skin Disease. (3)

Breed predisposition is an important criterion for guiding the diagnosis of this disease. A skin sample from an affected area and a histological examination is however necessary to rule out other alopecia. The presence of “flaming follicles” in skin samples has long been considered a diagnostic criterion, but is now discussed. This disease mainly affects adult dogs, with no prevalence of sex, and the dog is in good general condition.

There is currently no consensus regarding the treatment since the origin of the disease is still unknown. In males, castration results in hair regrowth in about 50% of cases, but relapse after a few years is still possible. Many molecules have been tried, with varying results. The majority of treatments currently target hormone production. (3)

Sometimes, spontaneous hair regrowth can be observed following trauma (scratches, etc.) or on skin biopsy sites. The reason for these spontaneous regrowth is also unknown.

It is important to note that this is a disease with mainly aesthetic consequences and therefore does not require the use of treatments with strong side effects. (4)

Tracheal collapse

Tracheal collapse is a disease of the respiratory tract. It is characterized in particular by a collapse of the trachea.

Tracheal collapse can affect dogs of any age with no difference in sex. Overweight and obesity are risk factors because they increase the pressure on the trachea.

A strong, persistent cough is usually the sign that owners see a veterinarian. The diagnosis is then made by palpation, but an X-ray is essential to confirm the collapse.

In the event of an acute attack during which the dog has great difficulty in breathing, it is essential to calm the animal down using sedatives and it may sometimes be necessary to put it to sleep and intubate it. longer term, no treatment can cure tracheal collapse. If the animal is obese, weight loss may be considered. (5)

The intelligence and the small size of the Dwarf Spitz can be put to good use in the search for victims during earthquakes or avalanches for example or on all the places of a disaster which require to sneak in narrow places and inaccessible to larger breeds.

Be careful, however, because his small size and strong attachment can be problematic around young children who risk injuring him through inattention or sudden movements.