Introduction
The Indian Spitz was one of the most famous dog breeds in the 90s in India. They even worked as cameos in various Indian movies like “The Tuffy, of Hum Aapke Hain Koun.” This breed was introduced in India by the British. They evolved from the German Spitz. Yes, they adapted to the Indian climate, but they still carried intelligent genes from their European ancestors. This blog will provide you with all the important information about the Indian Spitz, from its characteristics and temperament to care tips and health issues.
Quick Information
- Origin—India
- Life expectancy—15-16 years
- Height—14-18 inches (male), 12-16 inches (female)
- Weight—16-20 kg (male), 12-18 kg (female)
- Color—white, black, brown, cream, or dusky brown.
- Ideal weather—22-30°C
- Price range—Rs. 6000-20000/-
- Energy level—Moderate
- Shedding level—moderate to high.
Is the Indian Spitz a family dog?
Yes, in fact, the Indian Spitz is one of the most loved dogs in Indian families. Their friendly, loyal, and playful nature makes them good companions for Indian homes. They are known for their higher understanding of human emotions, and they equally respond to them with love and support. They have a big dog attitude packed in a small body, but they are extremely good with children and other pets. They need low maintenance and can be easily malleable at middle-income group Indian homes. Those who love active and social dogs, the Indian Spitz would be the best choice for them.
Difference between Pomeranian and Indian Spitz
• Indian Spitz is generally larger in size than Pomeranians.
• They weigh up to 12-18 kg, which is more than the Pomeranian dog breed.
• Indian Spitz have a straight or wavy dense double coat, whereas Pomeranians are fluffier and have a more lustrous dense double coat.
• Indian Spitzes have long muzzles and sharp ears, whereas Pomeranians have small muzzles with fox-like faces. Their ears are small and triangular in shape.
• Both have a nearly similar life span, which is up to 15-16 years.
• Pomeranians require more socialization due to their friendly nature as compared to the Indian Spitz.
• Both need minimal regular exercise to stay healthy and mentally stimulated.
• Indian Spitz are generally brilliant, alert dogs who are protective towards their family, whereas Pomeranians are joyful and lively. They are also good alert dogs, but they are more vocal and extroverted.
Indian Spitz dog price in India
The cost of these Indian Spitz dogs depends upon various aspects such as the region (Prices varies with Tier A, B, and C cities), breeder’s experience, color, demand for puppies, purpose of buying (such as for pet shows, for breeding, or as pets), gender, champion bloodline, and overall look. In India, they generally cost around Rs. 5000-20000 from a reputable breeder.
Indian Spitz appearance
Indian Spitz are little fluffy dogs with a short muzzles and elongated, fox-like faces. They have pointed ears that are exceptionally expressive. They are always in an alert state. Their structure has immense charm, as they have short, sleek legs with a fluffy, curly tail that provides an illusion of a broader head, which they actually don’t have. These dogs are comfortable in both cavernous spaces and small apartments.
Indian Spitz Temperament
Indian Spitz are dynamic and bustling in nature. They are highly intelligent and quick learners, which makes them focused during training sessions. Due to their loyalty trait, they are considered good watchdogs. Indian Spitz are a little stubborn, but that can be fixed via training. They need regular exercise, socialization to avoid frustrations, and to be mentally stimulated all the time. They bark often at strangers and at bizarre sounds. Among other Indian breeds, the Indian Spitz is one of the most adaptable breeds. Due to their fluffiness in a dense double coat, they need extra care and grooming to avoid lesser or patchy hair growth.
Monthly expenses of an Indian Spitz
Indian Spitz are low-maintenance dogs, but it’s important to have assumptions of other expenses, which include food, grooming, vet checkups, and playful accessories.
Calculations of these expenses are
- Food—Rs 2000-4000/- monthly.
- Grooming—Rs. 2000-5000/- terminally
- Veterinary checkups, including vaccinations—Rs 3500-9000/- annually.
- Additional accessories—Rs 1500-4000/- depending upon the lifestyle.
Indian Spitz dog food, diet, and nutrition
A healthy diet is important for any pet to stay healthy and active. Their diet should contain high-quality dog food specially tailored for Indian Spitz that is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. There are many brands in the market that provide high-quality dog food specifically for puppies and adult Indian Spitz. As they are prone to obesity, their diet should be controlled, and for that, you can use various slow feeder bowls, snuffle mats, lick mats, and treat dispensers.
Indian Spitz grooming
Indian Spitz have thick, long, and dense double coats that require persistent grooming to look up-to-date. Grooming is not just brushing the hair, but much more than that. Your Spitz should bathe at least once a month with Indian Spitz-specific shampoos and condition their coat after the bath with dog coat-specific oil. Use a soft slicker brush twice a week to avoid shedding hair on the body because it causes itching and inflammation on their sensitive skin. During heavy shedding days, it’s crucial to brush their hair daily. Trim their nails with dog nail clippers to avoid discomfort while walking. Brush their teeth with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste once a week, and use dental chews to maintain their dental health. To avoid eye irritation, you can use soft cotton wipes to wipe out the debris within a minute, which can cause several eye infections.
How to train an Indian Spitz dog?
Indian Spitz dogs are highly intelligent and easy-to-train dogs. They need some common training, like potty training, leash training, agility, and obedience training. You can train them one by one in multiple small training sessions, as they get bored easily. Use positive reinforcement techniques like offering treats and toys when they follow the commands as it is; this will encourage them to learn more productive behaviors and habits. They need daily walks, and they generally exhaust their high energy in playgrounds and spacious areas. Do not leave your Spitz alone; otherwise, it will encourage their destructive behavior because they are already playful and curious in nature.
Indian Spitz health problems
Like other dog breeds, the Indian Spitz also suffers from several diseases, such as
• Bloating, a condition where the stomach is filled with gas.
• Canine distemper is characterized by gastrointestinal, neurological, and respiratory discomfort, which is a contagious and fatal viral disease.
• Lyme disease, a type of bacterial infection that is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, causes fever, loss of appetite, swelling, painful joints, and lethargy.
• Panosteitis, a type of bone disease in small and large breeds, causes growing pain near bones.
• Hip dysplasia, a type of ball-and-socket joint disorder of the hip.
• Parasites, These are minute organisms living inside the dog’s body and are broadly categorized into two types: internal, like intestinal worms and heartworms, health worms and external, like ticks, fleas, and mites.
• Rabies, a fatal viral disease spread through the saliva of an infected dog.
• Canine parvovirus. It is a contagious viral disease in dogs caused by direct and indirect contact with their feces.
FAQ
1. How long do Indian Spitz live?
The Indian Spitz is one of the longest dogs in the world. With proper nutrition, vet care, grooming, and love, they can live up to 15-16 years easily.
2. What do Indian Spitz eat?
Indian Spitz eat home-cooked food, which should be rich in all the essential nutrients, and high-quality customized dog food that mainly includes cooked chicken, fish, certain vegetables, oats, etc.
3. Can Indian Spitz live in hot weather?
Yes, Indian Spitz can live in moderately hot weather. Although they have a double coat, it is highly adaptable as it provides insulation in colder seasons and keeps Spitz’s body cool in summers.
Final words
No doubt, the Indian Spitz has a charming and loving personality. They bloom in Indian households because they are highly adaptable to the Indian climate. Whether you live in a spacious house or a separate apartment, this breed is well adjusted in both places. Due to their loyal and affectionate nature, they make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike. If you are planning to add a pet to your family that is equally alert, active, and loving, then the Indian Spitz is the perfect choice. Remember, with proper grooming, regular exercise, and consistent training, the Indian Spitz can lead a happy and healthy life.
Read more if you want to know about The Best Dog Breeds in India