The Indian Spitz Dog Breed: A Complete Guide to This Companionable Canine Native to India

With their fluffy white coats, perky triangular ears, and cheerful disposition, Indian Spitz dogs captivate as both eye-catching and sweet-natured. While their name makes their origins clear, this Indian breed remains relatively obscure worldwide compared to their famous Pomeranian cousin.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the Indian Spitz including their history, physical features, ideal care, personality traits, and availability as pets. Whether you’re curious about welcoming one of these lively white puffballs into your home or just want to understand the breed better, keep reading for complete Indian Spitz facts, photos, and insights. Let’s explore what makes them a beloved dog uniquely native to India.

An Overview of Indian Spitz Dogs and Their Origins

As their name denotes, this breed traces its history to India as an early offshoot of Spitz-type herding dogs brought to the region. They were refined over decades to become ideal loving companions and alert watchdogs well-suited to the Indian climate and lifestyle. Some quick facts:

• Believed to descend from larger German Spitz dogs crossed with smaller Pomeranians and other toy Spitz types.
• Recognized as an official pedigree breed by major kennel clubs starting in the late 1970s.
• Prized for their manageable small size, minimal shedding coat, and warm personality.
• Remain popular yet uncommon globally, most prevalent in cities across northern India.

Today’s Indian Spitz retains the vigor and watchfulness vital to their early role guarding households and property without being yappy or aggressive. Now let’s trace their history of development as a uniquely Indian breed.

History and Origins

This relatively new pedigree has origins in several Spitz breeds blended over decades to create an ideal companion dog for modern Indian homes and cities:

• German Spitz lineage – Larger German Spitz dogs arrived in India with British colonists in the 1800s, valued for working roles and companionship. Their thick coats and wedge-shaped heads provided key traits passed down to Indian Spitz generations.
• Pomeranian influence – Later Pomeranians and other toy Spitz breeds were brought from Europe. Crossbreeding with German Spitz size variants produced smaller dogs better suited to India’s hot climate.
• Breed distinction – Decades of selective breeding refined recognizable Indian Spitz traits and standard breed characteristics. The Indian Kennel Club formally recognized the Indian Spitz in 1985.
• Popularity today – Indian Spitz remain popular family dogs, police dogs, and show dogs across India. Their lower prey drive suits city life. Their popularity grows internationally too lately.

This tailored blend of their Spitz ancestors helped the Indian Spitz become treasured companions across India. Now let’s look closer at their appearance.

Physical Traits and Attributes of the Indian Spitz

The Indian Spitz displays trademark Spitz features albeit in a more heat-tolerant petite package. Characteristics include:

• Compact wedge-shaped head – Like their German Spitz forebears, Indian Spitz have a broad skull that tapers to a pointed muzzle. Strong jaws with a scissors bite.
• Pointy upright ears – Their wide-set triangular ears stand erect, framing their foxy face.
• Dark round eyes – Their almond-shaped eyes are dark brown or black in color. Eye rims match the nose and lips.
• Plumed tail – Like other northern Spitz breeds, Indian Spitz carry their long furry tail up and curled over their back.
• Two coat types – Puppies have soft downy undercoats. Their mature coarse, standoff topcoat grows in by 8-12 weeks old. Minimal shedding.

In addition to shared Spitz family traits, Indian Spitz have developed key attributes of their own.

Unique Attributes

Along with classic Spitz features, Indian Spitz exhibit unique traits resulting from decades of selective breeding focused on companionship:

• Smaller stature – Indian Spitz stand just 14-18 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown, smaller than most Spitz breeds. Easier to manage for urban Indian households.
• Proportionately shorter legs – Their moderately short, straight legs contrast with the longer limbed German Spitz and contribute to their cute factor. Sturdy and agile nonetheless.
• Lighter bone structure – Their bones are refined but not delicate or fragile. Average weight ranges 12-20 pounds.
• Preference for people over other dogs – Indian Spitz tend to bond more closely with human family than canine packmates thanks to focus on them thriving as companion dogs.
• Low prey drive – With less intensity to chase small animals compared to other Spitz breeds, Indian Spitz suit city life. Cohabitation with cats or pocket pets is manageable with proper socialization.

These adaptations tailored the German Spitz descendants into perfect family dogs for modern Indian apartments and homes. Now let’s explore the breed’s personality.

Temperament and Personality Traits

In addition to their cuddly looks, Indian Spitz dogs win over hearts with their cheerful personality:

• Affectionate, loyal and highly attached to their chosen humans. Bond very closely with the family.
• Intelligent and eager to please. Their smarts combined with devotion makes training fairly easy.
• Alert and attentive. Quick to notify families of anything unusual while not being excessively yappy.
• Friendly and eager to meet new people. Though reserved around strangers at first. Very social overall.
• Playful, fun-loving and gentle despite their watchful nature. Patient and sweet with children when raised alongside kids.
• Confident yet not aggressive. Their boldness stems from protectiveness versus dominance.
• Adaptable and travel friendly when kept indoors exclusively. Thrive as urban companions.

Reward their loyalty and attentiveness with ample quality time and they’ll become your faithful sidekick. Now let’s go over care.

Feeding, Training, and General Care Tips

To keep your Indian Spitz puppy or dog looking and feeling their best:

• Diet – Feed a high-quality dry food formulated for small energetic breeds. 2-3 meals daily prevents gulping then vomiting.
• Grooming – Brush their thick double coat 2-3 times weekly using a slicker brush. Trim nails monthly.
• Training – Start training early and use positive reinforcement like food rewards and praise. Their intelligence allows them to become obedient companions when handled correctly. Attend organized training classes for socialization.
• Exercise – Indian Spitz have moderate exercise needs. Two 20 minutes walks plus indoor play provides sufficient activity for most.
• Safety – Like all Spitz, their curiosity can lead them to trouble. Monitor them when outdoors. Indoors, puppy-proof and supervise to prevent harmful mischief.

With proper care, nutrition, training and attention, Indian Spitz commonly live 14+ years. Now let’s go in depth on their signature coat.

Grooming and Coat Care of Indian Spitz Dogs

The Indian Spitz sports the quintessential bright white plush double coat synonymous with northern Spitz breeds. Proper grooming keeps their fur clean and free of mats.

Coat Attributes

• Long, thick, stand-off outer coat up to 2-3 inches long. Texture is straight and coarse.
• Short, soft cottony undercoat. Should not shed heavily with proper care. Weekly brushing helps remove dead hairs.
• Long feathering on ears, backs of legs, underside of tail covered in longer fringe.
• Coat color standards mandate pure white coats. No spotting or cream tones permitted.

Grooming Needs

• Weekly brushing using a slicker brush followed by a metal comb to ensure the coat stays tangle-free and removes dirt. Work slowly to avoid scratching sensitive skin.
• Bathing every 2-4 weeks using a moisturizing dog-safe shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and brush while drying to prevent matting. Avoid over-bathing which dries out their skin and coat oils.
• Trimming around the feet, ears and anus for cleanliness and to prevent mats. Leave coat full length elsewhere.

Regular meticulous grooming keeps the Indian Spitz looking like the puffy snowball they are!

Exercise Needs of the Indian Spitz Dog

Despite their diminutive size, Indian Spitz need a moderate amount of daily activity to stay healthy and happy:

• 1-2 daily walks – Aim for 20-40 minutes total of leashed walking per day. This allows them to explore the outdoors and release pent up energy.
• Indoor play – Incorporate at least 20-30 minutes of active structured indoor play like fetch. Puzzle toys provide needed mental engagement too.
• Access to a yard – When possible, give them supervised time off-leash in a securely fenced yard to play and run around. But don’t consider this their sole exercise source. Walks are still essential.
• Avoid overheating – Take care when exercising them during hot days. Their thick coats make Indian Spitz prone to heat stroke if overexerted in high temperatures.

Keeping their intelligent minds and bodies active prevents problem behaviors from emerging out of boredom or frustration.

Training Tips for Indian Spitz Puppies and Dogs

The eager to please Indian Spitz takes well to training when handled positively:

• Start young – Begin training the basics as soon as you bring home your puppy using reward-based methods. Attending puppy kindergarten group classes accelerates learning.
• Use praise and treats – Motivate them to listen and obey commands using high-value food treats. Offer generous verbal praise.
• Remain patient – Indian Spitz catch on quickly but still have puppy tendencies to get distracted or forget lessons. Keep training positive and consistent.
• ** Practice daily** – Shorter daily sessions ensure training sticks. Practice commands and manners until they become ingrained habits.
• Stay active – Training doubles as mental and physical exercise. Work their minds and bodies in tandem.
• Address problems early – Nip emerging issues like excessive barking in the bud before they become established patterns.

With dedication, an Indian Spitz will thrive as an obedient companion keen to work happily beside their family.

Finding an Indian Spitz Puppy or Rescue

Indian Spitz remain most popular in their native India but are growing in popularity abroad lately too. Here’s guidance on finding one:

• Local breeders – Search out ethical, responsible Indian Spitz breeders in your country through breed clubs and associations. Perform extensive vetting to ensure they focus on health and temperament.
• Importing from India – Some seek out reputable Indian kennels and breeders to import puppies from the breed’s motherland. Importing dogs requires coordination and paperwork.
• Adopting – Ask regional shelters and rescue groups if they assist in rehoming Indian Spitz dogs needing new families. Though availability is hit or miss.
• Patience and persistence – Be prepared to wait as these are still uncommon globally. But connecting with the right breeder or adoption group leads to the perfect pup.

Owning this uncommon breed requires extra effort locating a puppy. But the payoff of finding your ideal pup is immense.

Ownership Costs

Here are the expected costs of owning an Indian Spitz dog:

One-Time Initial Costs

Adoption or Purchase Price – $500 to $2000

This covers the initial cost of your Indian Spitz puppy. Ensures health checks, vaccines, deworming, microchipping, spay/neuter.

Supplies – $500 to $1500

Essentials like crate, leash, collar, bowls, bed, brush, toys, puppy training pads, initial food.

Initial Vet Exam – $50 to $150

The initial puppy wellness exam.

Spay/Neuter – $100 to $500

This essential surgery for health/behavior reasons. Some shelters include.

Microchipping – $25 to $75

A registered microchip helps ensure your lost dogs to gets returned.

Monthly Care Costs

Food – $20 to $40

Quality kibble suited for small active breeds.

Grooming – $10 to $30

Tools like slicker brushes, nail clippers, comb, toothbrush.

Toys/Treats – $10 to $30

Mentally stimulating puzzle toys. Dental chews.

Medical – $30 to $100

Annual exam, vaccines, preventatives. Save for illnesses/injuries.

Pet Insurance – $30 to $100

Helps cover unplanned vet costs. Figures are monthly premium estimates.

Boarding fees – $20 to $40 per day

For travel and vacations.

Common Vet Costs

• Spay/Neuter Surgery – $100 to $500
• Annual Exam – $50 to $100
• Vaccines – $20 to $100
• Microchipping – $25 to $75
• X-Rays – $100 to $500
• Bloodwork – $60 to $150
• Ultrasound – $250 to $500
• Surgery – $1,000+
• Ear Infection Treatment – $100 to $300
• Teeth Cleaning – $200 to $400

Owning any dog represents a long-term financial commitment. Ensure you can provide ongoing care before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some popular questions about this charismatic Indian breed:

I hope this complete guide has provided helpful background and facts about the lovable Indian breed! Let me know if you have any other questions as you consider adding one of these lively companion dogs to your family.

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