Danish Spitz - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin
The Spitz Dog group is considered to be one of the oldest in the world and it is believed that the Danish Spitz has been a part of Denmarks history for a very long time and based on excavations the National Museum of Denmark has suggested that the breed may have origins with the Vikings.

2) Nanny dog
We have real records and evidences about the breed in Denmark since the 18th century, when the Danish Spitz appeared in Danish art and some books. Since than, this breed was used as a good little watchdog and especially as an amazing companion. The breed was most popular during the 1930s when the Danish Spitz was commonly found on Danish farms and they were especially known for hanging around with kids, which is why they were known as Nanny or Childrens dogs. Their job was to take care about the kids.

3) Ancestry
We do not know for sure what is the breed ancestry, but it is believed that the Danish Spitz is somehow related to German Spitz, Samoyed or Icelandic Sheepdog. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a dog that was brought by Vikings to the iceland and Germany is a neighboring country of Denmark, so it is very likely, that those breeds are related together. Some people even believe, that the Danish Spitz is only a variety of the German Spitz, but other, especially the members of Danish Spitz Club say, that this is unique and separate breed.

4) Names
Over the time, the Danish Spitz was known under many names, such as Wolf Spitz, White Spitz, Greenland Spitz, Samoyed Spitz, but today, they are officialy known as the Danish Spitz.

5) Appearance
The Danish Spitz has the typical Spitz like appearance. The main characteristics are definitely the small prick ears, fluffy coat and tail that curls over their back. The Danish Spitz has very friendly expression in their face and a lot of times it looks like they are smiling. Overall, they do resemble small Samoyed.

6) Coat
One of the breeds hallmark is definitely the coat. The Danish Spitzes coat color ranges from white to buscuit. This is a doublecoated dog and the coat protects the dog in all kind of a weather. It is keeps the dog warm in the winter and it helps them to stay cool in the summer. You should never shave the coat in a hot summer, it will definitely NOT help the dog and the dog will be more prone to sunburn.

7) Size
This is small to medium sized dog with average height between 38-48 cm which is 15-19 inch and weight is typically between 12-18 kg, which is 26-40 pounds. Females are naturally little bit smaller than males.

8) Grooming
Just look at the fluffy coat, of course that the Danish Spitz requires regular grooming. They do shed continuosly during the whole year, especially heavily during the shedding season twice a year. You should regularly brush their coat to remove the dead hair and minimize the shedding.

9) Temperament
In the past, the Danish Spitz was used as guard, versatile worker and as a great companion. And they do have great temperamental traits for being amazing family companions. It is curious and friendly little dog, that is always ready for a good playtime or any kind of an adventure. They seem to be always in a good mood. This is also pretty tolerant and social dog, who is devoted to its family and pack. Because of their guarding instincts, they can be little bit reserved with strangers, but this can be vastly influenced by early socialization.

10) Health
This is typically a healthy and hardy dog breed with average lifespan around 15 years. There are no scientific studies about the breeds health and they are not known to have any genetic disorders or any other diseases.