The Indian Spitz is a high-spirited and playful dog. You can also consider it as a good watchdog because of its bold nature. It is alert, vocal, and obedient and will warn its owners about any upcoming danger. For as long as the owner is compatible with this little dog, training him won’t be an issue. They come in two sizes, one smaller and the other larger. It has triangular ears which are close together along with a compact and long-haired coat. Their tail is curled on the top and they appear proportionally large. But, the hair on their head is short compared to the rest of the body. Their bark is shrill and territorial and has the traits of an excellent territorial sentinel.
This native Indian dog belongs to the Spitz-types of dogs. It is also known as the Pomeranian Dog in India even though there is no similarity between the two. You can find this breed in the entire Indian sub-continent. Technically, the German Spitz were brought by the British to India. They crossed the German-Spitz with the Indian Pariah dogs to make them more adaptable to the Indian climate.
Origin of Indian Spitz:
During the 18th Century, the British brought several Pomeranians/ German-Spitz into India. It was believed, that they belonged to a particular regiment in India. Also, these were used in the dog show as well because of their low body weight which enabled them to perform tricks. But to make them adaptable to the hot climate of India, they had to be bred with some other breed. After several types of research, it was seen, that when the German-Spitz crossbreed with the Indian Pariah Dog, it resulted in the Indian Spitz which could easily adapt to the climatic conditions of the country.
Conduct and Utility of the Indian Spitz:
The Indian Spitz is a highly versatile and intelligent dog. It was mostly used by the circus people because of its small size and low body weight. The weight of the smaller breed is 5-7kg whereas the weight of the larger breed is 12-20kg. They adapt easily to their owner’s behaviour and are filled with enthusiasm all the time. An advantage of this dog is that it can adapt to any climatic conditions. They have the features of a watch-dog as they meet strangers with a thrilled and high-pitched bark. They are very friendly with other breeds and do not indulge themselves in a fight with any other dog. They are also adaptable to any living condition, whether its owner lives in a small apartment or a large house.
Lifespan and Grooming of the Indian Spitz:
The lifespan of Indian Spitz is larger compared to any other breed. Most of these dogs live for ten to fourteen years, while some even live up to sixteen years. These can be easily cleaned by brushing regularly. During the summers, it is advisable to keep a check on the fleas and ticks. They don’t need a regular shower. However, make sure you remove the dirt from their soap before applying it to them. Proper grooming and little pampering will allow them to grow into beautiful dog. However, they can develop small dog syndrome if they are not properly stimulated, both mentally and physically. And even though they are fury, the hot and humid climate of India does not bother them.
Food Habits of the Indian Spitz:
Every dog, be it big or small requires proper nutrition. The portions they eat should be controlled to avoid obesity, as it can cause problems in older age. Also, avoid giving them table scraps to maintain their active life. Top-quality dog food is recommended for your dog. However, the Indian Spitz is also bred to eat curd-rice, a typical Indian food. Because these dogs are made according to the Indian climate, they can easily adapt to the food habits of India. It may also prefer cottage cheese, fruits, vegetables and cooked eggs. They can survive on milk and yoghurt, but a diet of chicken and rice is preferred. Try keeping them healthy so that they can live longer.
Other dogs that can adapt to India’s Climate:
There are many dog breeds you can adopt in India that are adorable, require less training and can be easily groomed. Some of them are:
- Pug – It is the smartest dog and is suitable for the Indian climate. Although they are a bit stubborn, they are still cheerful and have a lesser tendency to bark. They also appear adorable because of their small size.
- Dachshund – It is also one of the preferred dogs suitable for the Indian Climate. However, they may appear adorable but are very aggressive and bark loudly. They love digging, therefore, can be destructive sometimes.
- Beagle – It is one of the best pet dogs you can find in India. It is known for its hunter skills and is best in picking up scents. Also, it can mix easily with the family. The only drawback is that it is a bit disobedient at times.
- Golden Retriever – This is one of the most obedient breeds. Earlier, it was used to shot down birds. Lately, it has been loved by most people because of its playful characteristics. It is also athletic and is a soft-biter.
- Dalmatian – These dogs are known to have black spots all over their white body. An interesting fact is that they have spots, even inside their mouth. These are large dogs that have great stamina to chase away attackers.
Thus, the Indian Spitz can be considered as a good dog for being adopted. It is a healthy breed and adapts easily to a family, especially children. Lately, the current status of the Indian Spitz is declining. Instead, the Lhasa Apso or the expensive Samoyed is taking its place. If the people are properly informed about these small dogs and their nature, there is a chance of their comeback. The lack of international recognition from Federation Cynologique Internationale [FCI] is also another reason for the decline of these Indian breeds. You can spread awareness about these breeds so that these beautiful dogs are not neglected by people.