All About Indian Spitz: The Complete Care Guide

Have you ever seen a small dog with a big personality? That’s the Indian Spitz! People often mix them up with the Pomeranian, but they are actually different. The Indian Spitz is a playful little dog that loves to play and is really cute. They come from India and many people love them because they are so much fun and look so cute. Let’s learn more about Indian Spitz, the Complete Care Guide!

Overview: Indian Spitz

History and Origin

The Indian Spitz isn’t a very old breed. They didn’t always live in India. A long time ago, when British people ruled India, they brought some special dogs called German Spitz. These dogs were really smart and friendly. Over many years, people in India bred these dogs to like the hot Indian weather. Slowly, a new kind of dog was made – the Indian Spitz!

Physical Appearance

Feature	Details
Height	8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm)
Weight	5 to 10 pounds (2-4.5 kg)
Lifespan	12 to 15 years
Colors	White, orange, cream, red, black and tan
Coat	Thick, double coat with a long, straight outer layer and a soft undercoat

Temperament and Personality

Playful and Energetic Temperament: They love to run, jump and fetch.
Intelligence: Can be trained.
Loyalty: They are very loyal to their family and are very protective.
Alertness: Makes them good watchdogs.

Friendliness: They are good with friends, family and children although early socialization is important.
They are affectionate companions but these Indian Spitz dogs can also be quite independent and have a strong personality.

To grow into a more disciplined and well behaved dog, consistent training and socialization are a must.

Caring for Your Indian Spitz Dog

Diet and Nutrition

Age	Diet	Feeding Frequency
Newborn to 4 weeks	Mother’s milk	—
4-8 weeks	Puppy formula or wet food	4-5 times a day
2-3 months	Puppy kibble, Curd, Butter Milk etc	4-5 times a day
3-6 months	Puppy kibble, Curd, Butter Milk etc	3-4 times a day
6-12 months	Puppy kibble, Curd, Butter Milk etc	2-3 times a day
Adult (1 year+)	Adult kibble or home-cooked meal	2 times a day

Note:

Always take advice from your nearby veterinarian for proper dietary recommendations that suit your dog’s or puppy’s health and body weight

Ensure that their food is filled with essential proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Prevent overfeeding to avoid the risk of obesity or loose-motion. If you don’t know how much to feed then consult the previous pet owner or the breeder from where you have bought the puppy.

Keep fresh water available for your dog at all times and if they are not taking water then try to mix more water into the food that you are proving to make sure that they will get enough water.

It’s important to transition between different food phases gradually to prevent digestive issues.

Preventing and Curing Loose Motions

If your Indian Spitz experiences loose stools during the food transition, here are some tips:

• Reduce food intake: Temporarily reduce the amount of food given.
• Bland diet: Offer bland food like boiled banana and rice for a day or two.
• Probiotics: Consider adding probiotics to their diet to support gut health.
• Hydration: Ensure your dog has plenty of fresh water.
• Consult a vet: If the loose stools persist or worsen, consult with a veterinarian.

Note: Always consult with your vet for specific advice regarding your dog’s health and dietary needs.

Exercise Requirements

Indian Spitz dogs are energetic and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Here’s a quick guide:

• Daily Walks: Take them for 30 to 60 minutes of walking each day, ideally in two sessions of 15 to 30 minutes.
• Playtime: Play games like fetch and tug-of-war to keep them active and entertained.
• Mental Stimulation: Use puzzle toys and training sessions to keep their minds sharp.
• Social Interaction: Let them meet and play with other dogs and people to boost their social skills.
• Outdoor Activities: Allow them to explore new places like hiking trails in a safe, enclosed area.

Remember to adjust the exercise based on your dog’s age and health to keep them happy and fit.

Grooming and Maintenance

Indian Spitz dogs are easy to groom but still need regular care to keep their coat healthy and prevent tangles. Here’s a simple guide:

Coat Care

• Brushing: Brush their thick coat for 15-20 minutes daily to prevent mats.
• Bathing: Bathe them every 2-4 weeks. Too frequent baths can remove their natural oils.
• Shedding: They shed, especially seasonally. Regular brushing helps manage this.

Nail Care

• Trimming: Trim their nails regularly to avoid discomfort and injuries. If unsure, ask a professional groomer.

Ear Care

• Cleaning: Check ears for redness or wax. Clean gently with a damp cloth.
• Avoid Water: Keep water out of their ears while bathing.

Dental Hygiene

• Brushing: Brush their teeth regularly with dog toothpaste.
• Chews: Use dental chews to help keep their teeth clean.

Eye Care

• Wiping: Wipe away any eye discharge with a clean, damp cloth.
• Regular Checks: Look for signs of redness or tearing.

Following these grooming tips will help keep your Indian Spitz looking great and feeling healthy. If you need advice on training or socializing your dog, let me know!

Training and Socialization

Ideal Age for Training and Socialization

The earlier you start training and socializing your Indian Spitz puppy, the better. The ideal age to begin is between 4-10 months. This is a crucial period for shaping their behavior and building a strong bond with you.  

Training Your Indian Spitz

• Positive Reinforcement: This is the most effective method. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and affection.
• Consistency: It’s essential to be consistent with commands and routines.  
• Basic Commands: Start with simple commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come’, and ‘leave it’.
• Patience: Training takes time and patience. Celebrate small victories.  
• Socialization: Expose your puppy to different people, animals, and environments to build confidence.

Socialization

Socialization is equally important as training. It helps your Indian Spitz become well-adjusted and friendly.

• Expose to Different Environments: Take your puppy to parks, stores (where pets are allowed), and other public places.
• Introduce to People: Let your puppy interact with people of all ages, including children and elderly.
• Meet Other Animals: Introduce your puppy to other dogs and pets in a controlled environment.

Remember, a well-trained and socialized Indian Spitz will be a joy to live with.

Health Consideration

Indian Spitz are generally healthy, but watch out for:

• Eye problems
• Dental issues
• Knee problems (patellar luxation)
• Allergies

Keep your dog healthy by:

• Visiting the vet regularly
• Giving them all their shots
• Spaying or neutering
• Feeding them good food
• Exercising them daily

If you notice anything unusual, see the vet right away.

Indian Spitz Lifestyle & Cost of Ownership

Indian Spitz are adaptable dogs. They can happily live in apartments or houses. These smart pups love to play and learn new tricks. While they enjoy outdoor time, they’re also content with indoor activities. Regular grooming is needed for their beautiful coat. Remember, they’re social creatures, so don’t leave them alone for too long. With love and care, your Indian Spitz will be a joyful companion.

While they’re relatively low-maintenance, owning a dog comes with costs. Factor in expenses for food, vet care, toys, and grooming. Remember, adoption is a great option to consider.

Indian Spitz puppy price in India

The price of an Indian Spitz puppy in India can vary significantly. Factors such as the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s lineage, age, and overall health can influence the cost.

Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere between ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 for an Indian Spitz puppy. However, prices can go higher for puppies with exceptional bloodlines or from renowned breeders.

Conclusion

The Indian Spitz is a charming and intelligent breed that makes a wonderful companion. With proper care, training, and socialization, they can bring joy and love into your life.

FAQs About Indian Spitz

General Questions

Care and Maintenance

Health, Training and Behavior