If you’re dreaming of owning a brilliant and easy-to-love pet, Spitzpoos might be the right one for you. They are a Spitz and Poodle mix that will surely add light to your life.
Moreover, although their parent breeds have distinct differences, their offspring is a balanced mix of boldness and sweet nature, making them perfect as fur buddies or family companions.
Stick around to learn more about this little fluffball of sunshine. We’ll go through different aspects of this crossbreed, including appearance, health concerns, and more!
What Is a Spitzpoo?
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The Spitz Poodle mix, more commonly known as Spitzpoo, is a crossbreed dog between the German or Japanese Spitz and the Poodle. Like its parent breeds, Spitzpoos are amiable, family-oriented, hyper dogs and can get along well with other animals.
There are two types of Spitzes, namely the German Spitz and the Japanese Spitz. It is important to note that both types could be used to breed Spitzpoos.
Although they differ minimally in size, both the German Spitz and the Japanese Spitz could produce loving and good-natured dogs.
Generally, this hybrid can vary in size depending on the Poodle parent used in the breeding process. Poodles could be toy-sized, miniature, standard, or giant.
However, developing a Spitzpoo with a giant Poodle can be very uncommon.
Spitz Poodle Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Spitzpoo Come From?
It was believed that Spitzpoos was a result of accidental breeding. Unfortunately, the history of the first-ever Spitzpoo and how they were developed was not well documented and precisely detailed.
However, we can look through the history of their parents to help us know more about this mixed breed.
Poodles originated from Germany and were known as their official water dog before.
The Poodle name came from the German word “pudel,” which means “to splash in the water,” and they were initially bred to be hunters and water retrievers.
Over time, aside from being retrievers and hunters, they were developed and produced for companionship, especially Toy and Miniature Poodles. Nonetheless, these dogs follow the same breed standards no matter the size.
On the other hand, German Spitzes are bred as watch and protector dogs. They are mainly in charge of watching over goods and trades on boats, and they always alert farmers of intruders.
As mentioned above, a Spitzoo could be from a Japanese Spitz, too. The initial dogs from these Spitzes are documented to be developed from several white German Spitzes transported to Japan.
It is important to note that the American Kennel Club does not recognize the Japanese variant as a separate breed from the German Spitzes. That’s why we generally refer to them as “Spitz” in this article.
Through the breeding foundation of their parent breeds, Spitzpoos have been developed to be loyal and protective family companions over the years, making them loved and accepted in the dog world.
Spitz Poodle Mix Appearance: What Does a Spitzpoo Look Like?
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Spitzpoos are small to medium dogs that would fit great in any house or room size. They have thick, wavy, and fluffy coats that resemble the Spitz breed more than the intensely curly Poodle fur.
However, their colors are similar to Poodles. In other words, their fur colors are usually solid in black, brown, and apricot colors. It’s rare to find markings on them, or it’s often light in appearance that makes them unnoticeable.
They have round heads with small muzzles, dark eyes, and black noses. Moreover, they have such a sweet expression, making them instantly loved by pet lovers worldwide.
Sometimes they are mistaken for Maltichons because of their physical similarities and behavioral traits. Still, they have distinct features such as their slightly erected ears, small tail, and non-white furs.
Overall, the Spitz and Poodle mix is cute and cuddly in appearance, just like a stuffed toy. Its adorable and good-looking features are significantly inherited from its parent breeds.
Spitz Poodle Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Spitzpoos Get When Fully Grown?
Usually, Spitzpoos would be small to medium, estimated to be between 12 and 24 inches tall, and weighing 15 to 70 pounds. Every litter is a guessing game since designer dogs can vary in size.
The size and weight of Spitzpoos would greatly depend on the dominant parent genes, especially on the Poodle parent, since there are different types of them.
However, it is typically uncommon for them to be as large as the giant Poodle.
Moreover, Spitzpoo puppies tend to be full-grown at 12 to 18 months. However, they can still grow a few more inches and weigh more pounds, depending on proper nutrition, lineage, and vet-recommended supplements.
Here is an adorable video that shows the puppyhood growth of a Spitzpoo:
OUR DOG´S PUPPYHOOD: A Spitzpoo Puppy Grows Up<a href="https://youtu.be/J2STDRy_Hl8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FJ2STDRy_Hl8%2F0.jpg" alt="OUR DOG´S PUPPYHOOD: A Spitzpoo Puppy Grows Up" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Spitz Poodle Mix Temperament: Do Spitzpoos Make Good Family Dogs?
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Spitzpoos are absolutely a fluffball of sunshine. They are energetic pups that love to play around and show affection, making them excellent family dogs.
They are also loyal and eager to please their owners, especially their favorite person, which is often their main caretaker.
Moreover, these mixes are wonderful with other pets and small children.
However, proper socialization should be conducted at an early age to teach your dog how to behave appropriately. Monitoring while playing is also advised.
In addition, Spitzpoos may not be so friendly to strangers or intruders because both parent breeds tend to bark at unfamiliar faces and guard property. So if you love having guests in the house, a gradual introduction is necessary.
Since they came from intelligent parents, the Spitzpoos are quite brilliant. They respond well to training, and they love activities.
However, they can be stubborn at times. So they may need a firm and experienced owner to handle them.
Positive reinforcement and treats can ultimately help when you teach them basic commands and obedience.
But we advise being mindful of the number of treats you give them because they can rely on it, and when the eating time comes, they can be picky.
Furthermore, they don’t tolerate being left alone for too long. Otherwise, they can exhibit destructive behavior or develop separation anxiety.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Poodle: Which Is Better?
Spitz Poodle Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Spitzpoos Healthy Dogs?
The average lifespan of a Spitzpoo dog is between 8 and 15 years old, depending on different factors such as lineage, exercise, and diet.
They must get adequate care, regular vet visits, up-to-date vaccine shots, tick and flea preventions, and proper nutrition to maintain their well-being.
Moreover, these puppies must be acquired from reputable breeders to ensure that they are in good health and of quality.
Generally, Spitzpoos are healthy dogs, but there can still be possible health issues to arise no matter how meticulous we are in taking care of them. Some can be acquired genetically.
Here are some common health conditions that Spitzpoos can be prone to:
Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation happens when the patella or the dog’s kneecap is dislocated or moves out of its usual location. This condition is common in many small breeds’ genetic deposition and can be corrected through surgical repair.
Tracheal Collapse: As its medical term suggests, tracheal collapse happens when the trachea and its cartilage collapse, resulting in breathing problems and a harsh dry cough. Moreover, dogs with this condition can be treated with medication and preventive care.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is an inherited disease in dogs that slowly progresses and causes blindness. DNA and other health tests can determine if a puppy has inherited this condition or not. In addition, there is no specific cure for this disease, but antioxidant therapy may be used to delay vision loss progress.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is exhibited through recurrent seizures resulting from the brain’s abnormality. These may have different causes, and treatment plans may always vary. However, anti-epileptic drugs are often used to manage this health condition.
We must never forget that prevention is better than cure. Having your dog go through vital health tests and regular check-ups will save you money and save your dog from unnecessary suffering.
How to Take Care of Your Spitz Poodle Mix
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Dogs with a stuffed toy appearance like the Spitzpoos are nothing short of adorable. However, these cute pups need their owners to be responsible enough to care for them and provide for their day-to-day needs.
Knowing the basics can help owners be equipped and knowledgeable in properly giving their pups the love they deserve. This section covers a few tips regarding taking care of your Spitzpoos.
Food and Diet
An ideal Spitzpoo diet should be able to provide the needed nutrients of a small to a medium dog with high energy. It is essential to know that a puppy’s feeding requirement is different from an adult’s needs.
Puppies are usually fed between three and four times in smaller portions. Meanwhile, adults eat two to three equally divided meals a day. It is best to consult your vet or pet nutritionist regarding specific amounts.
Vitamins and supplements are also essential for their growth and health, so make sure you ask your vet for recommendations. Do not self-medicate, especially on doses, to avoid under and overdosing on medicines.
Lastly, ensure that there is always a bowl of fresh and clean water that your dog can have access to prevent dehydration and promote digestion.
Cleaning and Grooming
Spitzpoos usually have thick and long double coats, especially on their chest and neck. All these furs are why a Spitzpoo may look bigger than they actually are. However, they are prone to matting and tangling.
Due to this, they require brushing at least a few times a week and occasional bathing to keep their coats healthy and silky. However, you may need to clean or wipe their paws after walking or any outdoor activities.
Their nails should be trimmed once a month, and their teeth should be brushed daily to prevent plaque from building up.
Also, cleaning your Spitzpoos ears regularly is a must to avoid bacteria and ear infections.
Training and Exercise
As mentioned above, Spitzpoos are pretty energetic and intelligent pups, making them love and enjoy different activities in their day-to-day lives. They require a good 30-minute walk or an hour of mixed playtime and run daily.
These dogs can quickly gain weight, so you must provide these daily activities for them to be in tip-top shape and avoid destructive behaviors. As we all know, a tired dog is a happy dog.
Regarding training, they are natural-born fast learners, but they need a firm and patient trainer because they can be stubborn sometimes.
Nonetheless, they came from working dogs, so you can expect a great work ethic from them.
When using rewards, you can use their favorite toy, or you can praise them when they do well. Using the same treats every time could be boring to them.
Moreover, you must ensure that there are no distractions in the environment during training for a smoother session with them. Having a routine is also crucial, so establishing a great schedule can help in training them.
How Much Does a Spitzpoo Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
The average price of a Spitz Poodle mix is around $600 to $2,000 from a reputable breeder. However, it can go as high as $4,000, depending on various factors such as lineage.
They usually have a high price tag since the purebred Spitz and Poodle breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and the Spitzpoo hybrid is recognized by the Dog Registry of America (DRA).
Aside from the puppy cost, you will need to purchase essential items for your new Spitzpoo to have a smoother transition as you open your home for their arrival.
Because a Spitzpoo is a small to medium-sized dog, here is the list of initial expenses you can look through:
Being a responsible pet owner requires knowing these costs early to plan your budget and assess if you can provide the initial and recurrent needs of a Spitzpoo.
We must determine these expenses ahead to prepare and avoid neglect and abandonment cases in the future.
Places to Find Spitz Poodle Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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Since a Spitzpoo is a crossbreed, it will take a lot of time, research, and breeder checks to find places where you can purchase one.
Currently, we have no breeder specializing in Spitzpoos, so you may need a lot of patience and a little bit of luck to acquire one.
Here is a list of a few reputable places where you might find your Spitz Poodle mix:
Calico Puppy Ranch – These breeders have over 20 years of experience and breed numerous small dogs, including many Poodle mixes. At times, they may have Spitzpoos available. Aside from health, they also prioritize socializing their dogs, especially with children, making them well-mannered before transferring to new homes.
Keystone Puppies – This advertising site is rigorous for breeders. They only list puppies from reputable sources to ensure high-quality and healthy puppies. They have Poodle and Spitz mixes on this site, so make sure you check them from time to time.
Lancaster Puppies – This site lists several breeds and hybrids, including Spitz and Poodle mixes. They work to connect dogs from reputable breeders to loving homes. You can also filter your search by location and preferred price range.
You can also check our article about our top ten reputable Poodle breeders for more options on where you can find a Spitzpoo.
Aside from these places, you can also try adopting one for a much lower cost. You also get to save a life in the process.
Here are some rescue shelters and organizations you can look through for your Spitz Poodle mix:
Poodle Rescue of Houston – This non-profit organization has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding homes for rescued Poodles and Poodle mixes over the years. You can inquire on their website as they may have Spitzpoos from time to time.
DIBS Rescue – DIBS stands for Dogs In Better Spots because that is their goal. They are a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to saving and rescuing homeless and abandoned dogs and placing them in their forever homes. They have Spitz and Poodle mixes in their list from time to time, so you might as well keep an eye on their site.
NorCal Poodle Rescue – NorCal has been rescuing and rehoming Poodles and Poodle mixes since 1985. All their dogs available for adoption are equipped with up-to-date vaccination, microchip, and spayed or neutered. You may inquire to them directly regarding Spitzpoos as they may be available from time to time.
Before you reach out to any breeder or organization, you might want to view our guides on how to adopt a dog and purchase a puppy safely for you to be more equipped in your doggy hunting journey.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Spitz Poodle Mix
Like any other dog, a Spitzpoo puppy is not perfect. They have advantages and disadvantages as a pet. However, despite their imperfections, they still deserve unconditional love and care from their owners.
To give you an overview before you decide to open your home to one, we’ve listed down the pros and cons of owning a Spitzpoo puppy.
Here are the pros of owning a Spitz Poodle mix:
Excellent family pets: Aside from being affectionate and cuddly, Spitzpoos are great guard and companion dogs. They are also loyal and protective of their families, making them excellent pets.
Highly intelligent: Spitzpoos came from brilliant parents, so they are naturally born smart, making them easy to follow commands and catch up in training sessions.
Adorable appearance: Spitzpoos, with their teddy bear-like appearance, quickly melt hearts just by sitting there. They have attractive and friendly expressions on their faces, making them absolutely charming to dog lovers worldwide.
Low maintenance: Despite their thick double coats, these hybrids do not demand high when it comes to grooming and cleaning. They are not heavy shedders, and they only require occasional baths. Although you may need to brush them regularly, they are still not very tiring to maintain.
Of course, you should also learn about the not-so-good side of owning this hybrid. Here are the cons of owning a Spitz Poodle mix:
Unpredictability in size: Like other designer breeds, Spitzpoos can be unpredictable when it comes to size. Each pup in a litter may not have uniformity on how big they can get. You can never predict their exact size, and you have to wait until they are full-grown adults.
Limited sources: Unfortunately for these pups, they are hard to find. There are no breeders specializing in Spitzpoos, and you may find it challenging to acquire them even in rescue shelters.
Barking: Spitzpoos are barkers, especially with strangers or unfamiliar faces. Although this may be good to alert you whenever there are intruders, if you like a quiet home and are fond of having guests in your house, you may need to dedicate time and effort to socialize your dog.
Knowing the pros and cons can help aspiring owners assess if they are a perfect fit for this hybrid. It can also help with having an overview of what you can and can’t expect from this dog as you open your home to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Spitz Poodle Mixes Aggressive?
Spitzpoos can be stubborn and wary of strangers, but they usually don’t exhibit aggressiveness. However, if not properly socialized, this mix may give you a headache.
Aside from that, how you treat the Spitzpoo in your home can contribute to their temperaments. That’s why it is vital that we give them adequate care and affection, and we should never hurt them.
Are Spitz Poodle Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Since both their parent breeds are hypoallergenic, you can also expect Spitzpoos to be one. They are totally safe for people with asthma or allergies or are sensitive to dander and dog furs.
Do Spitz Poodle Mixes Shed a Lot?
Despite their thick double coats, Spitzpoos are moderate shedders. They usually shed about twice a year with not-so-heavy volume, making them low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.
Brushing them twice or thrice a week is already sufficient for them to get rid of tangled and matted hairs. Nonetheless, they are not much of a handful when it comes to their fur.
Final Thoughts: Is the Spitz Poodle Mix the Right Dog for You?
Spitzpoos come from two famous breeds, the Poodle and the Spitz. Like many designer breeds, their size and temperament may vary heavily on dominant parent genes.
Usually, they are small to medium-sized dogs that would look out for your property and protect you at all costs. Additionally, they are confident dogs that love to play with their owners. However, they may be stubborn at times.
Now that we’ve gone through everything you need to know about Spitzpoos, you can further assess if this pooch is the one to get. Despite them being low-maintenance pups, they still have demands to be met daily.
Are you going to get a Spitzpoo mix soon? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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