German Spitz (Mittel) vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison

German Spitz (Mittel) vs Australian Terrier - Breed ComparisonAustralian Terrier is originated from Australia but German Spitz (Mittel) is originated from Germany. Australian Terrier may grow 12 cm / 4 inches shorter than German Spitz (Mittel). Both Australian Terrier and German Spitz (Mittel) are having almost same weight. Both Australian Terrier and German Spitz (Mittel) has same life span. Both Australian Terrier and German Spitz (Mittel) has almost same litter size. Both Australian Terrier and German Spitz (Mittel) requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Companion dog
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Australia
Germany
Height Male:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
30 - 38 cm
11 - 15 inches
Height Female:
20 - 26 cm
7 - 11 inches
30 - 38 cm
11 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
7 - 11 kg
15 - 25 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
7 - 11 kg
15 - 25 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
3 - 5
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Blue and Tan Terrier, the Blue Terrier, the Broken-coated Terrier, the Australian Rough Coated Terrier, Aussie
Deutscher Spitz Mittel
Colors Available:
blue, tan, sandy and red variations
liver, Tan, black - mixed colors, fawn, white
Coat:
rough long coat
Long, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

australian terrierThe Australian terrier, the little terrier, is a breed developed to control vermin. The nature of this dog is very spirited. They are alert, courageous and self-confident but still very human-friendly.

Australian terriers were breed by the mix of the Terrier with the rough coat and Scotch Dog of Great Britain. These breeds were mixed until they produced the muscular and fearless dog for the Australian settlers. Their primary job was to control the number of rodents and snakes. They were taught to tend flocks, be an excellent guard dogs but remain friendly. This breed is still very popular as a working dog, loyal companion and dogs for show, city, home or a farm.

german spitz mittelOriginating in Germany, the German Spitz Mittel is an alert, vigilant dog and it is these qualities that made him sought after for working on farms.

He is no new breed and is the 3rd largest of the five German Spitz varieties. It is believed that the German Spitz descended from the Northern sled and herding dogs which arrived with the Vikings into Europe. When you do research you see that the dogs are mentioned in German literature which dates way back to to 1450 already.

Description

australian terrier puppy - descriptionThe Australian terrier has body longer than they are tall. They are small dogs with the long and thick coat with silky undercoat and short little legs. This smart-eyes breed is perfect for persons who live indoors. But, you must know that they really like to bark and communicate that way with everybody. They also have a high need for activity so it will be necessary to take him out so he can run, play and be social with other dogs. They are very intelligent, but not very responsive. They will quickly learn how to fetch, but they will have days when they just feel like fetching.

german spitz mittel puppy - descriptionThe German Spitz Mittel is similar in looks to the other sizes of German Spitz. The Mittel is a medium sized dog and stands between 30 and 38cm in height and weighs between 7 and 11kg. You’ll find him in solid colors such as tan, liver, white, fawn, black or a mix of these colors.

He has a soft woolly undercoat and a long outercoat with a mane-like ruff at the neck. He has a fairly long muzzle, dark eyes, sharp erect ears and a bushy tail which curls over his back.

Temperament:

Affectionate, faithful, and always happy by nature, the German Spitz Mittel is a family companion that wants to be part of everything his human family is up to. He makes a good watchdog. He is alert and has a distrust of strangers.

He gets on well with children in the home and he can also live in peace with other dogs. Because he is an intelligent dog, you won’t have much trouble with training- and socializing him, although he will require a firm, consistent owner and trainer.

Training and socialization are important as there are always some important commands such as sit, stay, come and lie down that you will want him to respond to immediately.

Characteristics

Around children

australian terrier dog - characteristicsThe Australian terrier is very good breed to choose if you have children. They are active and always ready to play, and they will protect the children since they have watchdog gene.

Special talents

Excellent watch dog. This breed will keep your garden and home vermin free.

Adaptability

They are generally very polite towards strangers and highly adaptable among other dogs, but their adaptability in social life is totally up to the human and the training. They can grow to be adaptable dogs that fit well into almost any environment; city or country, house or apartment.

Learning ability

Since they are an intelligent breed, the Australian terrier may surprise you with their ability to learn new tricks and shock you with their ability to be very strong willed about doing what is told. It’s not that they are not the type to obey and be “a good dog”, they are so playful and silly that they will often forget that they are the god and not the human. You must start training them while they are still pups.

german spitz mittel dog - characteristicsPeople who have owned a German Spitz Mittel are delighted with him, saying that he is such an easy-going, happy dog. He is social and thrives on the interaction he has with his human family.

He won’t do well if you simply put him in your backyard and forget about him, using him merely as a watchdog.

The German Spitz Mittel dog is one dog that definitely lives up to the title of man’s best friend. He is social, happy, loving, loyal, playful, entertaining and smart too, and when you treat him the way he deserves, you’ve got the most awesome friend.

Health Problems

Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCPD)

australian terrier puppies - health problemsA bone disorder, where the hip joint starts to rot caused by decaying of the femur bone which is located in the dog’s hind limb.

Luxating patella is a knee disease where one or both kneecaps can slip out of place.

Cruciate ligament rupture

Rupture of an important ligament in the knee (stifle) joints.

Epilepsy

The brain disorder that is characterized by seizures. There are several different types of epilepsy that can affect dogs.

Diabetes

A chronic disease of the metabolism which is characterised as high glucose amount in the blood. This happens when hormone insulin drops below the normal values. This condition results in malfunction of vital organs.

german spitz mittel puppies - health problemsGerman Spitz dogs are healthy, and when you shower him with love and attention and good food, you can expect to have him around for up to 15 years of age.

Of course, as with any other healthy dog breeds, there are always one or two common dog illnesses that your dog may get. These include hip dysplasia and eye diseases. If you notice symptoms that indicate possible joint issues with your pet, get him to the vet immediately.

Patellar Luxation for instance occurs when your dog’s kneecap is dislocated. It is more common in toy breeds like the German Spitz. It can be painful for your pet and lead to lameness. If your dog has problems with his hip, it can actually force the patella out of its groove, which is a secondary condition.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy and adult

australian terrier dogs - caringRecommended daily amount is usually found on the type of the food you choose. They like dry food, and if you are not quite sure what brand of the dry food you should choose, seek a vet’s advice. The Australian terrier has a healthy appetite, but he almost never overeats. How much your Australian terrier eats depends on his size, age, metabolism, and activity level.

Grooming

Their coat requires moderate maintenance. That means that you don’t have to groom your Australian terrier every single day, but being aware of the importance of grooming him at least twice a week is a key because lack of adequate care may lead to skin diseases. Make sure not to bathe them too much, but you can be free with their haircut. They can grow very sharp toenails, so they should be clipped regularly. Ear and teeth must be kept clean.

Points for Good Health

Lots of outdoor activity. They are lovable kind, so don’t be reserved towards them. It’s important to begin training and socializing your pup as soon as possible. Training sessions need to be consistent, firm, short and clear. Grooming is a must since you will want to prevent the tangles and mats.

The best type of activity

Find a place for them where you can take of the leash and let them run free. They love chasing birds, butterflies and anything that flies above. They will chase small rodents, other dogs and cats. After you thought you Australian terrier how to play with other dogs and cats, they will be the most wanted guest in the whole neighbourhood. Find a place where they can dig holes – and they will be so happy that they probably won’t hear you calling them home.

Grooming:

german spitz mittel dogs - caringYou can help reduce loose hairs with your German Spitz by brushing his thick coat twice a week. It’s a good time to also inspect your dog for ticks and fleas.

Exercise:

Your German Spitz Mittel isn’t the most active dog, but he will still need regular exercise. Going on a walk is good for both you and him. He is a mentally sharp dog too and these walks keep him both physically- and mentally fit. He also loves ball games.

Diet:

Every dog deserves the best food, and if you feed your German Spitz Mittel with a commercially manufactured dog food, make sure its one of the top quality ones. You want to avoid foods packed with preservatives, colorants and fillers. You want dog foods with minerals and vitamins with high protein and ingredients such as Omega 3 and 6 to promote health skin.

There are also some dog foods which have ingredients in them such as polyphosphates. Ingredients like this keep your dog’s teeth clean.

Try and also give him some cooked rice, vegetables and chicken mixed into his kibble from time to time as well as raw meat. He should never be without fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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  31. German Spitz (Mittel) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  35. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. German Spitz (Mittel) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. German Spitz (Mittel) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison