German Spitz (Mittel) vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison

German Spitz (Mittel) vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed ComparisonDandie Dinmont Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but German Spitz (Mittel) is originated from Germany. Dandie Dinmont Terrier may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than German Spitz (Mittel). Both Dandie Dinmont Terrier and German Spitz (Mittel) are of same weight. Both Dandie Dinmont Terrier and German Spitz (Mittel) has same life span. Both Dandie Dinmont Terrier and German Spitz (Mittel) has almost same litter size. Both Dandie Dinmont Terrier and German Spitz (Mittel) requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Companion dog
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United Kingdom
Germany
Height Male:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
30 - 38 cm
11 - 15 inches
Height Female:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
30 - 38 cm
11 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 11 kg
17 - 25 pounds
7 - 11 kg
15 - 25 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 11 kg
17 - 25 pounds
7 - 11 kg
15 - 25 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
3 - 5
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Mustard and Pepper Terrier, Dandie, Charlie’s Hope Terrier
Deutscher Spitz Mittel
Colors Available:
reddish, Fawn, brown
liver, Tan, black - mixed colors, fawn, white
Coat:
Short to long
Long, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
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:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

dandie dinmont terrierThe rough coated Dandie Dinmont Terrier originates from Scotland. They were used centuries ago for hunting otters and badgers.

There are theories that exist that the dog is a cross between Scottish- and Skye Terriers while others believe there must be some Dachshund in the mix because of the long body of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was first recorded as a distinct breed in the late 1600s. The British Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club was formed in 1875 while the American Kennel Club recognized the Dandie in 1886.

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

dandie dinmont terrier puppy - descriptionThe Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small dog who stands between 20 – 28cm at the withers and weighs between 8 and 11kg. He is recognizable by his fluffy head of hair.

He actually has quite a unique look with his long body and slightly over-sized head. He has floppy ears and a long tail. His coat is quite unusual too in that it can be silky and long around the face, legs and belly, while the topcoat is fairly shortish and crisp. His coat color is fawn to brown or reddish. He isn’t a heavy shedder.

Temperament:

Known also as the Dandie, Charlie’s Hope Terrier, the Mustard and Pepper Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont makes an excellent family pet with his calm demeanor, being somewhat reserved around strangers.

He is an alert, intelligent little dog and will warn you of strangers coming into your space. He therefore makes a good watchdog. He is loving and loyal to his human family and will readily fit into life in the city or in the countryside.

They are good with children and pets but with his independent streak, he will require training and socialization if you want him to behave and be obedient.

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

dandie dinmont terrier dog - characteristicsYour Dandie Dinmont is capable of being a wonderful companion. He loves spending time with his human family and is affectionate and loyal.

The small Dandie is able to fit into life in the city or country, just so long as he has his human family with him. Because he comes from Terrier dogs, he is no push-over though and he has an independent streak which will benefit from training and socialization.

Make sure you give this small dog of yours plenty of love and good care and you will find that you have a loyal, devoted friend in him.

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

dandie dinmont terrier puppies - health problemsYour pet Dandie Dinmont is a robust little dog who, with good care, can live to be anything between 12 to 15 years of age.

With every dog breed there will be health concerns, and these can include illnesses such as epilepsy as well as hypochondroplasia. All dogs have the potential to fall prey to health problems, and getting your pet from a reputable breeder can help to ensure you eliminate some of these diseases.

This small dog has a long body which means he can be affected by spinal problems. Genetics and body shape play a large role. Intervertebral disc disease is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column herniate into the spinal cord space. The discs press on the nerves and pain and paralysis can follow.

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

Exercise:

dandie dinmont terrier dogs - caringThe Dandie doesn’t require as much exercise as some other dog breeds but you want to make sure he goes with you on your walks, or you play ball with him in the garden. You don’t want to see a small dog like this becoming obese as it can herald in a host of health problems.

Grooming:

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier doesn’t shed a hang of a lot but still, you will need to brush him twice a week to get rid of those loose hairs. Also, the coat will require stripping twice a year. Some dog owners who prefer a low maintenance breed might not like knowing this, but it is a necessary part of his grooming. There are some dog owners who cut the hair rather, but then the texture of the coat will change. This is only important to know if you want to show your Dandie. Other Dandie owners take their pets to a professional groomer for clipping.

Check the Ears and Teeth:

Because the Dandie has floppy ears and a lot of hair around the face and ears, you will need to check his ears for dirt and wax build-up as these can cause an ear infection. If you’re nervous to be going inside your dog’s ears, the vet or the dog groomer can show you how.

Also, little dogs like this are prone to tooth decay, and you will need to brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week. This is because plaque and tartar buildup can cause mouth infections which contribute to other diseases within the body.

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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  26. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  30. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  35. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
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