Indian Spitz Dog Breed Guide
📍 Origin: India
The Indian Spitz is a small, fox-faced spitz-type breed that was developed in India and became one of the most popular companion dogs on the subcontinent during the 1980s and 1990s. It is lively, affectionate, and adapts well to both urban apartments and larger homes across South Asia.
| Breed | Indian Spitz |
| Size | Small (5–7 lbs) |
| Height | 35–45 inches |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Temperament | Playful, Loyal, Alert |
| Energy Level | High●●●●○ |
| Good With Kids | ✅ Yes |
| Grooming | Moderate |
| Training | Very Good |
| Shedding | Heavy |
| Best For | Beginners & Families |
🐕 Indian Spitz Overview
The Indian Spitz resembles a smaller version of the German Spitz and is known for its fluffy white double coat, pointed ears, and expressive dark eyes. Despite its dainty appearance it is a hardy and adaptable breed that thrives in the warm climates of India and Pakistan. It is a devoted family companion that forms strong bonds with its owners and is alert enough to serve as an effective watchdog.
📜 History & Origin
The Indian Spitz descended from German Spitz dogs brought to India by the British during the colonial period and was selectively bred over generations to adapt to the South Asian climate and conditions. During the 1980s it rose to become one of the most commonly kept pet dogs in India, partly because import restrictions on foreign breeds made it a popular and accessible alternative to Pomeranians. Today it remains a cherished breed throughout India and Pakistan, though it is rare in Western countries including the United Kingdom where it has almost no established breeding population.
👀 Size & Appearance
🐶 Male
- Weight: 5–7 lbs (2–3 kg)
- Height: 35–45 inches (89–114 cm)
🐕 Female
- Weight: 4–6 lbs
- Height: 33–43 inches
Coat type: Double coat with a thick, soft undercoat and a long, straight outer coat
🧠 Temperament & Behaviour
With Children
Indian Spitzs are generally excellent with children. Their patient, gentle nature makes them reliable family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.
With Other Dogs & Pets
Generally sociable with other dogs and pets when properly socialised from puppyhood. Early introductions are recommended.
🏃 Exercise Needs
Indian Spitzs are high-energy dogs that require at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. This includes brisk walks, off-leash running, fetch, or swimming. Without adequate exercise, they can become destructive or develop behavioural problems.
✅ Apartment living: Possible with adequate daily exercise commitment.
🍗 Food & Diet Guide
🐶 Puppy (8 weeks – 12 months)
- Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
- 3–4 small meals per day up to 6 months
- Reduce to 2–3 meals from 6 months onward
- Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
- Avoid overfeeding — controlled growth prevents joint issues
🐕 Adult (Indian Spitz)
- Daily amount: 0.75 to 1 cup of quality dry kibble
- Split into 2 meals per day
- Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
- Monitor weight monthly — adjust portions as needed
Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.
🏅 Training Guide
Basic Commands
Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes.
Toilet Training
Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.
Leash Training
Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.
Socialisation
Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8–16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.
✂️ Grooming
Brushing
Brush 2–3 times per week to manage shedding and coat condition.
Bathing
Bath every 4–6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
🩺 Health Problems
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Preventive Health Tips
- Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
- Maintain a healthy weight — obesity worsens most conditions
- Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents
⏱ Lifespan
The average Indian Spitz lifespan is 12–15 years. Smaller breeds often live longer than larger breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
- Regular exercise matched to age and health status
- Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
- Dental care — dental disease affects overall health significantly
💷 Puppy Price
United States
Pedigree AKC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Europe
Pedigree FCI-registered puppy from health-tested parents
United Kingdom
Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)
Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder — never from puppy farms.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- First-time dog owners
- Apartment dwellers
- Families with children
- Excellent with children
- Suitable for first-time owners
❌ Cons
- Owners wanting a low-shedding breed
- Owners seeking a breed common in the UK
- Requires significant daily exercise
- Heavy shedding — regular vacuuming needed
🆚 Indian Spitz vs Other Breeds
✅ Indian Spitz wins at
The Indian Spitz is more affordable and easier to source in India and Pakistan, and tends to be hardier in warm climates.
✅ Pomeranian wins at
The Pomeranian is far more widely available in the UK and internationally, with a broader range of coat colours and an established global breed registry.
✅ Indian Spitz wins at
The Indian Spitz adapts better to hot and humid South Asian climates and is significantly cheaper to acquire and maintain in India and Pakistan.
✅ American Eskimo Dog wins at
The American Eskimo Dog has formal AKC recognition, more established health testing programmes, and broader availability in Western countries.
🏠 Who Should Own a Indian Spitz?
✅ Great Choice If You Are:
- First-time dog owners
- Apartment dwellers
- Families with children
- A family with children
- A first-time dog owner
❌ Consider Another Breed If:
- Owners wanting a low-shedding breed
- Owners seeking a breed common in the UK
- You have a very sedentary lifestyle
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indian Spitz good for families?
Yes, the Indian Spitz is an excellent family dog that is gentle, playful, and patient with children of all ages. It bonds closely with all members of the household and generally gets along well with other pets when properly socialised from puppyhood. Its moderate size and lively temperament make it a great match for both active families and those in smaller homes or apartments.
How much does a Indian Spitz puppy cost?
In India, Indian Spitz puppy prices typically range from around 5,000 to 20,000 Indian Rupees depending on the breeder, lineage, and city. In Pakistan, expect to pay approximately 15,000 to 50,000 Pakistani Rupees, with show-quality or well-bred pups at the higher end. In the UK the breed is rare and sourcing one may be difficult, but if found through an importer or specialist breeder, prices could range from roughly 800 to 1,500 British Pounds.
Is Indian Spitz easy to train?
The Indian Spitz is an intelligent and eager-to-please breed that responds well to positive reinforcement training methods such as praise, play, and treats. It picks up basic commands and house training relatively quickly, making it a good choice for first-time dog owners. Consistency and short, engaging training sessions work best, as the breed can become bored or stubborn if sessions are overly repetitive.
What food is best for a Indian Spitz?
A high-quality commercial dry kibble formulated for small breeds is a solid foundation for an Indian Spitz diet, providing the right balance of protein, fat, and micronutrients. In India and Pakistan, many owners supplement dry food with home-cooked options such as rice, boiled chicken, or dal, which can work well as long as the diet remains balanced and avoids onion, garlic, and excessive salt. Adults typically need around three-quarters to one cup of dry food per day, split into two meals, though portions should be adjusted based on the dog's weight and activity level.
Does Indian Spitz bark a lot?
The Indian Spitz is a naturally alert breed that will bark to signal strangers, unusual sounds, or anything it perceives as a threat, which makes it an effective watchdog in a compact package. With consistent training and adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation, excessive barking can be managed and kept to a reasonable level.
Can a Indian Spitz live in an apartment?
Yes, the Indian Spitz is well suited to apartment living thanks to its small size and moderate daily exercise requirement of around 30 minutes of walking or active play. It adapts comfortably to the warm indoor temperatures common in South Asian urban homes, making it one of the most practical companion breeds for city dwellers in India and Pakistan.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Indian Spitz is an excellent choice for first-time dog owners and experienced owners alike. With a lifespan of 12–15 years, high energy demands, and moderate grooming requirements, the Indian Spitz is a wonderful family dog.
If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Indian Spitz will reward you with years of loyal companionship.