French Spaniel vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison

French Spaniel vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed ComparisonFrench Spaniel is originated from France but German Spitz (Mittel) is originated from Germany. French Spaniel may grow 25 cm / 10 inches higher than German Spitz (Mittel). French Spaniel may weigh 11 kg / 25 pounds more than German Spitz (Mittel). French Spaniel may live 3 years less than German Spitz (Mittel). French Spaniel may have more litter size than German Spitz (Mittel). Both French Spaniel and German Spitz (Mittel) requires Moderate maintenance.

History

french spaniel - historyDeveloped in France and then in Canada, the French Spaniel is a descendent of 14th century hunting dogs. Originally the breed was very popular with the French royalty and nobility at the Court of Versailles, in the Middle Ages. A French Spaniel named Babe was owned by Catherine I of Russia.

Spaniels were mentioned in Gaston III of Foix-Beams’ The Master of the Game, or Livre de Chasse, in 14th Century France. Most believed that Spaniels had been developed during the 11th century Crusades. By 1650 the French Spaniel was differentiated from the King Charles Spaniel and determined to be its own type of spaniel.

In 1805, they were featured in the Sporting Magazine, hunting mallards. The French Spaniel was crossed with English Setters in the !850’s to develop the French Brittany (Spaniel). But by the end of the 19th century, hunting dogs from other countries were outpacing the French Spaniel so much that it was driven to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, a priest named Father Fournier saved the breed by taking all remaining Spaniels to his kennels at St. Hillarie and developing the lines we see in the breed today. This was followed by the founding of the French Spaniel Club in 1921. The various lines of the Spaniels included the French Spaniel of today, the Brittany of today, the Blue Picardy and the Picardy.

The French Spaniel however has been rare outside of its native country and Canada, where it was imported in the 1970’s to French speaking Quebec. Quebec Canadians fell in love with the breed for hunting grouse and woodcock. In order to ensure that the breed would be continued in line with its French standards, the Club de l’Epagneul Francais du Canada began in 1978. By 1985 the Canadian Kennel Club recognized the French Spaniel. Soon after they were recognized by the United Kennel Club, the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale, the UK Kennel Club and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, but not the AKC (American Kennel Club). They are also registered with organizations such as the American Canine Association, the Dog Registry of America and the America’s Pet Registry. They have been included in the AKC Foundation Stock Service as the first step toward AKC recognition.

german spitz mittel - historyOriginating 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

french spaniel puppy - descriptionThe French Spaniel is a very tall dog and as such is one of the spaniel breeds two tallest. They are taller than the English Springer Spaniel, have a deep chest and a muscular build. Their legs are very strong, and they have a thick tail that is never docked. It is long, slightly curved and hangs low. He is an elegant dog with dark amber eyes, long feathery ears, and a nose the color of the coat. If the coat is brown the nose is brown. If the coat is black and white the nose is black. Most French Spaniels are white with brown or dark liver or white with black.

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

Children friendliness

french spaniel dog - characteristicsYes, they are very good with children.

Special talents

They are great in filed trials as they can flush, point and retrieve.

Adaptability

The breed is very adaptable and can live in the city or in the country.

Learning ability

The breed is very intelligent and trainable.

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

french spaniel puppies - health problemsThe French Spaniel is a healthy breed that adapts well to all types of conditions, especially wet ones. There are some potentially serious health issues that the breed may be susceptible to:

Acral Mutilation and Analgesia

This is a very serious inherited disorder. It is one of many Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathies (HSN) disorders. This is an agonizing infliction that causes the dogs to have no pain in certain extremities and therefore the ability to self-mutilate their feet, pads, claws and digits. They lick and bite their feet often amputating footpads, claws, and digits without feeling any pain. This leads to infection and most dogs end up being euthanized. The disorder shows up by 3-4 months of age.

Ear Infections

Make sure the dog’s ears are cleaned regularly to remove wax and prevent infections.

Epilepsy

This disease causes seizures but can be treated with medication.

Hip dysplasia

Can cause lameness and arthritis.

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

Feed the puppy

french spaniel dogs - caringA high quality dry food made for puppies and if possible for Spaniels. Feed two to three times a day about one fourth of a cup each time

Feed the adult

A high quality adult dry food made for Spaniels if possible. Feed twice a day about one half to three fourths of a cup at each meal.

Points for Good Health

Excellent vision, stamina and speed.

Games and Exercises

These dog love to run and play. They are smart and learn easily. They like to chase balls, swim, play hide and seek, Find It, and go hiking. They can excel at learning tricks, agility, rally and obedience trials.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Companion dog
Origin:
France
Germany
Height Male:
56 - 63 cm
22 - 25 inches
30 - 38 cm
11 - 15 inches
Height Female:
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
30 - 38 cm
11 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 22 kg
22 - 49 pounds
7 - 11 kg
15 - 25 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 20 kg
17 - 45 pounds
7 - 11 kg
15 - 25 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
3 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Epagneul Français French Setter Canadian Setter
Deutscher Spitz Mittel
Colors Available:
White with brown markings
liver, Tan, black - mixed colors, fawn, white
Coat:
Straight, or slightly wavy and of medium length.
Long, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Social
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:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Golden Doodle vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  2. Pomsky vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  3. Old English Bulldog vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  4. Puggle vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  5. Schnoodle vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  6. Irish Doodles vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  7. Sanshu vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  8. German Spitz (Mittel) vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  9. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Aussie Poo - Breed Comparison
  10. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Eurasier - Breed Comparison
  11. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Bordoodle - Breed Comparison
  12. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Dalmador - Breed Comparison
  13. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Elo - Breed Comparison
  14. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Dutch Smoushond - Breed Comparison
  15. Pandikona vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  16. Renascence Bulldogge vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  17. Hairless Khala vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  18. Jindo vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  19. Hermes Bulldogge vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  20. Serbian Tricolour Hound vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  21. Kromfohrlander vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  22. Valley Bulldog vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  23. Whoodles vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  24. Mini Sheepadoodles vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  25. Beabull vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  26. French Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  27. French Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. French Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. French Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  30. French Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  31. French Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  32. French Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. French Spaniel vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. French Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. French Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  36. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  37. French Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  39. French Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  40. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Lagotto Romagnolo vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Shikoku vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Slovakian Hound vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Small Munsterlander vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Sussex Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Kooikerhondje vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds