Where to find a healthy Zwergspitz

Healthy Zwergspitz: What does that mean concretely?

A healthy Zwergspitz shows no genetic diseases, deformities or chronic health problems. It is active, lively, mentally stable and can perform normal canine activities without restrictions. Shiny coat, clear eyes, clean ears and good dental hygiene are further indicators.

What to look out for when buying?

• Breeder with verifiable health tests: Reputable breeders carry out all relevant health tests and show you the results.
• Veterinary examination: Have the puppy examined by an independent vet before purchase.
• Buy locally: Breeders in your region allow you to inspect the breeding conditions on site yourself.
• Seek recommendations: Ask friends, family or vets with experience regarding Zwergspitz breeders.
• Avoid breeding for harmful traits (Qualzucht): Extremely small sizes or exaggerated „cuteness” features harm health.
• Check papers: A reputable breeder provides pedigree and health certificates.

Extreme dwarfism causes illness

Written by Zwergspitz owner Dominique

Every breeder advertises the most beautiful, healthiest dogs. Trophies from shows adorn their homepages, and the sentence „I have been breeding for XY years” is meant to create trust.

However, extreme dwarfism cannot be healthy. The smaller the dog, the more susceptible it becomes to:

• BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome): Respiratory disease in dogs with short muzzles. Leads to breathing difficulties, snoring, and in severe cases, risk of suffocation. Surgery is often required.
• Hypoglycaemia: Dangerously low blood sugar levels. Symptoms: weakness, trembling, disorientation, unconsciousness, seizures. Particularly small and young dogs are affected. Rapid treatment with sugary solutions is necessary; if it recurs, consult a vet.
• Open fontanelle: Soft spot on the skull that normally closes after birth. If it remains open, the risk of brain injury and disease increases. Special caution is required; a vet should assess the risks.
• Hydrocephalus (water on the brain): Excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the skull. The increased pressure on the brain causes severe neurological symptoms. Mostly genetically determined, it frequently occurs in puppies. Symptoms range from behavioural changes to severe neurological deficits. Diagnosis and treatment by a specialised vet are necessary, depending on severity with medication or surgical intervention.
• CM/SM (Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia): Particularly known in smaller breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, yet widespread in Pomeranians. A skull malformation narrows the space for the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid is forced into the spinal canal, forming cysts (syrinxes) there. Consequence: pain and neurological problems. Diagnosis via MRI. Treatment is symptomatic; surgery in severe cases.
• Overlap: Several health problems occurring simultaneously, which influence or exacerbate each other.
• Further conditions: Patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap), tracheal collapse (collapse of the windpipe), dental problems. The list is not exhaustive.

Short muzzle, big problems

The shorter the muzzle, the more breathing problems. The more teddy-bear-shaped the head, the higher the risk of neurological diseases.

Anyone wishing to buy a “sweet teddy dog” should be aware of the possible consequences. However, the responsibility lies with the breeders. Anyone who has known the breed for years can and should provide information. If a buyer wants a teddy type, the breeder must address the health risks and potential suffering.

Instead, I often hear: “The buyers want teddies, so we just breed them that way. We can’t help it if they are sick.”

That is wrong. Only buy from breeders who test parent dogs via MRI and have ruled out neurological abnormalities. Do not trust mere words – have the MRI shown and explained to you.

It does not matter whether a breeder breeds with VDH, SKG or Dissidenz. None of these associations mandate MRI testing. Few breeders do the MRI voluntarily. Thanks for that. 🙏🏻❤️

You can see how severe CM/SM can be in dogs in my posts on https://www.instagram.com/mishasgoldensoul/. So many dogs are affected, and the numbers are increasing.

Keep your eyes open when buying a puppy. Inform yourselves not only with the association and breeder, but also with those affected – there are many of us.

Petition: Mandatory MRI for breeding dogs 🙏🏻

An increasing number of Pomeranians are contracting SM/CM or hydrocephalus. For affected dogs, this means a lifelong path of suffering.

A cure does not exist. No European country mandates MRI testing. Mainly in the Netherlands and Belgium do breeders test their dogs via MRI to curb these diseases.

A study on the above-mentioned conditions is currently underway with Doc. Mandigers and at the University Hospital Bern. The figures are alarming.

Help with this petition to make MRI mandatory and allow breeding only with tested Pomeranians, so that this disease does not spread further.

For the health of this breed: Support the petition now!