Toy Manchester Terrier vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison

Also referred to as the Miniature Spitz, the German Spitz is believed to have descended from the Nordic Samoyed and Lapphund. Some dog experts say they were developed from the larger European Spitz, and that they were once referred to as Pomeranians.

It is also thought that these dogs were in all likelihood brought over to Germany during the Middle Ages. This gives you an idea as to how ancient the breed is. There are actually 4 different Spitz breeds, divided by their sizes.

The dogs were originally used as herding and guard dogs, but today you could say that this toy breed is essentially a companion dog.

The Toy Manchester Terrier comes from Manchester and came about by breeding the Manchester Terrier with smaller dog breeds.

Looking like a Doberman Pinscher, the American Toy Manchester Terrier Club was formed in the 1930s and the dog was recognized in 1938 by the American Kennel Club.

It is believed that the Black and Tan Terrier was also possibly crossed with Whippets. The dog is categorized as a Terrier or as a Toy breed.

Classified as a toy breed, the German Spitz Klein looks like a small fox with his thick fur. He stands at between 23 – 28cm in height and he weighs 5 to 10kg.

He has a sharp foxy face with small pointed upright ears and dark, bright eyes.

The double coat of the dog which can be fawn, cream, reddish, brown or black or a mixture of these colors, is straight, vibrant and off-standing to look at. He has a soft woolly undercoat. The tail of the dog curls up over the back.

Temperament:

The German Spitz Klein has got such a bright little face. He is a social, friendly dog, forming a strong bond with his human family. He is a smart dog too and can be easily trained.

Lively and independent, he is bold and adventurous. Even with a small dog like this, he will do well to be trained and socialized as he just becomes a better dog -obedient and relaxed around strange people and dogs.

Because of his size, he adapts well to life in the city or in the countryside. This is also because he doesn’t require a lot of exercise. The litter size for the German Spitz Klein is between 1 and 5 puppies.

Looking much like a small Doberman Pinscher, the Manchester Terrier is the miniature version of the standard Manchester.

He weighs in the region of 2 to 5kg and stands at between 25 and 30cm in height. He has a sleek, short coat which is black and tan. He is lithe and muscular, bred back in the day to kill vermin. He has large, broad erect ears which taper to a point.

Temperament:

The Toy Manchester Terrier is a gentle but energetic dog, a great choice for an active family. Throw a ball and you’ll see how he loves to give chase, and he’ll also love his walk every day.

They’re adaptable too, so if you live in the countryside or the city, he can be your friend and companion there.

Training and socialization are excellent for all dogs, particularly ones with a stubborn, independent streak such as with this dog. He is intelligent and will learn quickly. They’re alert too so you can expect him to be a good watchdog.

This litle dog is seriously a case of ‘dynamite in a small package’. Bold, daring, brave, spunky, clever, playful and friendly, your confident little German Spitz Klein makes most families the perfect pet and companion.

Give him the love and attention he deserves, especially because he is undemanding and low maintenance, and with good care you’re going to have a most adoring companion for more than a decade.

The Toy Manchester Terrier is full of beans and will provide you with lots of fun. They're sociable and love being in the presence of their human family.

They get on well with kids and pets in the home and are brave, alert and feisty. He may be small, but he is full of personality and he’s just waiting to fill your home with his bright charm, promising to be a loyal, loving pet.

You’ve got a pretty healthy little dog breed but be that as it may, it doesn’t make him totally immune to some of the common dog diseases there are. With him, you might want to look out for eye disease and epilepsy.

Glaucoma:

Glaucoma occurs when there is pressure in the eye. Your dog will have pain, red eyes, dilated pupils, increased tear production and corneal cloudiness. You want to have him at the vet for this because putting off treatment can lead to blindness.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This is a condition that can gradually lead to blindness even though the eyes look normal. Difficulty with seeing at night is one symptom. Fortunately the condition is painless and your dog finds ways to cope with the problem.

It is always a good idea when you suspect anything wrong with your pet, to get him to the vet as soon as possible.

The Toy Manchester Terrier is a healthy dog breed and can reach anything between 14 and 16 years of age. Good food and exercise can stave off illness, but there are some common dog illnesses that any dog can succumb to.

Some of these are cancer, bloat, ear infections, skin allergies, and parasites.

Hypothyroidism:

This occurs when there are problems with the thyroid hormone. You might find skin problems with your pet, lethargy and even hair loss. Your vet might suggest hormone replacement, but there are always natural products for dogs too.

Leggs-Calves Perthes Disease:

This is when there is degeneration of the head on the femur bone so that there is also joint inflammation.

It is thought that the condition is brought on by problems with blood supply to the femoral head. Lameness sets in and then your vet will want a medical history of your pet’s health.

Diet:

As a feisty small-sized dog breed, your foxy little German Spitz Klein needs to get the very best food there is. If you are going to feed him a high-quality commercial dog food, make sure to read the ingredients on the packaging and buy him food according to his size and age. Mix in some home-made food from time to time and always ensure he has constant access to cool, fresh drinking water.

Grooming:

He has a fairly long, thick coat, so a good brush twice a week will be adequate. While you’re brushing him, check him over for fleas and ticks too.

Always check his teeth and brush them a couple of times a week too. Bad teeth can cause a host of problems, not only with the teeth, but other parts of the body too.

Exercise:

He is an active, jaunty little dog that loves all kinds of games. Being a small breed, he isn’t going to be the kind of dog that you need to include in your jogging or cycling trips, but he is no couch potato, and he will love to go on a walk with you, and it also does him good to get out and about for a change of scenery.

Make sure you provide your pet with yard space and that he is well exercised and occupied. Provide him with exercise and give him attention.

Provide him with a dry, quiet resting place. If he spends time outdoors, he must have shade and sun as well as shelter from the rain.

Provide him with good food in his own special bowls. If you feed him dry kibble, make sure to give him a quality one with vitamins and minerals. The food’s labeling will guide you as to what to buy, but your vet is also a good source of useful information. Try to give him some home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes and spinach for instance, are excellent examples. Dont add in exotic spices and curries that can give him an upset stomach. Make sure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Get your Manchester to the vet if he is ill. Make sure his vaccines are up to date.

He has short hair and is a low maintenance dog. Brush him once or twice a week to keep his shiny coat healthy. Check inside his ears for redness and give him a good check-over to make sure he doesn’t have any odd looking lumps or sores on his body.