Seidenspitz

International Seidenspitz Foundation
Founded in 2004
Official German Breed Standard

 

History:
The breed was first registered by the Delegierten-Commission e.V. (DC1829 e.V.) German Stud Books. The breed was shown throughout Germany, and was referred to as the "Silky Coated Toy Pomeranian". The breed was developed exclusively in Germany by using the Maltese and only the solid white colored Pomeranian. Pomeranians with other coat colors other than solid black, were forbidden. Most records and the majority of the information on the breed was destroyed in both World War I and World War II, but numerous records and articles on the breed survived, and are seen in many old documents. The International Seidenspitz Foundation was founded in the United States in 2004, and is dedicated to the original breed standard set forth by the RVD/UCI, using the exact coat color ( solid white or solid black), used in the formation of the original breed.

General Appearance:  The Seidenspitz must be trimmed in the following manner. The Seidenspitz should resemble the Toy Pomeranian in every respect with the only differences being a long silky coat, either in solid white or solid black. The solid white colored coat is much preferred over the solid black, but a good solid black coated specimen should be considered for Best of Breed. The coat shall be long, fine, and silky, and about 6 (six) inches long. The feet are elongated and fine. . The hair on the face is shaved along the muzzle to the eyes (please see the attached photo). The mustache and beard can be left long or may be trimmed (many historic documents show differences in the length of the mustache and beard). The feet and legs are trimmed short up to the stifles on the front legs and blended into the upper leg, to give the appearance of the short hair found on the front legs of a Pomeranian, as well as the back feet and legs. The long hair on the ears is to be trimmed extremely short, in a manner to give the erect ear a well trimmed neat appearance.

 

Size, Proportion, Substance: The average weight of the Seidenspitz in dogs who are six months of age or older, is 3 to about 7 pounds. Their Height at the withers is 9.4 inches to 13.8 inches. They should be medium-boned, and the length of their legs should be in proportion to their well balanced frame. Overall quality is favored over size.

 

Head:  The top of the skull is slightly rounded, but not domed. The ears are mounted high on the skull, and must be carried erect. The eyes are dark, bright, medium in size, and almond shaped and set well into the skull, on either side of a well pronounced stop. The pigmentation is black on the nose and eye rims. The teeth meet in an even, edge to edge bite, or a scissor bite. Loss of teeth should not be faulted for a dog of any age, as long as the bite can be determined to be correct.

Neck:  Sufficient length of the neck is desired to promote a high carriage of the head.

Body:  Compact, with the height from the withers to the ground equaling the length from the withers to the root of the tail. The back is level in its top line, with well sprung ribs. The plumed tail is one the characteristics of the breed, and is carried gracefully, and well arched when in motion.

Legs and Feet:  Forelegs are straight and parallel to each other. The hind legs are strong, moderately angulated at the stifles, and hocks. The feet are elongated and fine. Dewclaws may be removed.

Major Faults: Cow hocked or lack of soundness in the hind legs or stifles.

 

Gait:  The Seidenspitz gait is smooth, free, and well balanced.

 

Coat & Color:   The coat is long, fine and silky. The length is about 6 inches long in an adult. The preferred color per the original breed standard is Solid White, but a Solid Black Coated Dog of good quality, is acceptedable, but all other colors are a disqualification. A solid black colored dog of good quality should be considered as well as a solid white colored coat for Best of Breed.

 

Disqualification: Any coat color other than solid white or solid black.

Temperament:  The Seidenspitz exhibits great intelligence and affection, which along with his size, makes him an ideal companion.

Major Faults:   Cow hocked or lack of soundness in the hind legs or stifles.

 

Disqualifications:  Unilateral or bilateral crypt orchid. An undershot or overshot bite. Any other color other than black in the nose or the eye rims on any dog 6 months of age or older, (pups under six months of age may have some pink).

Any Eye Colors other than a very dark brown are a disqualification. Any coat colors other than a solid white or a solid black are a forbidden. Ears not erect on any dog who is six months of age or older.