When one thinks of the Indian Spitz dog, one visualises an adorable and fluffy dog. People often confuse this breed with the Samoyed and Pomeranian breeds, but they are not the same. The Indian Spitz dog is one of the native breeds of India. The breed is believed to be descended from the German Spitz, which was brought to India by the British and crossed with Indian Pariah dogs.
The popularity of the Indian Spitz is well-founded. It gained popularity when it appeared in the famous movie “Hum Aapke Hain Kaun” as “Tuffy”. The breed has adapted well to India’s tropical climate, and the price range is affordable compared to other species. This article discusses, in detail, the factors that affect the price of an Indian Spitz dog.
How much does the Indian Spitz cost in India?
The cost of the Indian spitz ranges from Rs. 3,600 to 15,000, with a median price of Rs. 7,900, depending on whether it is a pet quality or show-quality dog. However, the price varies from city to city. Apart from the city, factors such as quality of the torque, age, gender, and the breeder from whom one buys.
Factors that influence the buying price of Indian Spitz in India
Buying a puppy vs an old dog
The age of the Indian Spitz you purchase has a certain influence on its price. For example, a puppy will be cheaper, costing you around INR 4,000, while a grown dog of 2 years may cost you between INR 6,000 to 8,000. This is because the higher cost of the older dog will take into account the vaccination and other expenses that have been incurred during its growing up years.
Indian Spitz being an active breed, the puppies are capable of reigning terror in the house. Besides direct costs, indirect monetary and non-monetary costs should also be considered. You will likely devote more time to a puppy who requires training and discipline than an older dog. If you do not have the time to train your puppy, you may need to hire a trainer entailing additional costs.
Adopting vs buying an Indian Spitz
On the face of it, adoption seems a financially feasible and nobler choice. It certainly elicits a warm feeling knowing that you are providing a home to an abandoned or rescued pup. While certain adoption agencies charge a fee, most do it for free. However, adoption does entail certain hidden costs. For example, you are likely to get an unhealthy pup, so expect to incur healthcare expenses for recovery. You will likely end up with a mixed breed instead of a purebred dog.
Adopting an Indian Spitz from a shelter is a long wait time. Unlike purchasing from a breeder where you are promised delivery date, the long wait period and uncertainty can be a spirit dampener.
Breeder factor
Buying an Indian spitz from puppy mills
It’s pertinent to understand what puppy mills are. Puppy mills, also known as puppy farms, are commercial dog breeding establishments with the underlying intent of maintaining a low overhead and maximising profits.
Puppy mills are looked down upon due to the appalling conditions in which the dogs are kept. Therefore, buying your pet from a puppy mill is not advisable. While the price would be lower because of the low overheads and crowded breeding, buying from a puppy mill is likely to encourage their owners to continue such ruthless practices.
You will likely end up with a dog with underlying health conditions or a mixed breed if you purchase from a puppy mill.
Buying from a pet shop
Pet shops are a rung higher when compared to puppy mills as they present an ethical choice, at least superficially. When purchasing an Indian Spitz from a pet shop, ensure the following:
- Kennel Club of India (KCI) registration
- Availability of completed health check-ups
- Vaccination certificates
- Information on lineage to ensure that it is purebred
- Information about the breeder
Purchasing your Indian Spitz dog from pet shops may not be the best choice as their underlying motive is profit-driven.
Buying from intermediaries or brokers
Purchasing from an intermediary or a broker is a safer, albeit costly, option. It is expensive because they generally charge 10% to 15% commission. An added advantage is that they can get you in touch with the dog’s breeders, who can answer any questions you may have. Reputable breeders prefer to sell through a broker as they can make a little profit through this route. It is easier to spot a responsible breeder when you see that profit is not a significant concern for them.
Reputable Breeders
Purchasing your pet from a breeder would ensure that your puppy is healthy and purebred. Since breeders have their hearts in the right place and intend to find a happy home for their puppy, it is your best alternative when buying an Indian Spitz. Buying from a reputable breeder may be expensive compared to buying one from a non-reputable breeder.
Questions to ask the breeder?
When purchasing your puppy from a breeder, some of the questions that you should ask the breeder are:
Are the puppy’s parents registered with the KCI?
A reputable breeder will be knowledgeable of the dog’s pedigree and should be able to present the original registration to you. Since the registration includes the breeder’s name, it serves as a cross-verification.
Questions on the medical history of the puppy’s parents
Gaining insights into the medical history of the puppy’s parents will prepare you and help you anticipate future health issues from which your dog may suffer. A reputable breeder will have information to share on the parents’ medical history.
Is the puppy vaccinated?
A responsible breeder will have their puppies vaccinated to date. Be sure to get the vaccination card from the breeder for your potential pet.
Ask to meet the parent dogs.
Request the breeder to let you meet the parent dogs, especially the mother dog. When you meet the parent dogs, assess their health, activity levels and whether they conform to their breed standards (whether they are purebred). A reputed and responsible breeder will be willing to grant this request.
Ask about the veterinarian visits for the puppy
A responsible breeder will ensure regular health check-ups for their puppy. Too many or too few visits may indicate underlying health issues.
Is the puppy dewormed?
Deworming helps your pup to retain nutrition better. Responsible breeders ensure regular deworming of their puppies.
Do you have a license?
A breeder ought to have a license if they intend to sell the dogs. It ensures that the puppies have not been abused and that KCI guidelines have been adhered to when breeding them.
Can I contact you if I have any questions?
A responsible breeder would be more than willing to answer any questions about the dog, even after its purchase.
Pet quality vs show quality.
Given the Indian spitz dog’s history of being a circus dog, another factor influencing the price of the puppy is whether it is a pet quality or show quality dog. Before we dive into the difference, it is pertinent to note that both these categories of puppies could be from the same litter. Pet quality pups have some minor faults, often unnoticeable. Examples include undershot or overshot jaws. Show-quality pups are meant for the show ring and are more expensive than pet-quality ones.
Size
The Indian Spitz can be divided into the following two sizes:
- Smaller Indian Spitz
- Greater Indian Spitz (more popular)
Both categories are almost similar in traits without any significant difference apart from size. Little market evidence suggests that the price of an Indian Spitz dog is affected by its size.
Mix breed or Purebred
The breed of the pup is also a critical determinant of its price. For example, a mixed-breed Indian Spitz will be available at a lower price but is more prone to health issues while growing up. On the other hand, a purebred Indian Spitz will be more expensive, albeit healthier. The cost of a purebred Indian Spitz can go up to INR 8,000.
Bloodline
You can predict your dog’s behaviour and health if you have information about its bloodline. The bloodline or the type of generation also affects the puppy’s price. The cost of a specific litter differs based on the parent’s makeup or generation. A good bloodline will ensure a healthier pup, thereby fetching a higher price.
Coat colours and markings
While the Indian Spitz dog often comes in milky white shades, other coat colours include brown or black. Generally, the price does not depend on the coat colours.
Locations
As evidenced by the above price summary table, the Indian Spitz puppy price depends on the location from where it is being purchased. Like all other things, there will be a price difference between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. The availability factor also affects the price of the Indian Spitz. In a place where the demand exceeds the supply of the Indian Spitz, the price is likely to be higher.
Certifications and Warranties
Logically, a puppy registered with KCI and duly vaccinated to date will likely cost more as the price shall consider such costs. You will likely procure a puppy with such certifications and warranties from a reputable breeder.
Gender
A male Indian Spitz is around 35-40 cm tall and weighs 15-20 kg. The female’s height is around 30-35 cm, and her weight ranges between 10-15 kg. There is little market evidence that suggests that the price of an Indian Spitz differs according to their gender.
Yearly Maintenance Cost of Owning an Indian Spitz
Dog Food Factor
Like a human baby, feeding cost is essential for any pet owner. A general rule of thumb is that dogs require 80 calories for every 1kg of their body weight. However, the food requirements also depend on other factors such as activity levels, age and, most importantly, the type of food.
Home Food vs Purchased food
The speciality of the Indian Spitz is that it has adapted to the Indian lifestyle. The fact that pet is a common sight in innumerable Indian households is testimony to this adaptation. It is understood that they thrive on homemade food like curd and rice, boiled eggs, chicken, chapatis etc.
The alternative of feeding speciality pet food to your Indian Spitz is always available. Depending on the quality of the dog food you purchase, the cost can range from INR 1,500 to INR 4,000.
While there is versatility in the food options available for this lovable breed, feeding your pet requires a vet-approved diet.
Portion Size and Daily Frequency
Below is a recommended diet chart for an Indian Spitz dog:
| Age | Weight (kg) | Quantity in grams | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 months | 1 to 2 | 50 to 75 | 4 |
| 3 months | 2 to 3 | 75 to 100 | 3 |
| 6 months | 3 to 5 | 125 to 250 | 2 |
| Adult | 7 to 9 | 250 to 300 | 2 |
Vet Factor
Vaccination Cost
Vaccinating your Indian Spitz is pertinent to immunise it against disease-causing organisms. Vaccinations start when the puppy is 6 to 7 weeks old. Once the Indian Spitz is an adult, core vaccinations are done annually, and rabies vaccination is done every 3 years. Core vaccinations cost around INR 800, and rabies vaccination costs around INR 300.
A recommended vaccination schedule is illustrated below:
| Disease agent | Puppy doses (<16 weeks) | Adult doses (> 16 weeks) | Re-vaccination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distemper | 1 dose at 6-8 weeks, 9-11 weeks & 12-14 weeks of age | 1 dose | Annually |
| Parvovirus | 1 dose at 6-8 weeks, 9-11 weeks & 12-14 weeks of age | 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart | Annually |
| Adenovirus – Hepatitis | 1 dose at 6-8 weeks, 9-11 weeks & 12-14 weeks of age | 1 dose if MLV 2 doses 2-4 weeks apart if KV (Killed Vaccine) | Annually |
| Parainfluenza | 1 dose at 6-8 weeks, 9-11 weeks & 12-14 weeks of age | 1 dose | Annually |
| Rabies | 1 dose as early as 3 months of age | 1 dose | Every 3 years |
| Leptospira | 1 dose at 12 weeks & second dose at 14-16 weeks of age | 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart | Annually as needed |
| Kennel cough (non-core) | 1 dose at 6-8 weeks & 10-12 weeks *Also can give 1 dose intranasal at 3 weeks of age | 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart | Annually as needed |
| Coronavirus | 1 dose at 6 weeks of age, then every 2-4 weeks until 12 weeks of age | 1 dose | Annually as needed |
Neutering or Spaying Surgery Cost
Breeding a dog is not easy and is not recommended for everyone. Empirically, neutering/spaying is a recommended procedure for dogs with various health benefits. It is a one-time procedure, and its cost varies according to the location and the veterinarian chosen. It will cost you less in a government clinic and higher at a private clinic.
The cost of neutering an Indian Spitz ranges from INR 3,000 to INR 7,000. The procedure is practically free in government-run vet colleges and costs around INR 1,500 in government-run hospitals. In addition, some NGOs offer this surgical process on a no-cost basis.
Deworming Cost
Your Indian Spitz Puppy may be infected with fleas, ticks or even heartworm. While some of these health issues may be resolved by over-the-counter deworming tablets, ranging from INR 100 to INR 500, certain conditions may require specialised treatment. The deworming tablets’ frequency and dosage depend on your dog’s age and weight.
Housing and Confinement Cost
Housing and confinement costs for an Indian Spitz warrant consideration of two possible scenarios. One in which you leave the dog alone at home. Leaving your dog alone is honestly going to be a difficult task, given that Indian Spitz dogs do not like to stay alone and suffer from separation anxiety. However, if you achieve that, you will likely need a size-appropriate crate whose cost ranges from INR 1,000, lapping up to INR 4,000, depending on your chosen quality.
Another excellent option for your furry friend is availing pet sitting services which have been gathering steam lately. The pet sitter will either make regular visits to your house or stay put there, depending on the package you select. A pet sitter will cost you in the range of INR 700 to INR 1,000.
Accessories Cost
Given the Indian Spitz’s humble background and its popularity with middle-class households, the accessories requirements for the dog are standard with some specifications to suit the breed.
Leash vs Harness: The Indian Spitz is an active dog breed; they tend to be pretty and often pull on their leash too much during their walks. Hence, using a leash when they are young is likely to be uncomfortable at the least. Thus, a harness is recommended for an Indian Spitz until it is calmer and better trained.
The harness cost ranges from INR 500 to INR 1,500, depending on the quality you opt for.
Toys Cost
You ought to give due consideration to the characteristics of the Indian Spitz when selecting toys for them. For example, it is known that the breed fulfils its exercise quota for the day mostly by playing around the house. So getting a ball or a frisbee for playing in the park will work wonders to satisfy this requirement. A ball or a frisbee will cost around INR 200 to INR 300.
Grooming Cost
While the furry coat of the breed may indicate otherwise, the grooming requirements of the Indian Spitz are minimal. However, shedding is an issue in the summer. Therefore, brushing them at least once or twice a week is recommended. In addition, the coat must be checked for ticks and worms daily in the warmer months. The breed has fluffy double coats, so make sure you own a double-row brush to get to the undercoat. Grooming also entails brushing their teeth and nail clipping.
Expect to invest around INR 2,000 in the grooming requirements for an Indian Spitz. It is recommended not to go chintzy on a brush because using the right one will effectively help to limit the shedding too in the shedding season.
Despite the breed’s minimal grooming requirements, if you do not have the time or skills to groom your dog at home, you can also opt for professional grooming services. Such services are available in packages that range from basic to extensive, depending on your requirements. Expect the cost to be around INR 1,000 to INR 2,000.
Walker Cost
An Indian Spitz is well-acclimatised to smaller houses and will likely exhaust itself running around the house, given its small size. However, the dog is pretty high on energy and thus should be taken for a walk to spend that energy.
The cost of a dog walker depends on several factors, such as the frequency of walks, ancillary services required etc. Generally, the cost is around INR 3,000 to INR 5,000 monthly.
You may choose to walk your furry friend by yourself as their activity requirements are on the lower end too.
Training and Socialising Class Cost
Indian Spitz is a highly trainable breed. Its historical appearances in the circus testify to its quick learning abilities. In addition, positive reinforcement works well with the dog.
The breed can be trained in-house, or you can opt to hire a trainer if you lack the time. The typical cost for a dog trainer can average around INR 6,500 per month.
Treat Cost
As discussed previously, positive reinforcement works well with the Indian Spitz, and treats are one of the tools. Commercial dog food companies such as pedigree offer various dog food treats such as meat jerky, chicken sticks etc. A packet of such treats will likely cost you around INR 200, available across stores and online.
Insurance Cost
The Indian Spitz is prone to certain health conditions such as obesity, hip dysplasia and knee slip. In addition, the breed is also prone to a condition that leads to dry eyes, further resulting in red, painful and irritated eyes. Therefore, it will serve well for the owner to cover costs to tackle these health-related conditions or any difficulties with insurance. The yearly insurance premium for an Indian Spitz ranges from INR 3,000 to INR 6,000. Leading pet insurers offer primary covers for hospitalisation and surgeries with optional covers or riders for OPD, theft protection, and third-party liabilities. It is recommended that you opt for the optional riders for all-around protection.
Travel Cost
Travelling with your pet can initially seem overwhelming, but leaving them behind is no good either, right? Travel costs should be evaluated for the following modes:
By Train: Indian railways are one of the best modes of transport for travelling within the country as they permit dogs on board. The cost for an accompanying dog is negligible at around INR 10. However, dogs can only accompany passengers in First Class AC or First-Class compartments. Additionally, the passenger is expected to book the entire compartment unless they have the consent of all other co-passengers. Such requirements do entail additional costs.
By Air: For domestic travel, only Air India currently permits pets on board, while the other airlines only permit service animals. Excess baggage costs are applied for carrying pets. The same is calculated using the combined weight of the pet, the container and food supplies, if any. International travel with a pet will likely cost you around INR 2,00,000 to INR 3,00,000. The Indian Spitz is known to suffer from separation anxiety; thus, it must be trained for travel by air if it is required to be transported in the cargo section.
Before travelling with your pet, you must present all health and vaccine certificates.
Daycare Cost
If you are a working pet parent, you likely need to avail yourself of pet daycare services without familial support. Additionally, as discussed previously, Indian Spitz dogs are likely to suffer from separation anxiety and thus, leaving them at home may not be the best idea. Daycare services cost INR 500 to 1,000 per day, and the range varies according to the sophistication and location of the daycare centre.
Registration Cost
Registration of your furball is mandatory in India with the Kennel Club of India (“KCI”). The cost of registration of the pet depends on the registration status of the parent. If both parents are registered, non-members must pay INR 500, and members must pay INR 400. If the parents are unknown, members must pay INR 800, while non-members are required to pay INR 500.
Essential Things to Consider Before Buying an Indian Spitz
It will serve well to keep these things in mind before deciding to own an Indian Spitz:
- Given the double furry coat of the breed, the Indian Spitz sheds a lot in their shedding season. So if you are allergic to fur or do not like furniture covered with hair, you may want to reconsider.
- If you are someone who spends most of their time outside and cannot afford daycare, reconsider your decision to own an Indian Spitz because they are prone to separation anxiety and need human contact.
- The dog is a vocal breed and barks loudly at other pets and strangers. Thus, owning an Indian Spitz may be a nuisance if you stay in a noise-sensitive neighbourhood.
Benefits Of Bringing an Indian Spitz Puppy To Home
- An Indian Spitz dog will be the perfect breed for new pet parents as it is low maintenance and easily trainable.
- Given their small size, they adapt well to smaller houses and are also easily trainable through the proper techniques.
- The breed is active indoors, limiting their exercise requirements to 15-20 minutes per day.
FAQs
Are Indian Spitz and Pomeranian the same?
Assuming that Indian Spitz and Pomeranian are the same is one of the most common misconceptions about the Indian Spitz. Since it resembles the Pomeranian, it is assumed that they are the same breed, but it is not the case. The Indian Spitz is a heavier dog as compared to the Pomeranian. The Pomeranian has a smaller muzzle (nose and mouth) than the Indian Spitz. Additionally, the ears of the Indian Spitz are longer and more pointed than the Pomeranian’s. Given that a Pomeranian is not native to India, it will cost you more than an Indian Spitz dog.
Can an Indian Spitz be left alone?
The Indian Spitz breed does not handle being left alone very well. However, they enjoy being around other people. Therefore, if one plans to leave it alone, one must be trained in advance, starting with short durations of time to get accustomed to it.
What is the lifespan of the Indian Spitz dog?
The life span of an Indian Spitz is around 10 – 14 years.
Is the Indian Spitz breed recognised internationally?
Unfortunately, the Indian Spitz is not recognised by any international association such as the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club or the Federation Cynologique Internationale.
Can one get allergies from the Indian Spitz dog?
The risk of getting allergies from the fur of an Indian Spitz dog is low. However, the dog’s dander and flakes may trigger some allergies. This can be avoided by regular grooming and care.
Summing it Up
Nothing much can discourage you from owning an Indian Spitz dog. It’s financially feasible to own one. Additionally, you will be supporting a native Indian breed in the times of the rising popularity of foreign exotic breeds of dogs. With not too many requirements and just a lot of love, the Indian Spitz dog will slowly and surely carve out a place for itself in your home and heart.