Kristina Chaput | Destiny German Spitz

Interview With Kristina Chaput, Breeder of Destiny German Spitz

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?

Kristina Chaput: We currently reside in Orange Park, Florida, with our two children and our German Spitz dogs. We’ve had dogs for over 30 years and originally had American Eskimo Dogs as well as several rescues. We started our interest in the German Spitz breed four years ago and waited until our Destiny was two years old for our first litter in 2023. Our kennel name is Destiny German Spitz.

2. What are the hallmarks of your breed and why are they important for maintaining breed type?

Kristina Chaput: The German Spitz is a classic spitz—it is the foundation dog for all European spitz breeds. The dog is alert, athletic, compact, and always characterized by good eye expression, upright triangular ears, and a tail curving over the back. The breed is double-coated, so being out of coat from the heat should not be penalized. Dogs double track and move at a moderate trot; this is not a breed with a long reach and drive, but one that is alert and watching its surroundings while on the move.

3. In your opinion, are there enough puppy homes to support breeding a litter this year?

Kristina Chaput: We have a major shortage of puppies—way more demand than we have puppies, greatly impacted by the increase in import age to six months. I have a waiting list for my next four planned litters.

4. How have you implemented new technologies in science and communications as a breeder?

Kristina Chaput: I am a member and board member of the German Spitz Club of America, and our Code of Ethics requires breeding dogs to be tested for structure (hips, elbows, patellas), genetics (multi-gene testing), and eyes. We also do not allow inbreeding or close line breeding to the long-term detriment on the immune system seen in so many other breeds. Having informational databases and DNA testing at our fingertips has made testing and tracking so much easier. We also use social media to reach out to our German Spitz breeders in Europe, which has made building these important relationships so much easier.

5. In your community, have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs?

Kristina Chaput: There is a big demand for healthy, well-socialized purebred puppies. People seem adverse to big breeders and kennel dogs; social media demonstrates this over and over.

6. Have you noticed any trends in the sport? Anything to be concerned about?

Kristina Chaput: We are a very beginner-friendly breed, and we mentor and encourage new exhibitors. We have enjoyed showing with other FSS and MISC breeders, and it has been a great experience getting to know other owners and breeders who are working toward full AKC recognition like we are with the German Spitz. We are still a Miscellaneous breed with the hope of moving to full recognition in the next couple of years. The only concerns are some of our shows having professional handlers discouraging our new owner-handlers from showing, but this has gotten a little better as our owners are gaining experience and confidence in the ring.

7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport in recent years?

Kristina Chaput: We have seen an increase in shows holding FSS/MISC Open Shows and it has been a great opportunity to get out and show our breed a little more. Now we just need to work on having more dogs in the country to show.