German Spitz Dog Breed Information

Group

Miscellaneous Class

Weight

10-15 kg

Height

30-40 cm

Lifespan

13-15 years

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About the German Spitz

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

As one of the oldest dog breeds to have originated in Europe, the Spitz is a devoted and energetic pup with some of the best qualities you’d want when looking for the perfect dog breed.

They go by several names including the German Spitz, Mittel Spitz and the Deutscher Spitz. As adorable as they are due to their small stature, they’re a rocket of energy that’ll keep you on your toes from the moment you wake up.

Looking for a dog to join your family household? Here are a few things you should know about German Spitz Dogs with our helpful guide.

What is the history & origin of the German Spitz?

This breed is certainly one from the history books, with the German Spitzes being mentioned for the first time way back in 1450.

As guard dogs for homes and fields, many of these dogs lived in the province of Pomerania which is now known as being in the same area that Germany and Poland are now.

The Spitz comes from Germany but also from parts of Europe in general too. Many fishermen would take them on their boats to watch over their goods and they would also be used on farms to alert their owners of intruders.

They were also popular amongst the Royals back in England, with the upper class taking a liking to this breed in the 18th century. King George-I had several Spitz dogs in his possession that he shared with his wife.

It’s not yet recognised by the American Kennel Club but it is part of the AKC Foundation Stock Service which will eventually lead to full recognition. It is however recognised by the United Kennel Club.

What is a German Spitz Breed?

The Spitz breeds come in five varieties based on their sizing and colour. These are the Wolfsspitze/Keeshond, the Giant Spitz, the Medium Spitz, Minature Spitz or Pomeranian.

The breed has a wedge-shaped head, small pricked ears, and a thick double coat. They have a bushy tails and come in a wide range of colours that make them distinct.

Who is a German Spitz Best For?

For households that have families of any size, this is a rare breed that will fit in very well. They can adapt from small apartments to big townhouses depending on the space you have available as your home.

They’re great dogs for those looking for companions and they will love the fuss and attention that comes from both people and other dogs in the home. They do need plenty of exercise though too, so an active household is a worthy match for these Nordic dogs.

German Spitz Grooming & Shedding

With German Spitzes, it’s important to keep up with their grooming, especially as they’re prone to developing infections and problems with their skin if it’s not looked after properly.

Grooming their double coats will require a few brushes each week to stay on top of keep them tangle-free and looking healthy. The coats are quite thick, making it easy for mats to develop if brushing isn’t done consistently.

They do well with most weather conditions which means it’s useful to adapt their coats depending on the weather, aka cutting them short during the warmer months. Be sure to do general hygiene and dental care like brushing their teeth and trimming their nails as and when required. Small breeds are prone to more dental issues.

Do German Spitz bark a lot?

As far as these German breeds go, they do tend to bark and it tends to be a fairly high-pitched sound that can be annoying for some. Depending on your desires, it’s important to consider whether this is the type of dog you want due to its tendency to bark.

What is the average weight & height of a German Spitz dog?

The Spitz is an ancient breed and so you may find a few standards when it comes to size. As such, you may find a lot of these dog types are on the smaller side.

Most dogs of this breed will weigh between 10 and 15 kilos and their height is typically between 30-40 cm. However, this could vary depending on the breeder’s track record of previous litters.

Are German Spitz easy to train?

The Spitz is not easy to train. You may want to start this training from a young age to get them accustomed to their surroundings. However, it can be difficult for novice or first-time owners to train these dogs, meaning that they might not be the best option.

This breed should be getting around a half hour to hour walk each day. It’s also good to have a few good play sessions and a couple of shorter walks thrown in the mix when you can. This will help keep them calm and less prone to misbehaving during the daytime.

How do German Spitz behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The personality of a Spitz is loving and happy for the most part. They have quite a high energy temperament for a small dog and therefore need plenty of exercise. It might even be worth getting them involved with dog sports where possible.

They can be quite vocal, which is important to consider when it comes to your living arrangements. Compared to other dogs, they are very intelligent but also stubborn, meaning training may take time.

Does the German Spitz have any common health issues?

Whilst German Spitz breeds are generally healthy, there are a few common problems that are worth looking out for.

Patellar Luxation – This is a health problem where the kneecap moves out of its normal location. Dog owners will usually spot their dog stepping or running on three legs and the next minute, running normally.
Collapsing Trachea – A collapsing Trachea is a tracheal obstruction caused by flaccidity or flattening of cartilaginous rings. This can worsen over time as the tracheal deteriorates.
Epilepsy – Convulsions that can be fairly terrifying to watch. Loss of control and irregular attacks that finish suddenly are common symptoms.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy – A gradual loss of vision that often happens to some dogs, especially due to age. A Spitz dog may get progressive loss of night vision and the eyes may start to look cloudy.

What is the lifespan of a German Spitz?

An adult German Spitz has an average lifespan of around 13 to 15 years, which is a great amount of time to spend on planet Earth! Many dog owners will want their dogs to live forever and although we can’t have that, living for 15 years is a great amount of time to make memories that will last a lifetime for you as a dog owner.

How much does a German Spitz need to be fed?

The ideal diet for German Spitzes will vary but as they are a small breed, they don’t need as much as you’re likely putting out. They have a lot of energy to burn so this might need to be factored in when it comes to the number of treats given throughout the day.

How much can you expect to pay for a German Spitz in Australia?

With this breed, it’s often about the breeder and where you’re located as to how much you’ll spend – or save! Be sure to always go with a reputable breeder than one with very little experience or reputation.

Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere between $400-$700. However, you may find breeders charging up to as much as $3,000. The breed club for this dog type, in particular, will give some helpful advice on where best to find the right breeders for you.

German Spitz FAQs

What’s the difference between a German Spitz and a Pomeranian?

Some will often get the Spitz and the Pomeranian mixed up, which is certainly easily done when you compare them together. The Spitz has a few differences though that are worth noting. Firstly, the Pomeranian’s tail is heavily plumed and sits flat against the back, whereas the Spitz leans curls to one side.

The Pomeranian also comes in 18 different colours and the Spitz only comes in 8 recognised colours. They also differ slightly in their face shapes.

How long can a German Spitz be left alone?

As with a lot of smaller pets, the Spitz likes a lot of attention and will spend a lot of its time in the company of its owner. It’s important that you’re around most of the time and if not, then you may want to consider adopting or buying a different breed altogether.

Are German Spitz hypoallergenic dogs?

Sadly, due to their coats, they tend to shed quite a lot. This means that they’re not hypoallergenic and if you’re looking for a dog that’s going to shed little to zero dog hair, then this isn’t the breed for you.

How do you know if your dog is a German Spitz?

As they have two coats, you should be able to spot the topcoat as it almost stands up and off the body. You’ll also notice a distinctive face shape with the Spitz and its hair is thick around the paws, ears, and head.