German Spitz Breed 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.

Who are German Spitz dogs 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.

How much grooming does a German Spitz need?

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 keeping 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 much?

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.

Do German Spitz bite?

All dogs are prone to biting if you're not careful with the training. You'll want to make sure to socialise the dog from a young age, especially when they're going to be in a household with children.

The same approach needs to be given to children toward dogs as they can often be rough when petting dogs in general.

What is the temperament & personality of a German Spitz?

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.

What is the weight & size of a German Spitz?

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.

How much training does a German Spitz need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a German Spitz?

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 the memories that will last a lifetime for you as a dog owner.

How much should you feed a German Spitz?

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.

What is the price of 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.