The German Spitz — Deutscher Spitz — is a breed of spitz-type dog from Germany, the oldest breed of dog in Central Europe. It is considered a single breed with five distinct varieties based on size and color: the Wolfsspitz/Keeshond, the Giant Spitz or Großspitz, the Medium Spitz or Mittelspitz, the Miniature Spitz or Kleinspitz, and the Pomeranian or Zwergspitz ("Dwarf Spitz").
Spitz breeds are captivating on account of their beautiful coats, made to stand off by plentiful undercoat. Particularly impressive are the strong, mane-like collar round the neck (ruff) and the bushy tail carried boldly over the back. The foxy head with alert eyes and the small pointed, closely set ears give the Spitz its unique, cheeky appearance.
The Oldest Breed of Central Europe
German Spitz dogs are descendants of the Stone Age "Peat Dogs" (Torfhunde) — Canis familiaris palustris Rütimeyer — and the later Lake Dwelling Spitz (Pfahlbauspitz); it is the oldest breed of dog in Central Europe, with numerous other breeds developed from them. The earliest mentions of these spitz dogs in German literature date from AD 1450, and in 1750 Count Eberhard zu Sayre Buffon wrote in his Natural History of Quadrupeds that spitz dogs were the ancestor of all German breeds at that time.
German Spitz dogs were originally kept on farms for a number of roles including herding and guarding. As the centuries progressed, some lines were bred to be smaller for other duties and eventually as small companion dogs. The different spitz sizes existed for centuries across the Germanic regions: the large dog (Wolfsspitz, called Keeshond outside German-speaking countries) was used on farms as a guard; medium and smaller sizes were popular as companions for households at all social levels — from palaces to workers' dwellings. European engravings and paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries frequently depict the spitz type alongside its owners.
In the 18th century the breed became fashionable in European courts, particularly in England, where dogs imported from Germany — especially from Pomerania — gave rise to the name "Pomeranian" for the miniature variety. Queen Victoria was a declared enthusiast of the Toy Spitz/Pomeranian, contributing enormously to its popularity.
Five Varieties, One Standard
The FCI standard unifies all five varieties under the same number (nº 97). All share the same characteristic spitz morphology: a wedge-shaped head with a fox-like muzzle, small pricked ears stiff to the tips, slightly oblique almond eyes, and a tail curled over the back. The coat is the most recognizable feature: a long, straight outer layer standing off the body, supported by a cotton-wool-like abundant undercoat, with a prominent ruff around the neck and ample feathering on the limbs.
The five varieties:
| Variety | Height at withers | Weight | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wolfsspitz/Keeshond | 43–55 cm | 15–20 kg (up to ~30 kg in some standards) | Grey-shaded (silver-grey with black hair tips) |
| Giant Spitz (Großspitz) | 40–50 cm | 17–18 kg | White, black, brown |
| Medium Spitz (Mittelspitz) | 30–40 cm | 11–12 kg | White, black, brown, orange, grey-shaded, other |
| Miniature Spitz (Kleinspitz) | 24–30 cm | 8–10 kg | White, black, brown, orange, grey-shaded, other |
| Toy Spitz/Pomeranian | 18–24 cm | 2–3 kg | White, black, brown, orange, grey-shaded, other |
The German Spitz was definitively accepted by the FCI in 1957, and the current version of the standard was published on 3 September 2024.
Attentive, Lively, and Devoted
The German Spitz is always attentive, lively, and extraordinarily attached to its owner. It is very teachable and easy to train. Its natural distrust of strangers and lack of hunting instinct make it the ideal companion and family dog and watchdog for home and farm. It is neither timid nor aggressive. Indifference to weather, robustness, and longevity are its most outstanding attributes.
The temperament combines environmental attentiveness, intense attachment to the owner, healthy distrust of strangers, and absence of a pronounced hunting drive — a profile the standard describes as ideal for companion, household watch, and farm dog.
Exercise and Activity
Energy levels are moderate for most varieties. Medium to large sizes benefit from 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise; Toy and Miniature varieties are content with shorter walks and indoor play. The active spitz mind needs stimulation — training, puzzle games, and learning tricks are highly recommended.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 30–45 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 20–30 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for this adaptable breed.
Training a German Spitz
The German Spitz is very teachable and easy to train, attentive and lively with its owner. Consistent, positive methods work well with its intelligent, alert nature. Early socialization is important to keep its healthy distrust of strangers from becoming wariness.
The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a German Spitz
The German Spitz's double coat needs regular brushing — several times a week — to manage shedding, with more attention during seasonal coat blows. The long, stand-off outer coat supported by the dense cotton-wool undercoat mats easily without regular grooming. The coat must never look artificially modeled.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 3–4 times a week | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
| Professional trim or clip | Every 6–8 weeks | Keeps the coat tidy and hygienic |
Routine care includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing — dental issues are common across all varieties. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a double-coated spitz.
Feeding a German Spitz
A German Spitz should be fed high-quality food appropriate to its age, size, and activity level. With the wide size range, from a 2 kg Toy to a 30 kg Wolfsspitz, portions vary enormously. Feeding in two meals per day suits most varieties.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1.5–2 cups | Use a large-breed puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 3–4 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 2.5–3.5 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
The German Spitz is generally long-lived, with a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years and smaller varieties frequently reaching 15 or 16 years. The most documented conditions vary by size: hip dysplasia is relevant in larger varieties; dental issues are common across all varieties (retained deciduous teeth and overcrowding in smaller varieties); patellar luxation affects small and medium varieties; and idiopathic epilepsy has been reported.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Hip/elbow dysplasia and bloat awareness | Discuss with your vet | OFA/PennHIP on parents |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 5–6 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
The German Spitz is an ideal companion and family dog and watchdog for home and farm — attentive, lively, exceptionally devoted to its owner, and neither timid nor aggressive. Its indifference to weather means it's happy in a range of climates. The Toy Spitz/Pomeranian is the ideal companion for house and apartment, while the larger varieties suit a farm or home with space.
If you're weighing whether a German Spitz fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning a German Spitz means regular grooming of a heavy double coat, particularly during seasonal sheds. While neither timid nor aggressive, the breed has a healthy distrust of strangers that makes it a natural watchdog — and it will bark to announce visitors. Expecting complete silence from a German Spitz is unrealistic, though behavior can be modulated with training and adequate environmental enrichment.
Yet for the right owner, the German Spitz is a robust, long-lived, and endlessly devoted companion with a cheeky, foxy face.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Exceptionally devoted and attentive
- Very teachable and easy to train
- Lack of hunting instinct
- Robust, long-lived, weatherproof
- Ideal watchdog without aggression
- Five sizes to suit any home
Disadvantages
- Heavy double coat needs regular grooming
- Watchdog barking
- Dental issues across varieties
- Needs mental stimulation
- Small varieties prone to patellar luxation
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do German Spitz get? Toy 18–24 cm up to Wolfsspitz 43–55 cm, depending on variety.
How long do German Spitz live? Typically 13 to 15 years; smaller varieties often to 16.
Are German Spitz good family dogs? Yes — attentive, lively, devoted, neither timid nor aggressive.
Are German Spitz easy to train? Yes — very teachable and easy to train.
Are German Spitz good for first-time owners? Yes — easy to train and adaptable.
Are German Spitz good with children? Good with proper socialization.
What were German Spitz bred to do? Originally herding and guarding on farms.
Is a Pomeranian a German Spitz? Yes — the Toy Spitz/Pomeranian is the smallest variety.
Do German Spitz bark a lot? They make good watchdogs and will bark to announce visitors.
Are German Spitz good for apartments? Yes — especially the Toy and Miniature varieties.
Do German Spitz shed much? The double coat sheds, especially seasonally.
What health problems do German Spitz have? Hip dysplasia (large), dental issues, patellar luxation, epilepsy.