German Spitz
A bright, foxy-faced companion spitz with a profuse stand-off coat. Lively, devoted and alert, making a good watchful housedog, though it tends to bark readily.
German Spitz scorecard
Overview
The German Spitz is a bright, foxy-faced companion dog with a profuse, stand-off double coat, a curled tail and an alert, lively expression. The breed comes in size varieties; the type most often seen in the UK stands roughly 23–38 cm at the shoulder and weighs around 5–11 kg, and The Kennel Club recognises Klein (small) and Mittel (medium) variants. The closely related Pomeranian is the toy-sized member of the same spitz family.
Devoted, perky and watchful, the German Spitz makes an adaptable companion that suits a range of homes, including flats, provided its tendency to bark is managed and its coat is properly cared for. It is friendly with its family and a keen little watchdog, combining an affectionate nature with the independent spirit typical of spitz breeds.
Good to know — a German Spitz is flat-friendly and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
Spitz-type dogs are among the oldest and most widespread dog forms in Europe, and the German Spitz descends from ancient northern herding and guarding spitz stock kept across Germany for centuries. Selective breeding over time produced the various sizes recognised today, from the small companion types up to the larger Spitz, with the Pomeranian developed at the toy end of the range.
The breed is recognised by the FCI and by The Kennel Club, which places it in the Utility group and recognises the Klein and Mittel sizes. It has a long history as a versatile farm and watch dog before becoming established primarily as a companion.
Temperament & family fit
German Spitz are lively, affectionate and devoted to their families, with a confident, attentive character that makes them excellent little watchdogs. They are alert to anything unusual and will readily sound the alarm, which is part of their appeal but also their chief drawback.
The flip side of that watchfulness is a tendency to bark and a wariness of strangers, both of which benefit from early socialisation and training. Well-socialised German Spitz are friendly and adaptable; under-socialised ones can become yappy and suspicious. They form strong bonds and generally enjoy being closely involved in family life.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
Intelligent and eager to please their owners, German Spitz respond well to positive, reward-based training and enjoy learning. Early training to manage barking and to build confidence around strangers and other dogs is particularly worthwhile given the breed's vocal, watchful nature.
Consistent, gentle handling brings out the best in this sensitive, people-oriented breed. Because they are quick to learn, they pick up both good and bad habits readily, so establishing calm responses to doorbells, visitors and outside noises early pays dividends.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult German Spitz typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The plush, stand-off double coat needs regular grooming — brushing several times a week, and more during seasonal moults when the dense undercoat is shed heavily. Regular attention keeps the coat from matting and looking its best. The breed should not be clipped close, as the double coat protects the dog; routine nail, ear and dental care complete its grooming routine.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, balanced diet suited to a small companion dog, with portions controlled to prevent weight gain, as a profuse coat can disguise a developing waistline. Monitor body condition by feel and adjust amounts accordingly, taking veterinary advice on quantities for individual dogs.
German Spitz health & costs
Before bringing a German Spitz home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£250–400 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£15–32 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The German Spitz is generally a hardy, long-lived breed with a sound reputation, though as with all breeds there are some recognised health concerns. Responsible breeders test for relevant conditions, and prospective owners should ask about the health of the parents.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps, common in small breeds and ranging from mild to requiring surgery
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — an inherited eye disease leading to gradual vision loss; DNA testing is available
- Dental disease — small mouths are prone to tartar and gum disease, managed with tooth brushing and dental checks
- Obesity — a dense coat can hide weight gain, so portion control and regular body-condition checks matter
- Tracheal or respiratory irritation — small, sometimes excitable dogs can be prone to coughing; a harness rather than a neck collar is kinder
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the German Spitz; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a German Spitz puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior German Spitz
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Affectionate, adaptable companion
- Alert little watchdog, apartment-friendly
Things to consider
- Barks readily and can be wary of strangers
- Plush double coat needs regular grooming
Compare the German Spitz
See how the German Spitz measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
More breeds like the German Spitz
Same breed group
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Bulldog
A placid, affectionate companion that’s happy with gentle walks — but burdened by serious health issues.
Similar temperament
Australian Silky Terrier
A small, glossy-coated toy terrier with a bold spirit. Friendly and companionable, but keen, alert and prone to barking, with a silky coat that needs regular care.
Pomapoo
A tiny, lively cross of the spirited Pomeranian and the clever Toy Poodle. Affectionate and bright, but alert and prone to barking, and very small, so care is needed around young children.
Shorkie
A tiny, devoted cross of the affectionate Shih Tzu and the spirited Yorkie. Loving and full of character, but alert and prone to barking, with a silky coat that needs regular grooming.
Miniature Schnauzer
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Similar size, different type
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Border Terrier
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Frequently asked questions
What sizes does the German Spitz come in?
The German Spitz comes in size varieties, and The Kennel Club recognises the Klein (small) and Mittel (medium) variants. The type most often seen in the UK stands roughly 23–38 cm at the shoulder and weighs around 5–11 kg. The closely related Pomeranian is the toy-sized member of the same spitz family.
What is the difference between a German Spitz and a Pomeranian?
They belong to the same spitz family, but the Pomeranian is the toy-sized member, while the German Spitz is recognised in larger Klein and Mittel varieties standing around 23–38 cm. All share the foxy face, profuse stand-off double coat and curled tail, but the German Spitz is generally a larger companion dog.
Do German Spitz bark a lot?
They can. The German Spitz is an alert, watchful little dog and a keen watchdog that will readily sound the alarm at anything unusual. This tendency to bark, along with some wariness of strangers, benefits from early socialisation and training. Well-socialised Spitz are friendly and adaptable; under-socialised ones can become yappy and suspicious.
How much exercise does a German Spitz need?
The German Spitz has only moderate exercise needs and is happy with daily walks plus play and mental stimulation at home. This makes it well suited to flat and town living. It is active and playful and enjoys getting out and about, but does not require the intense exercise of a working breed.
What grooming does a German Spitz need?
The plush, stand-off double coat needs brushing several times a week, and more during seasonal moults when the dense undercoat is shed heavily. The breed should not be clipped close, as the double coat protects the dog. Routine nail, ear and dental care complete its grooming routine.
Is the German Spitz good for flats or apartments?
Yes, it is highly adaptable and suits a wide range of homes, including flats and houses with or without gardens, provided it gets daily walks, company and coat care. Its watchful, vocal nature means barking management and early socialisation are especially important in close-quarters living.
How long do German Spitz live?
The German Spitz is generally a hardy, long-lived breed, with a typical lifespan of around 13–15 years. As with all breeds there are some recognised health concerns, so responsible breeders test for relevant conditions and prospective owners should ask about the health of the parents.
Are German Spitz good family dogs?
Yes. They are lively, affectionate and devoted to their families, with a confident, attentive character. People-oriented and sensitive, they thrive as closely involved family companions and enjoy being part of daily life. Early socialisation and consistent, gentle handling help manage their vocal, watchful nature.
Are German Spitzes good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, German Spitzs tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a German Spitz need?
As a healthy adult, a typical German Spitz needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do German Spitzes shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are German Spitzes easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. German Spitzs are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do German Spitzes bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are German Spitzes good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do German Spitzes suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A German Spitz can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — German Spitz (Klein and Mittel) breed information — https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeds-a-to-z/
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standard — https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/
- PDSA — Pet Health Hub: dental disease and small-breed health — https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub
- Blue Cross — Dog care and grooming advice — https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.