German Spitz

Forever loving and happy to see its owner, the German Spitz has all of the dense and thick fur that anyone could want. Available in several different colors, the German Spitz will act as the most stoic watchdog as he barks at any living thing that passes by your home. Not bred for hunting, this dog is still extremely rare and is officially recognized by the AKC in the Foundation Stock Service program and allowed to compete in the Miscellaneous Class as of June 2024, but is not yet part of the regular AKC breed registry.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a German Spitz

Here are a few of the benefits and challenges of introducing a German Spitz to the home.

Size and Weight

The size of the German Spitz will largely depend on the variety that you choose. The Wolfsspitz, which is also called the Keeshond, can weigh between 55 and 66 lbs., giving it a medium build at 17-22 inches tall. The Giant Spitz (also known as the Großspitz) is also a medium-sized dog, weighing up to 40 lbs. and standing at 17-22 inches tall as well. The Medium Spitz (also known as the Mittelspitz or the Mittel Spitz) is the last of the medium-sized variations, weighing significantly less at 23 to 25 lbs. and standing at 12-16 inches tall.

There are also two smaller variations, distinct in their petite size. The miniature spitz (or the Kleinspitz) weighs 18-22 lbs. and stands at 9.4-11.8 inches tall. Finally, the Pomeranian (also known as Zwergspitz) is a dwarf-sized pup, standing at just 7.1-9.4 inches tall and weighing only 3.1-6.6 lbs.

Origins

The story of the German Spitz is believed to have begun in Pomerania, a province located on the southern Baltic coast between Germany and Poland. As a matter of fact, it is from this region that the Pomeranian or Toy Spitz (the breed’s smallest incarnation) draws its name.

Once working dogs, these domestic canines were charged with guarding the wares of traders, farmers, and fishermen, typically from a high perch from which they could spot approaching pilferers. 

The earliest written reference to the breed dates back to the mid-fifteenth century, when a German noble praised its defensive capabilities. German Spitz soon became acquainted with royalty by the 1700s at the court of King George I of England.  His wife was German, and as a result, the royal couple received large numbers of German visitors, some of whom came with those fluffy canines in tow. 

However, by the early part of the twentieth century, the fortunes of the breed declined during the years following the First World War. Thankfully, they experienced a spectacular reversal about half a century later, thanks to breeding efforts involving larger Pomeranians and Dutch Keeshonds.

Common Health Issues

You might be happy to learn that the German Spitz is an incredibly healthy and active dog, which is part of the reason that it has few health issues to worry about. However, they are at a greater risk of dental issues, which can be corrected with regular brushing and cleaning.

A luxating patella is often common in this dog, which means that the joint comes out of place at the knees. It is evident that this problem has occurred when the pup starts to limp. Sometimes, progressive retinal atrophy can occur, leading to blindness.

Temperament

The personality of the German Spitz makes this dog a rather appealing animal to many families. When it is at its best, this dog is incredibly attentive and lively, which is part of the reason that it can become incredibly defensive of its owners. While this dog will likely enjoy the mundane nature of lounging around with a loved one, he also craves physical activity, engaging in playful games with others in the home.

He is the ideal watchdog, frequently alerting anyone nearby that a stranger is coming to the door or home. This vocal nature is one of the many traits that make this dog ideal for a home without a lot of outside activity, or he might become anxious at the inability to “defend” the home. Still, a little training goes a long way, even if the German Spitz still wants to express every thought and feeling with vigor.

Considering his ever-excited behavior, the German Spitz seems to have no concern with the outside weather, making him a fun companion for outdoor activities. Overall, these dogs are vocal dogs, and they are bred to be the ultimate watchdog.

How to Take Care of the German Spitz

Bringing home any new pet can be overwhelming, but the German Spitz requires a certain amount of care to thrive within the home. Consider these tips below as you prepare your home.

The Best Dog Food for the German Spitz

While any dog requires a bit of indulgence, these dogs must have extremely high-quality dog food to keep them healthy. Without dry dog food and consistent access to water, plaque can form on the teeth and cause incredible infections.

Maintenance and Grooming

These dogs require a little more grooming than other dogs. They shed seasonally, and weekly brushing is required to keep them healthy and their coat shiny. If the dog has a lot of buildup of extra fur, giving them a nourishing bath and blow-drying their coat can help to eliminate the excess.

Always make sure to trim this dog’s nails and take a look at their ears to keep them clean as well.

Training

Part of the reason that so many people enjoy the demeanor of these dogs is that their intelligence makes the breed rather easy to train. These pups are eager to please their owners, responding positively when there is a motive. However, one of the unique traits of the species is that they tend to bark, becoming very vocal as they learn to respond to new commands.

Still, as obedience training and new tricks are learned, it is easy to get the German Spitz to follow along.

Exercise

As small as this dog breed is, these dogs require a lot of physical activity. Bringing them outside or taking them for a long walk will help them to get out some of the natural energy they often possess. They are incredibly easy to train to keep on the leash, though you might notice a little barking as strangers walk by, allowing them to fulfill their desire to be your watchdog.

Puppies

A puppy requires about the same amount of care as the adult version. They will need weekly grooming to eliminate the risk of matting and knots, and they will need incredibly high-quality dog food to maintain their small build. Make a habit of providing appropriate dental care early in life to keep them from developing the dental problems that the species is known for.

Children

The loving and patient nature of these dogs makes them wonderful companions with young children. Within the entire family, this type of dog is incredibly loving and doting, adoring any moment that they can spend in play or being petted. As far as young children, they are moderately good, provided that the child is properly told how to interact with a pet.

Like any other breed, these dogs should not be left unsupervised with children who don’t have much exposure to these types of pets to prevent unfortunate accidents from occurring. Older children will likely have a much easier time playing and bonding.

Dogs similar to the German Spitz

If a German Spitz isn’t a good match, try out one of these breeds:

• Akita: With a similar size and a courageous heart, the Akita is a great compromise.
• American Eskimo Dog: This pup is fairly similar in lifespan, and it is perfect for colder climates.
• Shiba Inu: Friendly and playful, the Shiba Inu has a relatively vocal personality like the German Spitz.

Famous German Spitz

Most of the time, whether in film or television, the German Spitz has not been made a prominent dog breed quite yet. However, the smallest of this dog group – the Pomeranian – has frequently been featured in the media. Most famously, celebrities like Kate Hudson, Liza Minnelli, and Cindy Williams have all made this miniature puppy their own.