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German Spitz Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about German Spitz so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Companion Dogs
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German Spitz dog profile picture
OriginGermany flagGermany
Other Names
What other names does the German Spitz have?
Deutscher Spitz
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Photo Gallery of the German Spitz Breed

German Spitz Size and Weight

Size
Is a German Spitz small, medium or large dog?

How big do German Spitz get?

What is the average size of a German Spitz?

SmallMedium
Weight
How much does the German Spitz weigh? How much should a German Spitz weight? What is the normal weight of a German Spitz? How much does a full-grown German Spitz weight?
Male: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg), Female: 18-27 pounds (8-12 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a German Spitz?
Male: 28.5 pounds (13 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg)
Height
How tall is the German Spitz? German Spitz height:
Male: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm), Female: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a German Spitz?
Male: 21 inches (53 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm)

German Spitz Price and Availability

Price
How much does the German Spitz puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a German Spitz in the United States? How much money is a German Spitz?

Where to buy a German Spitz with a good pedigree?

$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the German Spitz, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a German Spitz for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the German Spitz gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a German Spitz? How many German Spitz are there in the world?
Average: The German Spitz is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

German Spitz Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the German Spitz? Is the German Spitz breed dumb or smart?
Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed. You can teach them many tricks and commands. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in 5-15 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 85% of the time or better.

The German Spitz is one of the top breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are German Spitz dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a German Spitz?
German Spitz dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is German Spitz good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the German Spitz dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do German Spitz dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
German Spitz dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

German Spitz Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the German Spitz have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IndependentDevotedLivelyAttentiveTrainable
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? German Spitz sensitivity:
Sensitive: German Spitz dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a German Spitz a good family dog?
Average: German Spitz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Deutscher Spitz need? German Spitz social needs:
German Spitz dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the German Spitz to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does German Spitz roam?
German Spitz dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does German Spitz have high prey drive?
German Spitz dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that German Spitz dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

German Spitz Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The German Spitz is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do German Spitz dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Deutscher Spitz bark?
Average to High: The German Spitz is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is German Spitz good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a German Spitz in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Spitz indoors.

German Spitz Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: German Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a German Spitz be left alone? How long can you leave a German Spitz alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

German Spitz Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the German Spitz has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a German Spitz? How much bite force does a German Spitz have? How strong is a German Spitz bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

German Spitz bite force: Weak. The German Spitz bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force German Spitz measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a German Spitz may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of German Spitz being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

German Spitz bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a German Spitz puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a German Spitz can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do German Spitz bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Deutscher Spitz? What are the odds of getting bitten by a German Spitz? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The German Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the German Spitz do?
German Spitz dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but German Spitz dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

German Spitz Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do German Spitz dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the German Spitz breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the German Spitz breed? Most common health risks of German Spitz:
Luxating PatellaProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Dental Problems
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the German Spitz breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the German Spitz see the vet?
Rare
The German Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do German Spitz dogs live? How old can a German Spitz be? What is the age limit of the German Spitz? How many years can the oldest German Spitz live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a German Spitz?

How long is the lifespan of a German Spitz?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

German Spitz Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the German Spitz have? What is the activity level of the German Spitz?
German Spitz dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a German Spitz need? How much exercise do German Spitz dogs require per day?

Do German Spitz dogs need a lot of exercises?

German Spitz dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the German Spitz breed need?
German Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

German Spitz Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a German Spitz need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a German Spitz breed eat per day? What is good dog food for German Spitz? How much food should I feed my German Spitz?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? German Spitz risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The German Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the German Spitz weight regularly.

German Spitz Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the German Spitz have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseStraight
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper German Spitz coats?
Black White Orange Tricolor
Grooming
How to groom the German Spitz and how often? How often should I take my German Spitz to the groomer?
Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your German Spitz a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your German Spitz, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do German Spitz dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Deutscher Spitz? Do German Spitz dogs shed a lot?
German Spitz dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the German Spitz breed.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the German Spitz need a bath? How often should you give a German Spitz a bath? Can I bathe my German Spitz every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the German Spitz breed hypoallergenic?
No
German Spitz dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The German Spitz has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the German Spitz drool?
The German Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the German Spitz could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the German Spitz.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

German Spitz Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do German Spitz dogs get along with other pets? Are German Spitz dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
German Spitz dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? German Spitz temperament with other people:
German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are German Spitz dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? German Spitz temperament with children:
German Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do German Spitz dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the German Spitz breed live with a cat?
German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is German Spitz good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do German Spitz dogs get along with other dogs?
German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is German Spitz breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is German Spitz breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
German Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are German Spitz dogs good office canines? Do German Spitz dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
German Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do German Spitz dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Deutscher Spitz temperament with senior people? Are German Spitz dogs good for elderly owners?
German Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Spitz As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can German Spitz be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

German Spitz is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can German Spitz be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a German Spitz be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

German Spitz is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can German Spitz be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

German Spitz is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can German Spitz be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The German Spitz is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can German Spitz be a boat dog?

Not really

German Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can German Spitz be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

German Spitz is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where German Spitz dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Spitz Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a German Spitz pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the German Spitz breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female German Spitz: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the German Spitz have in a litter? How many puppies can the German Spitz breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a German Spitz have? How many puppies can a German Spitz give birth to?
2-4 puppies

German Spitz Recognition

AKC Group
Is German Spitz recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is German Spitz recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the German Spitz breed?
Dog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubFoundation Stock Service

German Spitz Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed.
  • Trainability: German Spitz dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Drooling Tendency: The German Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The German Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Ability: German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Child Friendly: German Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: German Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: German Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: German Spitz dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: German Spitz dogs shed above average.
  • Mouthiness: German Spitz dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Office Friendly: German Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.

German Spitz History

Early history

The German Spitz or in its other name, the Kleinspitz has been existing and living among people in Central Europe for more than 5,000 years now, as archaeological evidence suggests. Thus, the German Spitz is known to be one of the most ancient breeds coming from Germany and Europe in general. Depending on where you are in the world, the name “German Spitz” might refer to completely different breeds, in German-speaking countries the Pomeranian is actually considered under the same name, being simply the toy-sized version of the German Spitz. The breed has changed a little over time, being one of the earliest ancestors to all Spitz-kind of breeds.

Remains and artifacts

Skeletal remains of Spitz-type of dogs have been found alongside human settlements from five to six thousand years ago throughout Central Europe, suggesting that people were already heavily reliant on domesticated animals for their survival in this region by that time. The very first mention of the German Spitz comes from 1450, from Count Eberhard Zu Sayn of Germany. He praised the German Spitz as a brave protector of the properties and fields. It is thought that many German Spitzes lived in the province of Pomerania – hence the breed’s early name – located on the southern part of the Baltic Sea, close to today’s Poland. Going further back in time, these dogs were most likely have been originated from Central Asia, with other branches of the Spitz family heading east, eventually reaching Greenland, and leaving their markings along the way in the form of the Greenland Dog, the Canadian Eskimo Dog, and many other Spitz breeds. Travelers on the Rhein Riven have selected larger German Spitzes to serve as their companions and to protect them on their barges. Through this selection process, eventually, the Keeshond was created naturally. Since then, in Germany, many Spitz breeds are known under very different names, but they all fall under the same family of the German Spitz.

The era of Kings and Queens

Initially, the German Spitz was a peasant’s dog. Later the Spitz-type of dogs gained popularity among the royalty and the nobility in England. During the 18th century, when George I. took the throne, he and his German wife had, understandably, had many German visitors in the court and these visitors usually brought their Spitz dogs with them. Later, Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III., and Queen Victoria were also very devoted to the German Spitz during their reign. The German Spitz was first exported to the United States of America in the middle of the 19th century. The breed quickly developed a following there, especially among the German immigrant population.

Popularity, decline, and position today

Despite the initial popularity in the States, the breed suffered a decline in their population numbers, due to the pervasive anti-German sentiment that followed up the First World War. This negative perception of Germany and German breeds caused many to change their names, such as American Eskimo Dogs, and the Finnish Spitz, which are solidly based on the German Spitz’s genetics. It was not until 1975, that many Keeshonds were imported to the United States from the Netherlands and were bred together with the larger Pomeranians in order to revive and preserve the German Spitz population in the United States. Nowadays, the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) regards the German Spitz as another version of the Pomeranian breed, thus there is no official distinction between the two breeds yet. The classification goes like this today: the Pomeranian is the smallest, the German Spitz is medium-sized, and the Keeshond is the largest one. Today the Spitz-types of breeds are very popular all around the world.

Rate The German Spitz Breed

German Spitz Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Toby, Daisy, Eli

    Jul 16, 2021, 9:31:54 PM:

    So easy to live with. Happy to "go with the flow" whatever that may be. They stay close but not underfoot. One is a Mittel Spitz (20 lbs.) Two are Klein Spitz (12-13 lbs.). All are precious.

  • Alfie

    Dec 6, 2019, 2:35:24 PM: