Is the German Spitz Right for You?

 

Let Me Tell You About the German Spitz

The German Spitz is a lively, intelligent, and strikingly fluffy breed that hails from—no surprise—Germany. It’s part of the broader Spitz family, known for their fox-like faces, thick double coats, and curled tails. Let’s break down what makes this breed so captivating:

🐾 Key Characteristics

• Size Varieties: There are five types based on size:

  • Wolfsspitz (aka Keeshond)

  • Giant Spitz (Großspitz)

  • Medium Spitz (Mittelspitz)

  • Miniature Spitz (Kleinspitz)

  • Toy Spitz (Zwergspitz, often recognized as the Pomeranian)

• Height & Weight:

  • Klein: 9–11.5 inches tall

  • Mittel: 12–15 inches tall

  • Weight ranges from 25 to 40 pounds depending on size

• Coat: Long, straight outer coat with a dense, cottony undercoat. Comes in a rainbow of colors—white, black, brown, orange, grey-shaded, and more

• Lifespan: 13–15 years

🧠 Temperament & Personality

• Devoted & Alert: Extremely loyal to their family and naturally wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs

• Trainable but Independent: They’re smart and eager to learn, though they can have a stubborn streak

• Energetic & Playful: They thrive on interaction and love to entertain. Great with kids and other pets if properly socialized

🏡 Ideal Living Situation

• Adaptable to both apartments and houses

• Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation

• Not hypoallergenic—expect some shedding!

🐕 History & Origins

• Dates back to at least the 1400s in Germany

• Originally used as farm dogs for herding and guarding

• Over time, bred into smaller varieties for companionship

🧼 Grooming Needs

• Regular brushing is a must to keep their coat from matting

• They’re surprisingly weather-resistant thanks to that thick fur

Want to see what they look like? I found some adorable images of German Spitz dogs—those have been sent your way! 

References: www.en.wikipedia.org, akc.com, www.thesprucepets.com