German Spitz
A fluffy, alert German watchdog in several sizes, devoted to its family and quick to raise the alarm.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- 24–50 cm
- Weight
- Males 5–20 kg · Females 5–18 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–16 years
- Exercise
- 45–60 min a day
- Grooming
- A few times a week
- Coat
- Double coat, long
- Colours
- White, Black, Brown, Orange, Wolf grey, Cream, Sable
- Bred for
- Companionship, Guarding
- Country of origin
- Germany
- FCI
- Group 5, no. 97 · Spitz & primitive types
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 4/5 – High |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 2/5 – Low |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 5/5 – Very high |
| Shedding | 4/5 – High |
| Grooming effort | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Suits apartment living | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Adaptability | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with cold | 4/5 – High |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a loyal watchdog that stays near home
- enjoy brushing a dog
- live in a cooler climate
Think twice if you …
- have close neighbours sensitive to noise
- want a dog that greets every stranger
- live somewhere very hot
Care
Temperament
German Spitz are alert, loyal and lively, with a strong watchdog instinct. They tend to be wary of strangers and very devoted to their family.
Exercise
Daily walks of 45–60 minutes plus play are enough for most. They enjoy trick training, agility and rally.
Grooming
Brush the thick double coat a few times a week and daily during the seasonal moult. Never shave it.
Training
Quick learners that respond to positive training. Teach a quiet cue early to keep barking manageable.
Health
Patellar luxation, eye conditions such as PRA, and epilepsy are seen, and the larger sizes can have hip dysplasia. Ask the breeder for knee, eye and hip results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Kneecaps (patella)
- Eye examination
- Hips (HD)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The German Spitz is one of the oldest dog types in Central Europe, kept for centuries on farms and boats as a watchdog that stayed close to home and announced every visitor. FCI standard no. 97 covers five sizes: Wolfspitz/Keeshond, Giant, Medium, Miniature and Pomeranian. This entry describes the Giant, Medium and Miniature sizes.
Spitz are affectionate, lively and closely bonded to their people, but reserved or suspicious with strangers. They are natural barkers and not inclined to wander. The long, stand-off coat looks high-maintenance but is easier to keep than it appears with regular brushing.
Did you know?
Under the FCI, the Keeshond, Giant, Medium and Miniature Spitz and the Pomeranian are all sizes of one breed, standard no. 97.