German Spitz

German Spitz

Small Breed
Male Weight
7 - 11 kg
Female Weight
7 - 11 kg
Lifespan
13 - 15 years
Size Category
Small

About the German Spitz

The German Spitz is a small-sized breed. Males typically weigh between 7 and 11 kg when fully grown, while females weigh 7 to 11 kg. With an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years, the German Spitz is a long-lived breed.

Temperament

German Spitz dogs are friendly, alert, and full of personality. They are adaptable companions that suit a variety of living situations. They enjoy human company and do well with families, though interactions with young children should be supervised due to their smaller size. They are intelligent and respond well to positive training methods.

Exercise Needs

German Spitz dogs need about 30-60 minutes of daily exercise including walks and play. They are more active than their size suggests and enjoy exploring new environments. A secure garden is beneficial for off-lead play. They adapt well to both apartment and house living, provided they get regular outdoor time.

Common Health Issues

German Spitz dogs may be prone to patellar luxation, dental disease, ear infections, and eye problems common in small breeds. Regular veterinary check-ups help catch issues early. Maintaining a healthy weight is important as even small amounts of excess weight can stress their joints. Annual health screenings are recommended.

Grooming

German Spitz dogs benefit from regular brushing to maintain a healthy coat and manage shedding. Bathing every 4-6 weeks or as needed keeps the coat clean. Regular dental care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are part of a good grooming routine. Check for any skin irritation, lumps, or parasites during grooming sessions.

Breed Traits

Energy Level
Moderate
Trainability
Highly Trainable
Shedding
Moderate
Barking
Very Vocal
Good with Kids
Good
Good with Dogs
Good
Good with Strangers
Friendly

Origin & History

Origin: Germany

The German Spitz is a breed of spitz-type dogs from Germany. It is considered a single breed, with five distinct varieties based on size and colour: the Wolfsspitz/Keeshond, the Giant Spitz or Großspitz, the Medium Spitz or Mittelspitz, the Miniature Spitz or Kleinspitz and the Pomeranian or Zwergspitz.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Famous German Spitz Owners

Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who became Queen Consort of Britain when she married King Edward VII, brought Pomeranian and German Spitz dogs to the British royal court and helped popularise them among Victorian aristocracy. The German Spitz gained particular favour at the court of King George I of Britain, who brought Spitz dogs from his homeland in Hanover when he acceded to the throne in 1714. Victorian dog fanciers like Charles Cruft himself helped establish the breed in British show rings. The German Spitz remains one of the oldest European companion breeds, with an unbroken lineage stretching back to ancient Germanic working dogs.

Is the German Spitz right for you?

German Spitz has moderate energy levels and adapts well to various home environments and lifestyles. Generally good with children, though supervision is advised during interactions. It loves the company of other dogs and thrives in multi-pet households. Moderate grooming is needed to manage regular shedding. Very vocal, this breed needs owners who can manage consistent barking. Intelligent and responsive to training, they learn quickly and enjoy pleasing their owners. Outgoing and friendly towards strangers, they warm quickly to new people.

Dogpanion's take: AI-generated based on breed trait data.

German Spitz Breed Guide Video

Weight & Growth

A fully grown male German Spitz weighs approximately 9 kg on average. Use Dogpanion's free size predictor to estimate your German Spitz puppy's adult weight based on their current age and weight.

German Spitz Care Tools

Dogpanion offers free tools to help you care for your German Spitz:

Track Your German Spitz with Dogpanion

Free age calculator, size predictor, food safety checker, and health tracker for 350+ breeds.

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Homemade Recipes for Your German Spitz

Every ingredient verified safe. Use as occasional treats or meal toppers alongside a complete diet.

🦐
Salmon and Sweet Potato Patties
15 minutes + 15 minutes · 8 patties
🎉
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Cookies
15 minutes + 20 minutes · 24 cookies
🥐
Carrot and Peanut Butter Bites
10 minutes + 20 minutes · 30 small treats
🍳
Chicken and Rice Bowl
5 minutes + 25 minutes · 2-3 dog portions
Browse all recipes