German Spitz: Your Complete Guide
The German spitz is a dog breed that originated in Germany, but has been popular all over Europe for hundreds of years. These dogs descend from the Nordic herding dogs and they rose to popularity in England after Queen Victoria started keeping a few as pets.
Today, German spitzes can be found in many parts of Europe and also the USA. They are intelligent dogs who love to spend time with their owners. Despite their small size, they have a very loud bark.
In this article, we are going to give a comprehensive overview of the German spitz breed. You will learn about its appearance, history, unique personalities, and how to make sure it stays happy and healthy.
Quick Look at the German Spitz
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | Weight: 7 to 30 pounds, height: 12 to 15 inches |
| Coat Type | Short, dense, and glossy |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Intelligent, loyal, and playful |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train |  |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years |
What Is the History of German Spitzes?
The German spitz is a dog breed with a long history in Germany. They are direct descendants of Nordic herding dogs such as the Samoyed. These little pups have been around since the Middle Ages.
As time went on, their popularity began to spread in the entirety of Europe, especially in England, where owning a German spitz was seen as a fashion symbol. People belonging to the royalty and upper class in England would bring these with them to court. Queen Victoria had several German spitzes.
German spitzes used to have important jobs like hunting and guarding. They were originally a large breed, but were selectively bred to be smaller and the larger dogs eventually died out.
What Do German Spitzes Look Like?
German spitz dogs are small and fluffy. They have pointy ears and a fox-like face. They have a bushy tail that curls up over their back. These dogs look like adorable, little furballs with a happy, bright expression. These are the most common colors you can expect to see in a German spitz:
You may sometimes see a German spitz that has all of these colors!
What Size Is a German Spitz?
The German spitz is a small-sized dog breed, about the size of a regular-sized cat. On average, they stand between 12-15 inches and weigh between 7-30 pounds. Their small size makes them perfect for people who live in small apartments.
Height: 12-15 inches
Weight: 7-30 pounds
What Is a German Spitz’s Coat Type and Length?
German spitz dogs have a double coat, which means they have a soft and dense undercoat covered by longer, straight outer fur. Their fur is usually fluffy and stands out from their body, giving them a unique look.
The coat length can vary, but it typically falls within a moderate range, making them look very fluffy and charming. It’s this beautiful, fluffy coat that gives them their adorable appearance!
What Is a German Spitz’s Temperament?
German spitz dogs are known for their lively and friendly personalities. They are often described as alert, playful, and curious, and these little guys tend to be quite affectionate and form strong bonds with their families.
They’re also known for their confidence and can be a bit vocal at times, letting you know when something is happening around them.
German spitz dogs are intelligent and quick learners, which can make them great companions for training and fun activities. Since they’re often lively and have a lot of energy, they enjoy playtime and exercise.
Are German Spitzes Good With Kids?
German spitz dogs are usually pretty friendly with kids, no matter their age. They like to play and have fun, so they can be great pals for your little ones. That said, given how small of a dog it is, it’s super important to teach your kids to be gentle and kind with it.
Dogs, much like humans, prefer children who are calm and nice to them, so it’s a good idea to let your kids know to not pull their fur or be rough with them.
It is a good idea to keep an eye on your children when they are with a German spitz. No amount of training can substitute for adult supervision, so you’ll want to ensure that’s being maintained at all times. If you give them proper training and love, German spitz dogs can be fantastic family buddies who get along well with children.
Are German Spitzes Good with Other Animals?
German spitz dogs can get along with other animals, but they might have a natural tendency to chase small animals like squirrels or birds. It’s in their genes because they were used for hunting in the past.
If you have other pets, especially small ones like rabbits or birds, you should be a bit cautious and supervise their interactions. As always, with proper training and socialization, they can coexist peacefully with other animals, but their hunting instincts might still kick in from time to time.
Are German Spitzes Aggressive?
It is very unlikely for a German spitz to snap, growl, get territorial, or be aggressive about food compared to other dogs. It all depends on how they are raised and trained, though.
Just like with any dog, if you teach them to be friendly and well-behaved and let them meet lots of different people and animals when they are young, they should be just fine.
If you ever see them acting in a way that worries you, it’s a good idea to get help from a professional dog trainer to make sure everything is okay.
Do German Spitzes Bark?
German spitzes can be pretty loud when they bark. Their barks are sharp and loud, so if you live in an apartment with strict rules about noise, they might not be the best choice.
However, teaching them not to bark isn’t too difficult. Plus, by making sure they have enough toys and activities to keep them busy, they’re not as likely to bark out of boredom.
Are German Spitzes Affectionate?
German spitz dogs are not only intelligent and loyal, but they’re also playful and loving and enjoy being close to their human family. They’re not exactly lap dogs despite being small because they are super active, but they do like to snuggle.
When it comes to strangers, it really just depends on the German spitz you have. Some are friendly and warm up quickly, while others take a little time to feel comfortable. If they meet lots of different people when they are young, they tend to be more relaxed around strangers.
Are German Spitzes Intelligent?
German spitz dogs are quite smart, and they love to figure things out themselves. When you teach them something new, they catch on pretty fast, which can make the training process a lot of fun for both of you!
They are also really curious little creatures. They are interested in what’s going on around them and love to explore.
They are quick to notice changes or strange sounds, and they are good at letting you know if something is up. All these qualities make German spitz dogs not only intelligent, but also just a ton of fun to have around you.
Like most intelligent dogs, they love challenges, both mental and physical, so keeping them active and mentally stimulated is a great way to keep them happy.
Are German Spitzes Energetic?
German spitz dogs are known for being high-energy dogs – they are pretty lively and enjoy being active. They need regular walks to burn off that energy and stay healthy, so a daily walk is usually a good idea to keep them happy.
Playtime is also essential for them. They like to have fun and need mental and physical stimulation. Interactive play, toys, and games can help keep them engaged and prevent them from getting bored.
Are German Spitzes Easy to Train?
While German spitz dogs are intelligent, they can sometimes be a bit independent, which might make them seem a bit challenging to train for some people. They can be a bit stubborn at times and do things their way, which is pretty much the only thing that makes them difficult to train.
However, it’s important to note that with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement methods, they can indeed learn complex tricks and even excel in agility training.
Their intelligence means that they can grasp various commands and tasks, but it might take more time and effort compared to some other breeds that are known for their eager-to-please nature.
Are German Spitzes Good Watchdogs?
There are a couple of reasons that make German spitzes good as watchdogs. Here are some of them:
- Alertness: They’re naturally alert and quick to notice any changes or unusual sounds in their environment. This makes them aware of potential intruders.
- Vocal: German spitz dogs tend to be vocal and will bark to alert you if they sense something out of the ordinary. Their barking can act as a deterrent to potential intruders.
- Courageous: Despite their small size, German spitzes are often brave and willing to protect their family if they perceive a threat.
- Loyalty: Their temperament means they are loyal to their families and will be dedicated to guarding their home and loved ones.
- Curiosity: Their curiosity means they will investigate anything unusual, which can help in identifying potential threats.
Are German Spitzes Good Service Dogs?
German spitz dogs have a couple of positive traits that could make them good for roles, such as emotional support animals (ESAs), therapy dogs, and even some psychiatric service dog tasks. All of these jobs often require dogs to be well-mannered, adaptable, and good at providing comfort and support. Here’s how German spitzes might fit into these roles:
- Calm and Affectionate: German spitz dogs can be very affectionate and enjoy being close to their human family. This trait can be beneficial for emotional support and therapy work.
- Alert and Intelligent: Their alertness and intelligence can help them be responsive to their owner’s needs and perform specific tasks, which is important in service dog work.
- Good Temperament: They generally have a friendly and sociable temperament, which is vital when working as therapy dogs to interact positively with various people.
- Compact Size: Their small size can make them more practical for indoor and therapy settings where a smaller dog is preferred.
How to Care for a German Spitz?
Here’s how you can care for your German spitz:
- Exercise: Provide daily walks and playtime to keep them active and happy.
- Grooming: Brush their coat regularly to prevent matting, take care of their dental health, and trim their nails as needed.
- Training: Use positive reinforcement methods to train and socialize them from an early age.
- Attention: German spitz dogs thrive on human interaction, so give them love and attention daily.
- Health: Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet are crucial for their well-being. Feed them a balanced and appropriate diet according to their age and size.
Do You Need to Groom a German Spitz?
German spitz dogs should be brushed a few times a week to keep their fur looking good and prevent it from getting all tangled up. You can do this at home. Sometimes, it’s a good idea to take them to a professional groomer, especially for stuff like cutting their nails or giving them a nice bath and grooming.
These professionals have the right tools and know-how to make sure your dog’s coat stays healthy and free from knots.
How often you do this can depend on your dog’s fur and what you prefer. Some people take their German spitz to the groomer every 6-8 weeks, but you can adjust this to what works best for you and your dog.
Do German Spitzes Shed?
German spitz dogs do shed, and their shedding tends to be moderate to high. They typically shed year-round, with more significant shedding occurring during seasonal changes, a time that is known as “blowing their coat.”
During these times, you’ll see a definite increase in shedding. German spitz dogs are also not considered hypoallergenic, as they produce allergenic proteins found in their skin cells, saliva, and urine, so you will have to be careful if you have dog allergies.
What Health Problems Do German Spitzes Have?
Apart from common issues like hip dysplasia that all dogs are prone to developing, the most common problems German spitzes can develop are the following:
- Luxating Patella: Some German spitz dogs may be prone to patellar luxation, where the kneecap dislocates. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk.
- Eye Conditions: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic eye disorder that can affect some German spitzes. To prevent it, choose a reputable breeder who screens for PRA in their breeding dogs.
How Long Do German Spitzes Live?
German spitzes typically live anywhere between 12-16 years. Good health and nutrition through their life can help ensure they live as long as possible.
What Should a German Spitz Eat?
The amount of food a German spitz should eat depends on factors like their age, size, and activity level. High-quality dog food designed for small breeds and their life stage is best. Since these little doggies are prone to obesity, make sure you measure their portions and avoid feeding them table scraps to maintain their weight.
Is a German Spitz the Right Dog for Me?
German spitzes are an excellent choice for active individuals and families who enjoy social and playful pets. Their social nature makes them an ideal match for people who enjoy a dog that craves companionship, and their playful disposition is perfect for those who appreciate their spirited nature.
You should also be prepared for regular grooming since these dogs have a fluffy coat that needs attention. They benefit from consistent training, and when they shed, it is important to note that they are not hypoallergenic in case you have allergies.