German Spitz
The German Spitz is a captivating family of spitz-type breeds with ancient German origins, potentially tracing back thousands of years to primitive spitz dogs.
Today, two size variants are most commonly seen in the UK: the Mittel (Medium), standing 30–38 cm and weighing 7–11 kg, and the Klein (Small), measuring 23–29 cm and weighing 5–8 kg.
5-11kg
Weight
Medium
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the German Spitz
Both share the distinctive spitz appearance, characterised by a thick, stand-off double coat with a luxurious mane and frill, pointed muzzle, alert upright ears, and a plumed tail curved over the back. The coat arrives in various colours and demands regular brushing several times weekly to maintain its condition and prevent matting. In terms of temperament, the German Spitz is lively, curious, and deeply devoted to its family. The breed's natural alertness makes it an effective watchdog, though it can be vocal and may initially reserve judgement of strangers. With proper socialisation and consistent training, the German Spitz develops into an adaptable and engaging companion. Requiring up to an hour's daily exercise, this intelligent breed suits various household types, from active families to dedicated individuals seeking a loyal, characterful pet with genuine personality.
German Spitz at a Glance
- Group
- Utility
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 5–11 kg
- Height
- 18–38 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Typical price
- £500–£700
German Spitz Lifestyle
The German Spitz is well suited to a smaller house and does well with a modest garden. They adapt well to both town and country living.
Dog Food for German Spitz
Top-rated foods for Medium breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for German Spitz
German Spitz Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical German Spitz weighing around 8 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£1.96 - £2.09
Per month
£59 - £63
Per year
£716 - £764
German Spitz Characteristics
The German Spitz requires significant daily exercise and outdoor time and is very responsive to training and loves to please. They are a fantastic choice for families with children, but don't need constant company, though they do enjoy being around people. The coat needs brushing a couple of times a week to stay in good condition and leaves some hair around the home but isn't excessive. Exceptionally clever, they thrive when given jobs to do or puzzles to solve.
German Spitz Pros & Cons
Pros
- A manageable size and trainable nature that suits families and first-time owners
- Highly intelligent and keen to engage in learning and activities
- Moderate shedding with grooming needs that are generally easy to manage
- Adapts well to both city apartments and country homes
Cons
- Needs regular professional grooming and frequent brushing to prevent the coat from matting
- Can be vocal and prone to barking without consistent early training
- Strong prey drive means secure fencing and careful off-lead supervision are essential
- Well-bred puppies can be hard to find due to the breed's relative rarity
