German Spitz
The German Spitz is a small breed known for its fox-like looks and cheerful nature.


German Spitz Breed overview
German Spitz is a highly affectionate and energetic breed that requires a lot of attention and exercise to remain happy and healthy. They are great companions for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities and games. With proper socialization and training, they can be suitable for novice owners, although they may require effort and patience. They have a strong prey drive and may bark at strangers or other animals, making consistent training and management necessary. They are generally healthy but may be prone to certain health conditions, so regular check-ups with a veterinarian and proper diet and exercise are essential. German Spitz are a great choice for those looking for an active, loyal, and playful companion.
What To Expect When Caring For a German Spitz
Nutrition
Like any other breed, German Spitz needs a well-balanced diet to stay healthy.
Consulting with a veterinarian is recommended to determine the appropriate diet for the breed.
Exercise
German Spitz need daily exercise, such as walks or playing in the yard.
They also enjoy interactive games like fetch and hide-and-seek.
Grooming
The breed’s thick and fluffy coat requires frequent brushing and grooming to maintain its appearance.
Bathing should be done only when necessary to retain the coat’s natural oils.
Health
German Spitz is generally a healthy breed with no major health concerns.
Training
The breed's intelligence makes them generally easy to train.
Early socialization is recommended to avoid the dog becoming overly protective.
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German Spitz Traits & Characteristics
Their height ranges from 23–29 cm (9.1–11.4 in) at the withers.
The coat is dense, straight, and comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, orange, and cream.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
German Spitz is highly affectionate and loyal to their owners. They love to cuddle and be close to their humans, requiring a lot of attention and affection. They form close bonds with their owners and are eager to please.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
German Spitz can be great with children when socialized and trained appropriately. They have a high energy level and love to play, making them great companions for kids. However, due to their small size, supervision is required to prevent accidental injury.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
German Spitz can be dog-friendly if socialized from an early age. They may be wary of strangers, making socialization important for proper behavior around other dogs. They have a strong prey drive and may chase smaller animals.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
German Spitz may be reserved or timid around strangers, making early socialization important for proper behavior. They may bark at unfamiliar people or animals, but with training, this behavior can be managed.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
German Spitz are highly playful and energetic. They enjoy a wide range of games and activities, making them great companions for active families. They love to play, run, and explore.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
German Spitz is highly alert and vigilant. They make excellent watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of any potential threat. They have a strong prey drive and may chase after small animals.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
German Spitz is relatively adaptable to different living situations. They can do well in apartments or houses with a yard, as long as they receive adequate exercise and attention. They thrive when given a routine and consistent schedule.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
German Spitz sheds moderately year-round and heavily during shedding seasons. Regular grooming, such as brushing and bathing, can help manage shedding. Those with allergies should be aware that German Spitz can trigger allergies.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
German Spitz requires moderate grooming, including regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their thick fur. They may require occasional trimming around the ears and paw pads. They require regular checkups for dental hygiene and nail care.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
German Spitz is not prone to drooling, making them ideal for those who prefer a clean-mouthed breed.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
German Spitz is a small to medium-sized breed, weighing between 20 to 30 pounds and standing between 12 to 15 inches in height. They have a compact and sturdy build, making them well-suited for active families.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
German Spitz have a high energy level and require a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation. They love to play, run, and explore, making them great companions for active families. Daily exercise and playtime is necessary for their well-being.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
German Spitz require substantial daily exercise and playtime to remain happy and healthy. They have a high energy level and love to run, play, and explore. Regular exercise, such as walks, runs, and interactive games, can help maintain their physical health and mental well-being.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
German Spitz can perform various jobs and tasks, including serving as watchdogs, hunting companions, or service animals. They excel in obedience training and responding to commands but may require additional training for specific jobs or duties.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
German Spitz have a strong prey drive and can perform well in hunting and tracking activities. They have a keen sense of smell and great stamina, making them well-suited for hunting small game. However, early socialization and training is necessary to prevent inappropriate behavior around other animals.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
German Spitz have high levels of physical stamina and energy. They require a lot of exercise and playtime to maintain their physical health and mental well-being. They excel in agility and other active sports and activities that require speed, strength, and endurance.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
German Spitz is generally healthy but may be prone to certain health issues, such as patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and eye problems. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian and proper diet and exercise can help prevent or manage these conditions.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
German Spitz may be prone to obesity if they do not receive adequate exercise and a healthy diet. Owners should monitor their weight and avoid overfeeding. Regular exercise and activity can help maintain their weight and prevent health issues.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
German Spitz may require extra warmth and protection during cold weather due to their small size and thin coat. Owners should provide warm shelter and clothing, such as jackets or sweaters, when necessary.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
German Spitz can tolerate moderate heat, although they may require extra cooling and hydration during hot weather. Owners should avoid leaving them in overheated environments and provide cool, shaded areas for rest and play.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
German Spitz can do well in an apartment if they receive adequate exercise and attention. However, they have a high energy level and require substantial daily exercise and playtime to be happy and healthy.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
German Spitz may have a tendency to wander or roam, making supervision necessary in unsecured areas. They have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals, so owners should be mindful of their surroundings and keep them on a leash in public places.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
German Spitz can be sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement, making positive reinforcement and rewards-based training necessary. They respond well to consistency and patience and may become anxious or stressed when subjected to harsh training methods.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
German Spitz may become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and content when their owners are away. Crate training and consistent routines can help manage separation anxiety.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
German Spitz can be prone to barking, especially when they feel anxious, stressed, or when they see unfamiliar people or animals. Training and socialization can help manage this behavior, but it may require consistent effort from owners.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
German Spitz is highly intelligent and requires mental stimulation and engagement. They thrive when given challenging toys, games, and activities that exercise their minds. Interactive training and obedience classes can also stimulate them mentally.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
German Spitz can be suitable for novice owners with proper socialization, training, and care. They require a lot of attention and exercise, but with patience and consistency, they can make great companions for families or individuals.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
German Spitz can be stubborn and independent, making training a challenge. Positive reinforcement and consistency are necessary for success. They have a strong prey drive and may require additional training for recall and obedience around distractions.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
German Spitz is highly affectionate and loyal to their owners. They love to cuddle and be close to their humans, requiring a lot of attention and affection. They form close bonds with their owners and are eager to please.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
German Spitz can be great with children when socialized and trained appropriately. They have a high energy level and love to play, making them great companions for kids. However, due to their small size, supervision is required to prevent accidental injury.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
German Spitz can be dog-friendly if socialized from an early age. They may be wary of strangers, making socialization important for proper behavior around other dogs. They have a strong prey drive and may chase smaller animals.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
German Spitz may be reserved or timid around strangers, making early socialization important for proper behavior. They may bark at unfamiliar people or animals, but with training, this behavior can be managed.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
German Spitz are highly playful and energetic. They enjoy a wide range of games and activities, making them great companions for active families. They love to play, run, and explore.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
German Spitz is highly alert and vigilant. They make excellent watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of any potential threat. They have a strong prey drive and may chase after small animals.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
German Spitz is relatively adaptable to different living situations. They can do well in apartments or houses with a yard, as long as they receive adequate exercise and attention. They thrive when given a routine and consistent schedule.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
German Spitz sheds moderately year-round and heavily during shedding seasons. Regular grooming, such as brushing and bathing, can help manage shedding. Those with allergies should be aware that German Spitz can trigger allergies.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
German Spitz requires moderate grooming, including regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their thick fur. They may require occasional trimming around the ears and paw pads. They require regular checkups for dental hygiene and nail care.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
German Spitz is not prone to drooling, making them ideal for those who prefer a clean-mouthed breed.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
German Spitz is a small to medium-sized breed, weighing between 20 to 30 pounds and standing between 12 to 15 inches in height. They have a compact and sturdy build, making them well-suited for active families.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
German Spitz have a high energy level and require a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation. They love to play, run, and explore, making them great companions for active families. Daily exercise and playtime is necessary for their well-being.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
German Spitz require substantial daily exercise and playtime to remain happy and healthy. They have a high energy level and love to run, play, and explore. Regular exercise, such as walks, runs, and interactive games, can help maintain their physical health and mental well-being.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
German Spitz can perform various jobs and tasks, including serving as watchdogs, hunting companions, or service animals. They excel in obedience training and responding to commands but may require additional training for specific jobs or duties.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
German Spitz have a strong prey drive and can perform well in hunting and tracking activities. They have a keen sense of smell and great stamina, making them well-suited for hunting small game. However, early socialization and training is necessary to prevent inappropriate behavior around other animals.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
German Spitz have high levels of physical stamina and energy. They require a lot of exercise and playtime to maintain their physical health and mental well-being. They excel in agility and other active sports and activities that require speed, strength, and endurance.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
German Spitz is generally healthy but may be prone to certain health issues, such as patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and eye problems. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian and proper diet and exercise can help prevent or manage these conditions.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
German Spitz may be prone to obesity if they do not receive adequate exercise and a healthy diet. Owners should monitor their weight and avoid overfeeding. Regular exercise and activity can help maintain their weight and prevent health issues.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
German Spitz may require extra warmth and protection during cold weather due to their small size and thin coat. Owners should provide warm shelter and clothing, such as jackets or sweaters, when necessary.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
German Spitz can tolerate moderate heat, although they may require extra cooling and hydration during hot weather. Owners should avoid leaving them in overheated environments and provide cool, shaded areas for rest and play.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
German Spitz can do well in an apartment if they receive adequate exercise and attention. However, they have a high energy level and require substantial daily exercise and playtime to be happy and healthy.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
German Spitz may have a tendency to wander or roam, making supervision necessary in unsecured areas. They have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals, so owners should be mindful of their surroundings and keep them on a leash in public places.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
German Spitz can be sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement, making positive reinforcement and rewards-based training necessary. They respond well to consistency and patience and may become anxious or stressed when subjected to harsh training methods.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
German Spitz may become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and content when their owners are away. Crate training and consistent routines can help manage separation anxiety.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
German Spitz can be prone to barking, especially when they feel anxious, stressed, or when they see unfamiliar people or animals. Training and socialization can help manage this behavior, but it may require consistent effort from owners.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
German Spitz is highly intelligent and requires mental stimulation and engagement. They thrive when given challenging toys, games, and activities that exercise their minds. Interactive training and obedience classes can also stimulate them mentally.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
German Spitz can be suitable for novice owners with proper socialization, training, and care. They require a lot of attention and exercise, but with patience and consistency, they can make great companions for families or individuals.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
German Spitz can be stubborn and independent, making training a challenge. Positive reinforcement and consistency are necessary for success. They have a strong prey drive and may require additional training for recall and obedience around distractions.
Similar breeds

History of the German Spitz
The breed originated in Germany and was primarily used as a guard dog.
Today, they are popular companion dogs in many parts of the world.

German Spitz Puppies
German Spitz puppies are generally small in size and weigh between 10 and 20 pounds.
They have a playful and energetic personality.