At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
long double coat
A stand-off outer coat of long, straight hair over a short, dense, woolly undercoat. The neck and shoulders carry a thick mane and the bushy tail curls up over the back, giving the classic fox-like spitz outline.12
Personality what they are like
A lively, attentive little companion that bonds closely with its people. It tends to be reserved with strangers and has very little hunting drive, which makes it a keen watchdog rather than a chaser. Many are happy, even-tempered and chatty, and they prefer not to be left alone for long.14
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. The RKC suggests up to an hour a day for the Klein, while Purina suggests one to two hours of walking split into several outings, plus games that keep the mind busy.34
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Daily brushing keeps the double coat free of tangles, paying extra attention behind the ears and around the elbows. Expect heavier seasonal moults, when more frequent brushing helps.34
Home where they are happiest
Adapts to town or country and can live in a flat, ideally with access to a small to medium garden.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced commercial or vet-guided diet suited to the dog's size, age and activity level, with portions adjusted to keep a lean, athletic shape and fresh water always available.
Company who they like around
Loves human company and is happiest living closely with its family; it should not be left alone for long periods.41
The story where it all began
The FCI describes the German Spitz as the oldest dog breed of Central Europe, linked to Stone Age "peat dogs". Written mentions in German texts go back to about 1450. The breed was long kept as a farm and boat watchdog and was gradually bred down in size, giving rise to the small companion varieties, including the Pomeranian.124
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The FCI treats the Keeshond and the Pomeranian as size varieties of the German Spitz, while English-speaking kennel clubs usually list them as separate breeds.2
- 2
The breed spans five sizes under one standard, from the Toy/Pomeranian at around 21 cm to the Wolfsspitz at around 49 cm at the withers.1
- 3
Spitz-type dogs were once kept as watchdogs on trading and fishing boats.4
- 4
The Royal Kennel Club recognises two sizes, Klein and Mittel, which share an identical standard apart from height.3
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 97, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 4 European Spitz; no working trial. Current standard dated 3 September 2024; covers Wolfsspitz/Keeshond, Giant, Medium, Miniature and Toy/Pomeranian as varieties of one breed.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Utility group; recognised as two size varieties, German Spitz (Klein) and German Spitz (Mittel), which share one standard apart from size.3
- VDH (German Kennel Club)
- Breed standard held for Germany as country of origin.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a German Spitz. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 97, German Spitz fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- German Spitz, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, varieties, history
- The Royal Kennel Club, German Spitz (Klein) royalkennelclub.comused for recognition, exercise, grooming, lifespan, living needs
- Purina UK, German Spitz Klein purina.co.ukused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, temperament, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.