German Spitz

With a fox-like face, pricked ears, a fluffy mane, and a curled tail, the German Spitz is a regal and alert dog. They have lively personalities and can have a stubborn streak. With proper training and socialization, they can be fun-loving and loving dogs.

German Spitz Breed Overview

Spitz dogs are some of the oldest breeds and serve as the basis of many European breeds. They might even date back as far as 6,000 years. “Spitz” in Old Dutch means “pointed peaks,” a nod to their pricked ears. They were valued in Medieval times for their adaptability, serving as watchdogs and rat chasers. The breed was brought to the United States in the late 1800s by German immigrants. They can be highly vocal dogs thanks to their history, but do well with training, save for an independent streak here and there. German Spitz dogs are lively, energetic, and love being around people.  

German Spitz Facts

• “Spitz” means “pointed peaks” in Old Dutch, a nod to their ears  
• Spitz dogs date back thousands of years
• German Spitz dogs come in many sizes, from 10 pounds to 50 pounds  
• The Pomeranian is considered the smallest type of German Spitz dog
• They are energetic and lively dogs, but can be stubborn
• They were first brought to America by German immigrants in the late 1800s

How to Care for Your German Spitz

Here’s what you need to know about caring for your German Spitz dog, including nutrition and feeding, health and wellness, grooming and hygiene, and how to live with them.

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a German Spitz

What to feed your German Spitz depends on their size. All dogs need high-quality protein, moderate carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Size-specific foods, like those made for small breed dogs or large breed dogs, should be considered to make sure that the kibble size is appropriate for the dog, and that the nutrients are balanced well for their size. Weight management will be important for dogs of the smaller size, so consider foods like Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Weight Management Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula.

How Much to Feed a German Spitz

Because the amount of food your dog needs can vary greatly within the German Spitz breed, it’s best to consult a tool like the Purina Feeding Calculator. Put in your dog’s age, weight, and activity level to find out exactly how much food your dog will need. Ideally, you’ll use scheduled feeds over free feeding, which can also help with maintaining a healthy weight.  

Treats & Supplements

Size will come into play again when it comes to treats; smaller dogs will need lower-calorie treats versus larger dogs. Treats can be used sparingly and in conjunction with positive reinforcement training methods. Dogs should not receive more than 10% of their daily calories from treats. Your German Spitz likely won’t need supplements unless they are senior dogs, but you can talk with your vet about them.  

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

All sizes of German Spitz dogs will benefit from preventive care through vet checkups, vaccines, and parasite prevention, all of which can be discussed at length with your vet. Be sure to start a good dental care routine early with them to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease, something the breed is susceptible to. Responsible pet owners will also talk to their vet about spaying or neutering their dog. German Spitz dogs can have conditions like patellar luxation (a kneecap joint issue), a collapsed trachea, or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), all of which can be caught early with regular vet care.

German Spitz Enrichment & Exercise Needs

These dogs will have various exercise needs based on their size. Smaller dogs might be satisfied with a few daily walks, while larger German Spitzes might need more vigorous exercise. Because these dogs are highly curious with a strong prey drive, German Spitz owners can benefit from a secure, fenced-in yard so that these dogs don’t go off on their own expeditions chasing small animals. All German Spitzes need mental stimulation, especially since they can be prone to destructive behavior if bored. Try training, puzzles, agility, and games to keep their minds active.

Understanding Your German Spitz’s Behavior

German Spitz owners need a lot of patience and a good handle on positive reinforcement tactics. These dogs are alert and watchful, something that persists from their history as watchdogs, and they are prone to barking. They can have a stubborn streak that will require consistency. They can be trained through positive reinforcement training with plenty of rewards. Separation anxiety can happen if they are left alone for too long, and destructive behavior can occur. Be sure not to leave them for too long on their own, and mentally and physically stimulate them before leaving to prevent issues like chewing.

What to Expect as Your German Spitz Ages

A healthy German Spitz can live between 13 and 15 years. Talk to your vet about when to switch them to a senior dog food to make sure they are getting the right food to support mental clarity, joint health, and more.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

These dogs shed minimally throughout most of the year, although they do have two heavier seasonal sheds. Brush them frequently to remove loose and dead hairs and to redistribute their coat oils. Do not bathe them frequently, as it can strip their skin of essential oils for a shiny and healthy coat.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

Check their pricked ears often for signs of an ear infection, like redness or discharge, and clean them with a vet-approved cleaning regimen. Their nails will need to be trimmed frequently to prevent painful splitting and cracking, and you can inspect their paws frequently for cuts and scrapes that might lead to infection. Dental care is important for this breed because they can suffer from dental disease. Brush their teeth regularly and offer dental chews.

Anal Gland Care

Depending on the size of your German Spitz, they may or may not naturally express their anal glands. If there is a blockage called an abscess, you’ll need to call a vet to help. You’ll know your dog is having issues if there is excessive licking, scooting, they are straining to go to the bathroom, or if they are emitting a foul-smelling odor.

Living With a German Spitz

Living Space

The amount of space your German Spitz needs depends entirely on their size. Small German Spitzes won’t need much indoor room, while a larger one might do better with a fenced-in yard in a rural or suburban area. They have a strong prey drive and are known escape artists.

Socialization

German Spitz dogs can be good family dogs, especially with training and frequent socialization to introduce them to unfamiliar people and places to build up confidence. They were bred as guard dogs and naturally want to bark to alert, so training and socialization can go a long way in getting them to settle should a delivery person come upon your house, or you meet someone new. They do best with families with no children or older children.

Climate Considerations

This breed’s double coat can help protect them in colder temperatures, but they don’t do as well in warmer ones. If you live in a hot area, be sure to monitor your dog for heat exhaustion, and exercise them during the coolest parts of the day. Offer plenty of shade and water on warm days, too. Do not let German Spitz dogs spend extended amounts of time in extreme weather of any kind.

Potential Challenges

Lively, social, and outgoing, the German Spitz is a fun-loving and tenacious dog. They can be stubborn in training, but keep with it and show them a lot of grace and patience until they get it. They were once used as watchdogs, so they can be chatty, something that can be worked on with training and socialization. To decrease the likelihood of separation anxiety, don’t leave them alone for long periods, and be sure they are mentally and physically stimulated before leaving them.

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