Apartment fit
The German Spitz can fit apartments well if barking is trained and exercise is consistent.
Non-SportingMedium
Germany
GermanyGerman Spitz
Weight
18-30 lb
Height
12-15 in
Lifespan
13-15 yrs
Coat
Double Long
The German Spitz is a German companion and watchdog spitz, lively and devoted, with a dense double coat and several FCI size varieties.
Old German spitz companion and watchdogFCI standard includes several size varietiesLively, devoted, and alertDense double coat needs regular brushing
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Deutscher Spitz
LivelyDevotedAttentiveAlertBright
Weight
18-30 lb
Height
12-15 in
Lifespan
13-15 yrs
Coat
Double Long
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Moderate
Barking
High
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
4/5
First-time owner
Yes
Overview
The German Spitz, or Deutscher Spitz, is one of Central Europe's old spitz-type breeds. The FCI standard includes several size varieties, from Wolfsspitz/Keeshond down to Zwergspitz/Pomeranian. This DogsIndex profile focuses on the companion-sized German Spitz commonly represented by Klein and Mittel types, while noting that size varies by registry and variety.
German Spitz are lively, attentive, and strongly attached to their people. They were valued as alert watchdogs, so barking is a normal breed tendency rather than a surprise flaw. Early training should teach calm responses to visitors, hallway noise, and passing dogs.
The coat is a stand-off double coat with a thick undercoat, mane-like ruff, and plumed tail. Colors vary by variety and standard, including black, brown, white, orange, grey-shaded, cream, sable, particolor, and black-and-tan. Coat care and dental care are bigger commitments than the dog's size might suggest.
Temperament & Personality
LivelyDevotedAttentiveAlertBright
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a lively, devoted, attentive companion, with daily rhythms shaped by moderate energy, high barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Double
Coat length
Long
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Black, Brown, White, Orange, Gray Shaded, Cream, Sable, Particolor, Black and Tan
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids3/5
Good with Dogs3/5
Good with Strangers2/5
Apartment Friendly4/5
Exercise Needs3/5
Grooming Needs4/5
Trainability4/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- A home-friendly apartment match
- A more forgiving first ownership experience
Plan ahead for
- 3/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- high barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- owners wanting an alert companion spitz
- apartments with barking training
- people who enjoy brushing and coat care
- families with respectful children
Not ideal for
- homes needing a very quiet dog
- owners who dislike grooming
- people away all day without companionship
- hot climates without cooling plans
Common challenges
- alert barking
- coat shedding and mats
- dental care
- stranger reserve
Barking & behavior
Expect an alert dog that notices sound and movement. Teach quiet cues and reward calm observation rather than constant alarm barking.
Training style
Use positive, short sessions with variety. The breed is bright and attentive but can become noisy if routines are unclear.
Grooming & shedding
Brush several times weekly, more during shedding, and maintain teeth, nails, ears, and coat behind the ears and tail.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most companion-sized German Spitz need daily walks, play, and training, but not endurance-level exercise. Mental work and calm-watchdog routines are as important as mileage.
Grooming
Brush the double coat several times a week and more during seasonal shedding. Do not shave the coat; remove loose undercoat and keep the ruff, trousers, tail, and behind the ears free of mats.
Training
Use reward-based training with early work on barking, handling, recall, and calm greetings. German Spitz are quick and alert, so they learn patterns quickly, including bad ones.
Nutrition
Feed measured portions and monitor weight under the coat. Small-to-medium spitz dogs can gain weight if treats replace activity.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Moderate
Barking level
High
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
5/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather4/5
Heat tolerance2/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Patellar luxationDental diseaseEye conditionsTracheal sensitivityObesity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the German Spitz a good apartment dog?
Yes, the companion-sized German Spitz can suit apartments if barking is managed. The main challenge is not space but alert vocal behavior.
Does the German Spitz bark a lot?
It can. German Spitz were valued as alert watchdogs, so owners should train quiet cues and calm visitor routines early.
Are there different sizes of German Spitz?
Yes. The FCI standard includes several size varieties, including Wolfsspitz/Keeshond, Giant Spitz, Medium Spitz, Miniature Spitz, and Toy Spitz/Pomeranian. This profile reflects the common companion-sized German Spitz range.
How much exercise does a German Spitz need?
Most need moderate daily exercise: walks, play, training, and enrichment. They do not usually need endurance work, but they do need attention and mental activity.
Does the German Spitz shed?
Yes. The dense double coat sheds moderately and more during seasonal changes. Regular brushing is necessary.
What colors can a German Spitz be?
Accepted colors vary by size variety and standard language, but include black, brown, white, orange, grey-shaded, cream, sable, particolor, and black-and-tan.
What health problems should German Spitz owners watch for?
Common watchouts include patellar luxation, dental disease, eye conditions, tracheal sensitivity, and obesity.
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