Most important facts
- Group
- Utility
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 5–11 kg
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Long
- Energy
- Moderate
- Height
- 23–38 cm
- Colours
- All colours and markings
- Shedding
- Heavy
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£19/mo
- Gear to consider
- Slow-feeder bowl, undercoat rake or de-shedding brush, well-fitted harness
Typical dry food, adult
About the German Spitz
The German Spitz descends from the ancient spitz-type dogs of northern Europe, kept for centuries on German farms and barges as compact, sharp-eyed watchdogs. The type spread from the Pomerania region and found favour in Victorian Britain, where selective breeding produced ever smaller companions. The Kennel Club recognises the breed in two sizes, the smaller Klein and the larger Mittel, both carrying the same plush coat and alert character.
German Spitz are typically happy, alert and equable, described in the breed standard as confident with no sign of nervousness or aggression. They're intelligent and reasonably easy to train, though independent-minded enough to need consistent, patient handling rather than force. Most take well to family life, including households with older, gentle children.
They have a strong watchdog instinct and a real tendency to bark at visitors or unfamiliar noises, so early training to settle on cue keeps the barking manageable. They bond closely with their household and can be wary of strangers until introduced properly, so early socialisation matters, and a settled routine keeps this alert temperament calm.
Common health conditions
Things German Spitz owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Patellar luxation
The kneecap can slip temporarily out of place, and no other condition comes up so often in this breed. Ask breeders for patella screening on the parents, and keep your dog lean.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited, painless eye condition that gradually affects vision. Choose breeders who test parent dogs through the BVA eye scheme.
Dental disease
Like many small breeds, German Spitz can be prone to plaque and crowded teeth. Use dental-friendly kibble and chews alongside regular brushing.
Obesity
Their compact frame means even small amounts of extra weight show quickly. Weigh food out accurately rather than free-feeding to keep them in shape.
Feeding a German Spitz
German Spitz are small dogs with a moderate energy requirement, so it's easy to overfeed them relative to their size. A modest daily calorie intake and accurately weighed portions are the main safeguards against creeping weight gain. Extra weight loads knees already prone to luxation, so keeping them lean is one of the most useful things an owner can do.
A complete diet with appropriately sized kibble suits their small jaws, and a dental-friendly texture or dental chews helps offset a breed tendency towards plaque. Coat condition benefits from good levels of omega fatty acids, supporting the thick double coat, and treats should be counted within the daily allowance.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a German Spitz needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
5–11 kg
Est. daily calories
280–680 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two German Spitzes eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£0.62
- Per month
- ~£19
- Per year
- ~£226
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your German Spitz
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your German Spitz by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs4/10
- Appetite5/10
- Trainability6/10
- Good with children6/10
- Shedding7/10
- Tolerates being alone4/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- Alert, loyal companion with a confident, happy disposition
- Compact size suits a range of home types
- Long-lived breed when kept lean and well cared for
Worth knowing
- Sheds seasonally and needs daily brushing to prevent matting in the dense double coat
- Can be vocal, with a strong tendency to bark at noises or strangers if not guided early
- Prone to patellar luxation, so joint-conscious care and weight management matter from puppyhood
Best matched accessories
All accessories →The collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
How much should I feed a German Spitz?
Feed to body condition and not to a fixed amount, as at this size even a slightly oversized portion adds weight quickly. Follow the guide on the packaging for their weight and activity, weigh meals out, and check ribs and waist regularly. The Food Finder can suggest suitable small-breed recipes.
Do German Spitz bark a lot?
They have a high tendency to bark, often to alert owners to noises or visitors. Early, consistent training to settle on cue helps manage this, as it rarely disappears on its own.
How much grooming does a German Spitz need?
Their thick double coat needs brushing most days to prevent matting and manage shedding, with heavier seasonal coat blows needing more attention. Feeding for skin and coat health makes the coat easier to manage between sessions.
Are German Spitz prone to joint problems?
Patellar luxation is the condition this breed is best known for, so ask to see health-screening results for the parents before buying a puppy. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, with accurately portioned meals, is the most effective way to reduce strain.