The German Spitz is a family of dog breeds that are characterized by their thick fur, pointed ears, and curled tails. Originating in Germany, these dogs were originally bred for herding, guarding, and hunting. Today, they make wonderful family pets, with their lively personalities and affectionate nature. However, not all German Spitz breeds are created equal, and it’s important to understand the differences between them in order to choose the right one for you.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of German Spitzes, their characteristics, and which one might be the best fit for your family.
1. German Spitz (Mittel)
The German Spitz (Mittel) is the most well-known and popular breed in the German Spitz family. It’s a medium-sized dog with a thick, double coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, cream, and white. They have a fox-like appearance, with a wedge-shaped head, pointed ears, and a curled tail.
German Spitz (Mittel) are highly intelligent, active, and social dogs. They thrive on human companionship and make great family pets. However, they can be stubborn and independent, so early socialization and obedience training is important.
2. German Spitz (Klein)
The German Spitz (Klein) is a smaller version of the German Spitz (Mittel). They are typically 9-11 inches tall and weigh between 11-22 pounds. Like the German Spitz (Mittel), they have a thick, double coat and come in a variety of colors.
German Spitz (Klein) are lively, friendly, and loyal dogs. They make great companions for families with children and other pets. They are intelligent and easy to train, but can be vocal and bark excessively if not properly socialized.
3. Giant German Spitz (Grossspitz)
The Giant German Spitz (Grossspitz) is the largest breed in the German Spitz family. They can weigh up to 70 pounds and stand up to 18 inches tall. They have a thick, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors.
Giant German Spitz (Grossspitz) are intelligent, loyal, and protective dogs. They make great family pets but may not be suitable for homes with small children due to their size. They are highly active and require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
4. Keeshond
The Keeshond, also known as the German Spitz (Wolfspitz), is a medium-sized dog that originated in the Netherlands. They have distinctive gray, black, and white coat and thick, bushy tail that curls over their back.
Keeshonds are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dogs. They make great family pets and are good with children and other pets. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions.
5. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian, also known as the Zwergspitz, is the smallest breed in the German Spitz family. They typically weigh between 3-7 pounds and stand 6-7 inches tall. They have a thick, double coat that comes in a variety of colors.
Pomeranians are lively, playful, and affectionate dogs. They make great companions for families with children and other pets. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions.
6. Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is a breed that was developed in Japan in the 1920s using the German Spitz (Mittel) as a foundation. They have a white, fluffy coat and a fox-like appearance.
Japanese Spitz is intelligent, playful, and affectionate dogs. They make great companions for families with children and other pets. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions.
7. American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog, also known as the Eskie, is a breed that is closely related to the German Spitz (Mittel). They come in three different sizes – toy, miniature, and standard – and have a thick, white coat.
American Eskimo Dogs are intelligent, playful, and loyal dogs. They make great family pets and are good with children and other pets. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions.
So, which type of German Spitz is right for you? It depends on a few factors, such as your lifestyle, living situation, and preferences.
If you’re looking for a larger dog that can provide protection and companionship, the Giant German Spitz (Grossspitz) may be the right choice for you. However, they require a lot of exercises and mental stimulation, so they may not be suitable for apartment living.
If you want a smaller dog that is affectionate and easy to train, the German Spitz (Klein) or Pomeranian may be a good fit. They make great companions for families with children and other pets and are well-suited for apartment living.
If you’re interested in a breed that excels in obedience and agility competitions, the Keeshond or American Eskimo Dog may be a good choice. They are highly trainable and love to learn new things.
Overall, the German Spitz family offers a variety of breeds that are well-suited for different lifestyles and preferences. It’s important to do your research and choose a breed that fits your needs and personality. With proper training and socialization, German Spitzes make wonderful family pets that are loyal, affectionate, and playful.