German Spitz
Also known as Loulou, Small German Spitz, Medium German Spitz, Large German Spitz, Kleinspitz, Mittelspitz, Großspitz
- Height at the withers
- 24 to 50 cm
- Weight
- 4 to 18 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Germany
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
This profile covers three of the five German Spitz sizes: the large (about 45 cm), the medium (35 cm) and the small (27 cm). The toy size (Pomeranian) and the wolf size (Keeshond) have their own profiles. All share the fox-like head, the full ruff and the plumed tail curled over the back. Lively, attentive and very attached to its owner, the German Spitz is wary of strangers and has no prey drive at all, which makes it an easy family dog and a watchful guardian, quite fond of barking.
History and origins
Thought to descend from the Stone Age peat dog and the dogs of the lake dwellings, the German Spitz is considered the oldest breed in Central Europe and the source of many others. Long a guardian of farms, vineyards and boats, it became a popular companion dog in the 18th and 19th centuries, all the way to the royal courts of Europe. The FCI groups all its sizes in a single standard (no. 97), whose current version dates from 2024. In France, the Société Centrale Canine (French Kennel Club) does not separate the sizes: 2,666 German Spitz were registered in its LOF stud book in 2025, including 2,320 “other colors” (Pomeranians included) and 346 Keeshonds.
Health
Life expectancy is 13 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation (smaller sizes)
- Alopecia X
- Dental problems
- Epilepsy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long double coat. Heavy shedding, high coat care. Coat colors: white, black, brown, orange, wolf gray, cream and cream sable, orange sable, black and tan, parti-color (white base).
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very low, 1 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very vocal, 5 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
German Spitz FAQ
How big does the German Spitz get?
The German Spitz stands 24 to 50 cm at the withers and weighs 4 to 18 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the German Spitz shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs a lot of care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the German Spitz live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the German Spitz need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the German Spitz good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the German Spitz live?
Life expectancy is 13 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and alopecia X.
