Companion spitz Small size 5-12 kg
German Spitz
A lively, alert little spitz that suits apartment life, though it barks readily and its coat needs regular brushing.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Small
Size
5-12 kg, 30-38 cm
Moderate
Activity
Moderate; a good walk and play each day
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Prefers company; struggles with long days alone
Moderate
Trainability
Willing but needs steady guidance
High
Coat care
Frequent brushing; coat needs real upkeep
Good
Fit with kids
Fine with considerate children
Good
Other pets
Usually fine with early socialization
Light
Health burden
Hip Dysplasia, Cataracts
The German Spitz typically weighs 5-12 kg, stands 30-38 cm, and lives 13-16 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want an alert, lively small companion and watchdog,
you can brush a thick double coat a few times a week,
someone is home often, as it dislikes long solitude,
you can train early to keep barking in check.
Do not consider this breed if…
you or your neighbors cannot tolerate a vocal little dog,
the dog would be alone for long work days,
you want a wash-and-go, low-grooming breed,
you will not put in early training and socialization.
A typical day with a German Spitz
- 7:00 · MorningWalk plus a short play or training game
- 9:30 · MidmorningRest near the family; keeps an eye on the door
- 12:30 · NoonShort walk or indoor games
- 16:00 · AfternoonTrick training or a puzzle toy
- 18:30 · EveningSecond walk and some lap time
- 21:00 · NightSettles indoors close to its people
Family and environment
Kids Conditional
Fine with gentle older children; supervise with toddlers.
Dogs Conditional
Usually sociable with early socialization; can be bossy.
Cats Conditional
Generally fine, especially with cats it grows up alongside.
Apartment Suitable
Small and adaptable; manage the barking for neighbors' sake.
House with a yard Suitable
Enjoys a secure yard but does not need much space.
City Manages
Adapts well to city life with daily walks and training.
Countryside Suitable
Happy in the country as long as it stays close to its people.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Light
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Hip Dysplasia Joint malformation; screen breeding stock
Cataracts Lens clouding; surgery can restore vision
Hypothyroidism Manageable with daily thyroid medication
Allergies & Skin Issues Environmental and food triggers are common
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Smaller close relative of the same spitz family
Pomeranian
A bold, fluffy toy companion that thrives in a flat - just respect its fragility, dental needs, and readiness to bark.
View profile →
Similar alert, fluffy companion spitz
Japanese Spitz
A cheerful, affectionate family companion with a striking white coat - the trade-off is a bark-happy watchdog streak and a coat that needs regular brushing.
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Another lively, vocal spitz breed
Finnish Spitz
A bright, foxy spitz and a famously vocal barker, rewarding for an active owner who can manage the noise and independence.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a German Spitz cost?
In the US the German Spitz is relatively uncommon and sometimes overlaps with the Pomeranian, so you may join a waitlist; expect roughly $1,000-$2,500 from a reputable breeder, more for top lines. The purchase price is the small part: over a life that can reach the mid-teens, food, grooming, and routine vet care add up to several thousand dollars, so plan for ongoing costs alongside the initial price.
Do German Spitz dogs bark a lot?
Yes, they are naturally alert and vocal, and they make keen little watchdogs. Barking can become a nuisance without early training, so teaching a quiet cue and managing triggers matters, especially in an apartment or close to neighbors.
How much grooming does a German Spitz need?
A fair amount. Its thick double coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent mats and manage shedding, with heavier seasonal molts. It does not usually need clipping, but regular brushing is essential to keep the coat healthy.
Is a German Spitz a good apartment dog?
Yes, its small size and adaptable nature suit apartment living well, provided it gets daily walks and company. The main caveat is barking; with early training to keep that in check, it is a comfortable indoor companion.