Dog Breeds: The German Spitz

German Spitz

The German Spitz is devided into 5 groups of breeds that are similar in appearance but vary in colour and size:

Wolfspitz or Keeshond: silver and black; 19-21 inches in height

Great Spitz: white, brown or black; 17-19 inches

Medium Spitz: white, brown or black; 12-15 inches

Miniature Spitz: white, brown, black, orange and other variations of colour; 9-11 inches

Dwarf Spitz or Pomeranian : any colour; 7-8 inches

All the Spitz have a dense double coat with a thick ruff around the neck, a wedged shape head, pointed ears and a tail curled over their back.

German Spitz are very playful and energetic. They are very intelligent and are quick learners, but also can be quite independent and strong willed. These dogs love companionship and are always close to their family. The German Spitz is a quite healthy breed, but it can gain weight easily if it doesn’t get enough exercise. They are also great watchdogs and love to bark. So if a visitor is coming, you will know it long before he is about to knock on your door.

The German Spitz is very close related to the American Eskimo Dog. German Spitz were probably brought to America, where the name changed to American Eskimo Dog, due to the widespread anti-German feelings during World War I.

Dogs of the Spitz type are said to be the oldest breeds of the world and founded remains have been dated back to the stone age.

Although the German Spitz is known as a guardian and a playful friend for the children for hundreds of years it is endangered today.