The German Spitz is a beloved breed, and one of the first things to consider is the cost. The initial purchase price of a German Spitz puppy can range from $600 to $2,000, depending on factors like bloodlines, breeder reputation, and location.
This cost is just the beginning, as you'll also need to factor in ongoing expenses like food, vet bills, and supplies. A German Spitz can live for 12 to 15 years, so you can expect to spend around $1,000 to $2,000 per year on maintenance costs.
German Spitzes are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hypothyroidism is a common issue in German Spitzes, and can be costly to treat. Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch any potential problems early on.
Overall, owning a German Spitz is a significant investment, but one that can bring immense joy and companionship.
Quick Facts
The German Spitz is a beloved breed with a rich history. Originating in Germany, they're part of the Spitz breed group.
Their size is relatively small to medium, weighing between 7-30 pounds. This makes them a great companion for many families.
The German Spitz has a medium-length, double coat that comes in a variety of colors including white, black, brown, and orange. You might even see a combination of these colors!
These dogs are known for their intelligent, loyal, and playful temperament. They make great friends for active families.
To keep them happy and healthy, you'll need to provide moderate exercise. This can be achieved through daily walks and playtime.
Consistent training is key for the German Spitz. Early training is recommended to help them grow into well-behaved dogs.
Here are some common health concerns to be aware of:
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
By the 18th century, the German Spitz had already gained popularity with royalty, including King George I of England and his German wife.
German Spitz Overview
The German Spitz is a charming and distinctive breed of dog from Germany.
They have a fluffy double coat that gives them a plump, round appearance and come in various coat colors, including white, black, brown, and various shades in between.
Their small stature belies their lively and active nature, making them great companions for active families.
German Spitz dogs are an energetic breed, ready for play and exercise, and are known for their loyalty and affection toward their owners.
They are typically protective of their loved ones and may be reserved around strangers.
The German Spitz is a delightful breed that combines a captivating appearance with a lively and affectionate personality.
They stand between 9 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder, depending on their size, and weigh around 25 to 40 pounds.
Their lifespan is approximately 13 to 15 years, which is a significant consideration for any potential owner.
Overall, the German Spitz is a wonderful companion for those willing to provide them with the attention and exercise they need.
German Spitz Coat Color and Grooming
The German Spitz comes in a variety of coat colors, including black, brown, orange, wolf gray, and white.
Their double coats are thick and fluffy, making them look bigger than they are, and require regular brushings to prevent matting and tangling.
You'll need to brush their coat weekly to remove loose hairs, especially during seasonal sheds when they crop much of their undercoat.
Their coats are naturally clean and repel dirt, but they do shed heavily, especially seasonally, so be prepared to double down on brushing during these times.
A moistening bath and blow-dry can help work out more hair during these heavy sheds.
Outside of seasonal sheds, the breed sheds very little and only needs weekly brushing.
Their nails are strong and often not worn down by exercise, so they'll need to be clipped every few weeks.
You can tell if their nails are too long by listening for the tell-tale click as they walk across hard floors.
For another approach, see: Are German Shepherds Clingy
Breed Overview
The German Spitz is a small to medium-sized breed that comes in various coat colors, including white, black, brown, and various shades in between.
They are known for their lively and active nature, making them great companions for active families.
Their height varies depending on the size, with Klein (miniature) German Spitz standing 9 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder, and Mittel (medium) standing 12 to 15 inches tall.
The weight of a German Spitz corresponds to its size, ranging from about 25 to 40 pounds.
Their coat is a straight and stand-off outer coat paired with a short, soft, dense undercoat.
Lively, devoted, attentive, trainable, and entertaining are just a few words that describe the temperament of a German Spitz.
They typically live for 13 to 15 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.
German Spitz Care
The German Spitz is a relatively low-maintenance breed, but they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their thick, fluffy coats need weekly brushings to remove loose hair, and they're best suited for cooler weather due to their long coats.
As intelligent and lively dogs, German Spitzes are easy to train and respond well to proper training and socialization, but they can be independent at times.
They're naturally distrustful of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs for the home, and their robustness and longevity make them a great addition to many families.
Lifetime Care
The German Spitz has a double coat, with a long and straight overcoat and a short, woolly undercoat that's softer.
Their thick, fluffy coats require weekly brushings to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
German Spitzes are attentive, lively, and exceptionally loyal to their owners, making them very teachable and easy to train.
Their natural distrust of strangers and lack of hunting instinct makes them a perfect watchdog for the home.
Their beautiful coats are complemented by a dense undercoat, and their bushy tails are carried boldly over their backs.
A German Spitz's cheeky appearance is attributed to their foxy head, alert eyes, and small, pointed, closely set ears.
A unique perspective: Do German Shepherds Have an Undercoat
German Spitz Care
German Spitzes have a double coat that's thick, fluffy, and requires weekly brushings to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and orange, making them a beautiful addition to any family.
Their coats are so fluffy that they can make the dogs look bigger than they are, and they're particularly thick around the chest and neck, giving them a distinctive ruff.
A German Spitz's energetic personality makes them perfect for first-time owners, as they love to play but don't need hours of exercise.
Their intelligence and trainability make them easy to care for, and with regular grooming, their coats are relatively low maintenance.
In fact, their coats are so easy to care for that it's easy to forget that they need regular attention to stay healthy and looking their best.
Their robustness and longevity make them a great choice for families who want a loyal companion that will be by their side for years to come.
Overall, German Spitzes are a wonderful breed that make great pets for active families or individuals who want a low-maintenance companion.
Adopt or Buy
The German spitz is a rare breed in North America, making it challenging to find a reputable breeder.
If you do find a breeder, be prepared to get on a waiting list for a puppy.
A breed club, the German Spitz Club of America, is seeking full AKC recognition for the breed, which can impact the number of breeders and availability of puppies.
You can expect to pay under $1,000 for a German spitz pup from a reputable breeder, but some may charge upwards of a few thousand dollars per dog.
It's essential to research and find a breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs, rather than just their profit margins.
A fresh viewpoint: German Spitz Breeders
Wolfspitz/Keeshond
The Wolfspitz/Keeshond is the largest variety of Deutscher Spitz, standing some 43 to 55 cm (17 to 22 in) at the withers.
This breed can be quite variable in weight, with the German Wolfspitz typically weighing between 27 to 32 kg (60 to 70 lb) and the Keeshond weighing between 25 to 30 kg (55 to 65 lb).
Their coat is a distinctive silver-grey color with black shading.
A fresh viewpoint: Keeshond Cost
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