German Spitz Size Guide for Breed Enthusiasts

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The German Spitz is a beloved breed, and one of the most distinctive features of this dog is its size. The German Spitz comes in five different sizes, ranging from the smallest Toy German Spitz to the largest Giant German Spitz.

The Toy German Spitz typically weighs between 4-8 pounds and stands about 10 inches tall at the shoulder. This tiny pup is perfect for city living or for families with small children.

In contrast, the Giant German Spitz can weigh up to 75 pounds and stand as tall as 23 inches at the shoulder. This larger size is ideal for active families or for those who want a loyal companion to join them on outdoor adventures.

German Spitz sizes vary significantly, making them a great choice for a wide range of living situations.

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Size and Varieties

The German Spitz is a breed that comes in a variety of sizes, each with its own unique characteristics. The smallest is the Zweg Spitz, also known as the Pomeranian, weighing 1.8-2.2 kgs (4-5.5 lbs).

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There are five separate sizes of the German Spitz, differentiated by height, which were recognized as separate pure breeds by the FCI in the 1990s. These sizes are:

  • The Zweg Spitz (Dwarf) or Pomeranian (1.8-2.2 kgs / 4-5.5 lbs)
  • German Spitz (Klein) (23-29cms / 9-11.5 ins)
  • German Spitz (Mittel) (30-38cms / 12-15 ins)
  • Wolfsspitz or Keeshond (43-46 cms / 17-18 ins)
  • Giant Spitz (49 cm / plus or minus 6 cm)

The German Spitz (Mittel) and (Klein) are compact, short-coupled dogs with an almost square outline, and their profuse coat comes in all color varieties, except merle.

History and Origins

The German Spitz has a rich history that spans centuries.

The breed's presence in England dates back to at least 1791, as evidenced by a painting of King George IV's favourite dog "Fino", which is a clear example of a German Spitz (Mittel).

Fino and Queen Victoria's favourite dog "Marco", a German Spitz (Mittel) as well, show that the breed remained popular over the years.

Marco's picture appeared in a newspaper in 1892, a century after Fino's painting.

The German Spitz (Mittel) wasn't officially recognised by the Kennel Club (UK) until 200 years after Fino's painting.

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German Spitz Today

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The German Spitz Today is a breed that's all about compactness and square proportions. The German Spitz (Mittel) and (Klein) are compact, short coupled dogs with an almost square outline.

Their height is a key differentiator between the two varieties, with the Klein measuring 23-29cms (9-11.5 ins) and the Mittel 30-38cms (12-15 ins) from withers to ground.

Their profuse coat comes in all colour varieties, except merle. The nose should be black in black, white, black/white parti-colours, and black/tan bi-colours.

The German Spitz has a well-boned, straight foreleg with strong and flexible pasterns ending in small, rounded cat-like feet. The body is square, the topline is level and the loin short and well-developed.

Their double coat consists of a soft woolly undercoat and a long harsh textured perfectly straight top coat covering the whole of the body. This is not a trimmed breed.

Comparison of Pomeranian and Japanese Spitz

The Pomeranian and Japanese Spitz are both small dog breeds that are often compared to the German Spitz in terms of size.

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The Pomeranian typically weighs between 3-7 pounds and stands about 6-11 inches tall at the shoulder.

These breeds have some key differences, though.

The Japanese Spitz is known for its fluffy white coat, while the Pomeranian has a double coat that comes in a variety of colors.

Despite their size, both breeds are known for being energetic and playful.

They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

In terms of grooming, the Pomeranian requires more maintenance than the Japanese Spitz due to its double coat.

The Pomeranian needs to be brushed several times a week to prevent matting and tangling.

Roberto West

Senior Writer

Roberto West is a talented writer with a passion for storytelling. He has honed his craft through years of writing short stories, novels, and poetry, exploring a wide range of genres and themes. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human nature, Roberto brings complex characters to life on the page.

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