German Spitz vs Pomeranian: A Comprehensive Comparison of the Breeds

If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, you may be wondering whether a German Spitz or a Pomeranian is the right fit. Both breeds are small, fluffy, and adorable, but they have some key differences that set them apart.

German Spitzes are generally larger than Pomeranians, with adults typically weighing between 8-22 pounds, while Pomeranians usually weigh between 3-7 pounds. This size difference can affect their exercise needs and living arrangements.

In terms of grooming, both breeds require regular attention to prevent matting and tangling, but German Spitzes have a thicker double coat that sheds heavily, whereas Pomeranians have a single layer coat that sheds less. This means German Spitzes may require more frequent brushing to prevent hairballs and matting.

Both breeds are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities, but German Spitzes are often described as more energetic and playful, while Pomeranians are often more reserved and gentle.

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The German Spitz is one of the oldest dog breeds originating from Europe.

It's amazing to think that this breed has been around for centuries, with the first mention of it dating back to 1450.

Count Eberhard Zu Sayn of Germany praised the German Spitz as brave protectors of his homes and fields.

This tells us that they were valued for their protective instincts and loyalty.

Many German Spitzes inhabited the province of Pomeranian, in the south coast of the Baltic Sea, which would now be part of Northern Germany and Northern Poland.

This geographical connection is interesting, as it's where the Pomeranian breed originated from.

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The German Spitz and Pomeranian are both small, fluffy dogs with big personalities, but they have some key differences in their breed characteristics.

German Spitzes are generally more outgoing and social, often described as " Velcro dogs" because they love to be close to their family and people.

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They tend to be more energetic and playful, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Pomeranians, on the other hand, are often more reserved and independent, but still make great companions for those who understand their needs.

They're relatively small in size, weighing between 3-7 pounds, and have a compact, muscular build that's well-suited to their active lifestyle.

German Spitzes are slightly larger, weighing between 8-22 pounds, and have a more athletic build that's designed for speed and agility.

Both breeds have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

In terms of grooming, German Spitzes may require more attention due to their longer, more flowing coat.

Pomeranians, on the other hand, have a shorter, more dense coat that's easier to maintain.

Despite their differences, both breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners who are willing to put in the time and effort.

The German Spitz and Pomeranian breeds may look similar, but they have some key differences that set them apart. The German Spitz is significantly larger, weighing in at 24-26 pounds, while the Pomeranian is much smaller, weighing just 3-7 pounds.

In terms of lifespan, the Pomeranian has a longer life expectancy, living up to 16 years, while the German Spitz typically lives for 13-15 years.

One of the most noticeable physical differences between the two breeds is their tail. The German Spitz has a curly tail, while the Pomeranian has a plumed curvy tail.

If you're on a budget, the German Spitz may be the better choice, as it is generally less expensive than the Pomeranian, with a price range of $800 and up compared to the Pomeranian's $1,000 and up.

Here's a summary of the key differences between the German Spitz and Pomeranian breeds:

Grooming is an essential aspect of owning a German Spitz or a Pomeranian. Both breeds require regular coat brushing to prevent tangles and manage shedding.

The frequency of brushing depends on the season, with German Spitzes needing daily grooming during shedding seasons. They only need to be brushed a few times a week at other times.

Pomeranians, on the other hand, require more frequent brushing due to their more profuse coat, which needs to be brushed several times a week.

German Spitzes have a thick double coat that sheds excessively twice a year, making daily grooming a must during these periods. Their nails must also be trimmed regularly if not worn down on hard surfaces.

Pomeranians have a similar double-layered coat that needs frequent brushing to remove tangles and debris. Brushing their coat once a week at a minimum will help remove loose fur trapped in the coat.

Both breeds should not be bathed too often, as their skin can become dry and uncomfortable. German Spitzes can suffer from excessively dry skin if bathed too frequently.

Pomeranians are also prone to dental issues, making regular tooth brushing a priority. Their small jaws increase their chances of experiencing dental health problems.

German Spitzes need moderate maintenance for their coats, which requires frequent brushing to remove matting or tangles. Their nails also need to be trimmed once a month, or on an as-needed basis.

Pomeranians require similar care for their coats, with brushing once a week at a minimum to remove tangles and debris. Trimming their nails will need to be done every month, or more frequently if they’re not active enough to naturally trim them down.

The German Spitz and Pomeranian are both known for their strong personalities. They're naturally alert and aware of their surroundings, making them great watchdogs.

German Spitz dogs are keen and devoted to their owners, but they can be wary of strangers due to their guarding heritage. This means they'll need socialization to be comfortable around new people and other pets.

Both breeds are intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn if they don't see the point. Positive reinforcement training with food-based rewards is recommended to keep them engaged.

Early socialization is crucial for both breeds, especially to prevent excessive barking. German Spitz dogs will bark at strangers, but with proper training, they can learn to alert their owners without being excessive.

Pomeranians, being small but big-dog-minded, can be quite vocal if given the chance. They'll need consistent training and socialization to establish healthy relationships with people and other dogs.

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Both breeds are naturally curious and social, loving to make friends with everyone. However, they can be yappy if excited or challenged, so it's essential to teach them how to manage their energy levels.

German Spitz dogs have a natural instinct to protect and alert their owners, making them great watchdogs. But they're not aggressive to people, and with proper training, they can learn to distinguish between threats and harmless situations.

Pomeranians, being descended from German Spitz dogs, share similar temperaments. They're highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be relentless in their stubbornness if they don't see the value in what you're asking them to do.

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The German Spitz and Pomeranian breeds come in a range of sizes. There are 5 different sizes, with the largest being the Wolfspitz, also known as the Keeshond, and the smallest being the Zwergspitz, or Pomeranian.

The original German names for the breeds are Wolfspitz, Grossespitz, Mittel Spitz, Klein Spitz, and Zwergspitz, which translate to Keeshond, Giant Spitz, Medium Spitz, Miniature Spitz, and Dwarf Spitz, respectively.

Both the German Spitz and Pomeranian are generally healthy dogs with long lifespans. They can benefit from regular health evaluations, such as a Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, and Ophthalmologist Evaluation.

Here are the recommended health evaluations for both breeds:

Both the German Spitz and the Pomeranian are generally healthy dogs with long lifespans.

The German Spitz is a relatively new breed in America, so there's limited information on recommended health tests. However, since they share similar health problems, it's a safe bet to have the same recommended health evaluations as the Pomeranian.

These evaluations include a Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, and Ophthalmologist Evaluation.

Regular checkups and vaccinations are crucial for your pup's health, regardless of breed.

The German Spitz comes in five different sizes, each with its own unique characteristics. The original German names for these sizes, from largest to smallest, are Wolfspitz, Grossespitz, Mittel Spitz, Klein Spitz, and Zwergspitz.

The Zwergspitz, or Pomeranian, has undergone significant changes over the centuries. In the 18th century, it was not the same size as the modern Pomeranian, weighing between 1.5-3kg or 3-7 pounds.

There are several reasons why some "Pomeranians" may resemble German Spitz dogs more than the traditional Pomeranian breed. Poor breeding practices are often to blame, and DNA testing can help verify a dog's parentage.

The Pomeranian breed type can quickly deteriorate and revert to the German Spitz type, especially in color breeding programs. This is evident in the deterioration of breed qualities such as coat, size, back length, and pigmentation.

Here are the five different sizes of German Spitz dogs, listed from largest to smallest:

If you're an active owner, the German Spitz is a great choice as they are more independent but active and devoted. They have a teddy bear look that people love.

However, if you want a lap dog with a zest for life, the Pomeranian is the better choice, being compact and portable. Neither dog will suit owners who don't take time to train them or have issues with barking.

Both breeds make excellent companions if they're loved and cared for properly, but it's essential to remember that they require attention and training to thrive.

If you're an active owner who wants a loving yet laid-back dog, the German Spitz is a great choice. They're more independent but still active and devoted.

The German Spitz has a teddy bear look that people love, making them a charming companion. Both the German Spitz and the Pomeranian require regular training to prevent barking issues.

The Pomeranian is a compact and portable dog with an incredible zest for life, making them perfect for owners who want a lap dog. They're not a good fit for owners who don't have time to train them.

No matter which breed you choose, both the German Spitz and the Pomeranian make excellent companions if they're loved and cared for properly.

If you're considering bringing a German Spitz or Pomeranian into your family, it's essential to know the different sizes and variations of this breed. There are five different sizes, ranging from the largest to the smallest.

The largest size is the Grossespitz, also known as the Giant Spitz. The smallest size is the Zwergspitz, also known as the Dwarf Spitz, which is commonly known as the Pomeranian.

If you're thinking of getting a Pomeranian, keep in mind that the breed was not always the small size we know today. In the 18th century, the Pomeranian was actually larger than the 1.5-3kg / 3-7 pounds we see today.

Here's a quick rundown of the different sizes of German Spitz:

If you're looking for a bigger, more active, and alert Spitz-type dog, the German Spitz is an ideal choice.

The German Spitz is well-suited for families who want a dog that can keep up with their active lifestyle.

For those living in an apartment and wanting a slightly less active dog, the Pomeranian is the best option.

Pomeranians are a great fit for apartment dwellers because they require less exercise than German Spitzes.