Overview
The German Spitz is an old European farm and companion dog, the type that gave us the Pomeranian and the Keeshond. In Britain it comes in two sizes, the Klein at roughly knee height and the slightly bigger Mittel, both with a dense stand-off coat, a plumed tail and pricked ears. Colours range from white and cream through orange to black.
On a walk you get a cheerful, confident dog that trots along happily, notices everything and announces most of it. It is not a lap dog; it was bred to be a watchful presence on a farm, and it keeps that habit in a town park.
Exercise and walking needs
Around an hour a day in two outings keeps a German Spitz content. It does not need miles, but it does need variety and company. A short training game or a few minutes of fetch will please it more than extra distance.
The coat handles cold and rain with ease, but warm days are a different matter. Walk early or late in summer and keep a close eye on panting.
On the walk
- Barking: Spitz breeds talk. Expect barking at joggers, bikes, other dogs and anything odd. Calm redirection works better than scolding.
- Recall: Reasonable for a non-working breed, especially if treats are involved. Still, keep off-lead time to safe, enclosed spaces until you know the dog.
- Other dogs: Bold for its size and not always tactful. Supervise greetings with bigger dogs and step in before it starts a shouting match.
- Coat: Mud dries and falls out of a spitz coat, but burrs and wet undercoat need attention. Check behind the ears and under the tail.
Tips for professional walkers
- Use a harness; the thick neck fur hides how a collar sits and a small dog can slip it.
- Take a few high-value treats to reward quiet behaviour when triggers pass.
- Avoid hot midday walks; a double coat holds heat.
- Give the dog a job on the walk, such as a find-it game, to stop the barking becoming the entertainment.
What to ask the owner
- What sets the dog off barking, and what does the owner do to settle it?
- Is it a Klein or Mittel, and does the size difference change where it is allowed off lead?
- Any history of knee problems, since small breeds often carry them?