German Spitz Dog Breed: The Viking-Era Ancestor of the Pomeranian
Archaeologists have found spitz-type dog bones at human settlements across Central Europe dating back 5,000 to 6,000 years. The German Spitz dog breed, specifically the medium-sized Mittel variety, descends from that same ancient Nordic lineage, brought to Germany and the Netherlands by Vikings during the Middle Ages.
That’s a genuinely long history for a dog that still looks and acts a lot like a cheerful family companion today. Here’s what’s worth knowing before you bring one home.
Quick Facts About the German Spitz (Mittel)
Here are the basics before we go deeper: Size: medium, small-framed. Weight: around 15 to 24 pounds. Height: 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder. Coat: long, dense double coat in any color. Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years. Best suited for: first-time owners who enjoy an alert, chatty companion.
A Viking-Era Bloodline
This breed descends directly from Nordic herding dogs like the Samoyed, which spread across Europe and crossbred with other herding lines to form the broader spitz type. Trust me on this one: this isn’t just an old breed, it’s genuinely ancient, with a lineage older than most recorded history.
The spitz became fashionable among British high society in the 18th century, and Victorian breeders later developed a smaller size that became the Pomeranian. Today, medium and small German Spitz are kept as separate sizes with cross-breeding banned between them, though the occasional undersized or oversized puppy still shows up in litters, a nod to that shared ancestry.
Personality: Happy, Alert, and Family-Focused
Happy, friendly, and genuinely balanced describes this breed well. Here’s the thing — it shouldn’t show nervousness or aggression, and most are eager participants in whatever the family is doing that day.
This breed loves human company and doesn’t do well left alone for long stretches. It also tends to be quite vocal, so early training around barking is worth prioritizing.
Daily Care Essentials
Diet and Nutrition
Small and medium breeds burn energy fast and have tiny stomachs, so smaller, more frequent meals work better than one or two big feedings. Food formulated for small breeds is worth considering, since the kibble size and nutrient ratios fit this kind of dog. Our full nutrition guide covers the fundamentals.
Exercise Requirements
This breed needs relatively little exercise compared to larger dogs. About half an hour daily is plenty for an adult, though it will happily take more if you’re up for it, and it’s content entertaining itself in the yard.
Grooming Needs
A thorough brush several times a week, against the grain of the coat, keeps things tangle-free. Pay close attention to the ears and elbows, where knots form fastest, and expect a heavier shed once a year in males and twice a year in females.
Health Considerations
This is a relatively healthy breed overall. Like many breeds, it can be prone to hereditary eye disorders, so an eye check before breeding is worth doing, along with watching for epilepsy and patellar luxation.
This isn’t meant as medical advice, just a heads-up worth knowing before you commit. Ask your vet about eye and joint screening at routine checkups.
Mistakes to Avoid
New owners sometimes underestimate how vocal this breed can be, and skipping early training around barking leads to frustration later. Don’t mistake the low exercise needs for low engagement needs, either — this breed genuinely wants to be included in daily life, not just walked and left alone.
Brushing less than a few times a week is another common misstep, especially around shedding season, when mats can build up fast if you fall behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the German Spitz related to the Pomeranian?
Yes. Victorian breeders developed the Pomeranian as a smaller version of the German Spitz in the 19th century, making them close relatives.
Do German Spitz dogs bark a lot?
Yes, this breed tends to be quite vocal and alert, which makes early training around barking a genuinely good idea.
How much exercise does a German Spitz need?
About half an hour daily is enough for most adults, though this breed happily takes more activity if it’s offered.
Is the German Spitz good for first-time owners?
Generally yes. This breed is considered suitable for first-time owners, provided they’re prepared for its vocal nature and regular grooming needs.
Curious about its closest relatives? The Pomeranian is essentially a miniaturized version of this breed, and the Keeshond is another spitz cousin worth comparing. Browse the full dog breed library or try the Dog Breed Quiz to keep exploring.
Looking for the smaller sibling variety? The German Spitz Klein shares the exact same Viking-era bloodline in a more compact package, and even served as a shipboard watchdog historically.
For a spitz cousin with a much bolder voice, the Finnish Spitz is Finland’s national dog and a regular contender at official barking competitions.
