How to Identify a German Spitz

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Last Updated: June 6, 2025 References

Noting the Body Structure

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Looking at the Coat

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Examining Temperament

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Q&A

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Tips

German Spitz are an ancient dog breed and the oldest dog breed that originated in Central Europe, and they are assigned to the non-sporting group. ^{[1]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Along with sharing a few characteristics with other dog breeds, they also have several distinguishing ones. This wikiHow will help you with figuring out whether or not a dog is a German Spitz.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Noting the Body Structure

1
Look at the dog's size. German Spitz are typically classified as Giant, Medium, or Miniature. ^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Even though their height varies, their weight usually corresponds with their height. ^{[3]
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- German Giant Spitz are typically anywhere from 16–18 inches (41–46 cm) tall. ^{[4]
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- German Mittel (Medium) Spitz are typically somewhere between 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) tall. ^{[5]
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- At the shoulder, German Klein (Miniature) Spitz are usually between 9–11.5 inches (23–29 cm) tall. ^{[6]
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German Spitz should have a head that is medium in size, and when looked at from above, it should seem broad at the back of the head, and it should taper in the shape of a wedge to the tip of the dog's nose. ^{[7]
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German Spitz typically have triangular-shaped, pointed ears that are small in size, set high on the dog, and somewhat close to each other. The ears should have tips that are stiff, and the dog should carry them in an upright position. ^{[8]
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German Spitz typically have medium-sized dark-colored eyes in the shape of almonds that slant a little. The dog's eyelids should be black in color. ^{[9]
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German Spitz should have a high-set tail that is medium in length. You should also notice quite bushy hair on the tail, and it should reach up and roll forward and over the dog's back directly from the root of the tail and firmly lie there. At the tail's tip, you may also notice a double curl. ^{[10]
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German Spitz should have a fluid gait that has good drive and is springy. ^{[11]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Looking at the Coat

1
See what color the dog's coat is. German Spitz are classified as Giant, Medium, or Miniature. While German Giant Spitz may only be black, brown, or white, German Medium and Miniature Spitz may be orange, black, white, brown, shaded gray, or another color such as black and tan, particolored, orange-sable, cream-sable, or cream. ^{[12]
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- A White Spitz's coat is typically completely white, though you may notice a small amount of yellow, often on the dog's ears. ^{[13]
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- A Black Spitz's undercoat and skin are both black, with a shiny black color on top. No white or any other markings should be seen. ^{[14]
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- A Brown Spitz is a completely dark brown color. ^{[15]
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- An Orange Spitz should be colored with a medium color evenly, though you may notice a lighter orange on the dog's tail, trousers, and chest. ^{[16]
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- A Grey-Shaded Spitz should be a silver-grey color and have hair tips that are black, along with dark-colored ears and a dark-colored muzzle. You should also notice "spectacles" around the dog's eyes that look like a slanted, penciled black line that runs from the eye's outside corner to the ear's lower corner, and the dog should also have "eyebrows" from various shadings and markings. The dog's ring on their shoulder and their mane should be of a lighter color. The tail tip should be black in color, and the toes should have a little penciling. ^{[17]
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- A Particolored Spitz should have a white base color and other patches that are the a different color, though the patches are all of the same color. ^{[18]
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German Spitz should have a coat that feels firm, along with an undercoat with a texture similar to wool. The dog's ears, head, paws, and the front of their back and front legs should have a texture similar to velvet. ^{[19]
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Overall, German Spitz should have a double coat that is straight, of a long length, and stands up and off the dog's top coat. The dog also has a thick, short undercoat, and the hair on the dog's paws, ears, head, and the front of their back and front legs is short. You should also notice a mane on the dog's shoulders and neck that is thick, and the back of the dog's front legs, along with the dog's hind legs from their croup to their hocks, is all feathered well. ^{[20]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Examining Temperament

German Spitz are known to be smart, and as a result, they are typically trained relatively easily. ^{[21]
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German Spitz are affectionate, devoted dogs who love being by their family. ^{[22]
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German Spitz are known to be cheerful, happy dogs overall. ^{[23]
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Despite this, they typically only need a medium level of exercise. ^{[24]
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If they are not both socialized and trained properly from an early age, German Spitz may be nervous around strangers. If the dog is not trained and/or socialized, this anxiety may turn into aggression, so this is something you'll want to be aware of. ^{[25]
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Though this isn't as much of a concern if they are trained and socialized properly with regards to strangers, German Spitz may bark more frequently and will need training on when it is okay to bark. ^{[26]
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While they do bark often, German Spitz are usually also good watchdogs who can alert their family of visitors or any issues they notice. ^{[27]
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Community Q&A

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How can I know if a dog is a Pomeranian?

Linnie

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Pomeranians are, when grouped with the German Spitz, the smallest variety of the breed. They will share most characteristics with a German Spitz other than being smaller in size, usually standing around 6 or 7 inches tall. Check out How to Identify a Pomeranian for more information.

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Tips

Note that while German Spitz are considered a separate breed, Keeshonden and Pomeranians are also considered to be a type of German Spitz in some cases. ^{[28]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}

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Consider dog DNA testing if you're wondering what breed your dog is. DNA testing can help confirm whether or not your dog is a German Spitz.

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How to Identify a German Spitz

Steps

Noting the Body Structure

Looking at the Coat

Examining Temperament

Community Q&A

Tips

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