🐾 Small · Germany

German Spitz (Mittel): Size, Weight & Temperament

An alert German spitz with a pronounced watchdog instinct, adaptable to city or country life, though prone to frequent barking without training.

Beginner-friendly
German Spitz (Mittel) dog breed portrait
Photo: Teuteul · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Weight male7–11 kg
Weight female6–10 kg
Shoulder height30–38 cm
Size classSmall (under 12 kg)
Fully grownat approx. 12 months
Life expectancy14–16 years
Activity levelModerate
OriginGermany
ClassificationFCI Group 5 (Spitz and Primitive Types)
Temperament & character

The Mittelspitz is attentive, self-assured, and very devoted to its family. It is initially reserved with strangers and announces them readily by barking.

Exercise & stimulation

Long walks and play sessions cover its exercise needs; it lacks the pronounced sporting drive of herding breeds. Mental activity is welcomed.

Grooming

The double coat with undercoat requires regular, thorough brushing, especially during coat change. The coat texture is dirt-repellent and easy to maintain day to day.

Suitable for beginners?

Well suited to beginners, being robust and undemanding in basic care. Barking behavior should be addressed from the start to avoid conflicts with neighbors.

Health & common problems

The breed is considered robust; patellar luxation and, occasionally, primary lens luxation have been described. Regular veterinary checks of the knee joints are recommended.

Good with: Families and seniors wanting an alert companion

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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.