History

German Spitz dogs are descendants of the Stone Age peat dog "Canis familiaris palustris Rütimeyer" and later "Pfahlbauspitzes" and the oldest dog breed in Central Europe. Numerous other breeds have emerged from them.

It was this size variation that was the standard for the normal Spitz in previous centuries, and was used as a guard dog by artisans, peasants, wagoners and the lower classes.

Due to its spirit, loyalty and guarding qualities it has defined the images of the German Spitz to this day. The Medium Size Spitz has been immortalised in paintings and magazines and the works of poets, although not always in a positve light, which is also the reason that this breed was not officially recognized by the German Spitz Club until 1969.

Many ancestors of the German Spitz hail from a historical province called Pomerania, which sits between Germany and Poland. That’s the reason why this breed was first named Pomeranian in the English-speaking world.

Various Breeds

The Spitzclub of Switzerland has the following breeds as part of the club:

• Keeshond/Wolfspitz

  • 43 - 55 cm, grey with black harness

• German Spitz - Gross

  • 40 - 50 cm, white, black & brown

• German Spitz - Mittel

  • 30 - 40 cm, all colours

• German Spitz - Klein

  • 24 - 30 cm, all colours

• Pomeranian/Zwergspitz

  • 18 - 24 cm, all colours

• Japanese Spitz

  • 28 - 38 cm, white

• Volpino Italiano

  • 25 - 30 cm, white & red

A great variety of colours and sizes for you to choose from.

German Spitz (Mittel) Breed Standard

Vital Statistics

Between 30 and 40 cm, with dogs generally bigger than bitches.

Profuse double-coat, with a ruff around the neck.

Tail carried over the back.

All colours are allowed for the Mittelspitz, with a few exceptions, such as liver.

General Appearance

Compact, short-coupled and well knit with an almost square outline. Firm condition, the profuse coat not disguising any lack of substance.

Character/Temperament

The German Spitz is always attentive, lively and very attached to its owner. He is very docile and easy to train. His natural distrust of strangers and his lack of hunting instinct predestine him to be the ideal companion and family dog ​​and guardian of the house and yard. He is neither fearful nor aggressive. Insensitivity to weather, robustness and longevity are its most outstanding properties.