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Great Spitz
Health grade B- Shoulder height42–50 cm
- Weight14–20 kg
- Life expectancy12–15 yrs
- Puppy price1,200–2,500 €
- Energy3/5
The essentials at a glance
The Großspitz is a loyal, extremely attentive farm guardian—bred to protect home and hearth in all weather conditions, to announce strangers with a loud bark, and never to go off hunting. He is a piece of living cultural heritage that still takes his job very seriously to this day.
- Health grade B: The Giant Spitz is considered a robust breed with an average genetic load (Grade B), yet breed-specific risks such as hip dysplasia (HD) and eye diseases like progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA) and progressive rod-cone degeneration, PRCD-associated still occur.
- You are looking for a dog without a hunting instinct that naturally stays on its own property—this was his core competency for centuries.
- You have a house with a garden or yard where he can live out his calling as a guardian without disturbing the neighbors.
- You expect a dog that greets every visitor at the door with a wagging tail—he was specifically selected not to do that.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Verein für Deutsche Spitze e.V.
Self-check
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Similar Breeds
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American Eskimo DogSame FCI section
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Japanese SpitzSame FCI group
Is the Great Spitz right for you?
At a glance
Great Spitz overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Shoulder height
42–50 cm
Weight
14–20 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Long, thick top coat with a dense undercoat
- Origin: Germany
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Great Spitz, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Great Spitz come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Great Spitz — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Coat type
Long
Double coat
Perfect for you if:
- You appreciate a companion who bonds closely with his family but maintains a healthy, cautious distance from strangers.
- You are not looking for a high-performance athlete for agility tournaments, but a robust companion for long walks in nature.
Less ideal if:
- You live in a thin-walled apartment in the city—reporting anything unusual is part of his hardware and cannot simply be switched off.
- You are insecure in your leadership and let him decide who is allowed to enter the property—a Spitz will otherwise rigorously take on this job himself.
The real vibes check
Beneath the soft, plush facade of a teddy bear lies an incorruptible, serious guardian. A Großspitz cannot be bribed with treats by strangers or lured into the woods by a scent—he stays with you and keeps watch. You aren't getting a trendy fashion dog, but a rock-solid, loyal partner who makes your home his absolute life's mission.
Breed Profile
The Großspitz is a medium-sized dog breed that is classified in FCI Group 5 (Spitzes and dogs of the original type). With his elegant appearance and his thick, long fur, he is a real eye-catcher. The Großspitz originally comes from the Nordic Spitz and is one of the oldest dog breeds in Europe. There is no specific distinction between performance and show lines in the Spitz.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 42 - 48 cm (Female), 42 - 50 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 14 - 18 kg (Female), 15 - 20 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 15 yrs
- Character
- Adaptable, intelligent, alert
- Coat
- Long, thick top coat with a dense undercoat
- Coat Color
- Various colors such as black, brown, white, orange and cream
- Price
- 1200 - 2500 €
Character & Temperament
The Great Spitz is a highly adaptable dog that is suitable both as a family dog and as a companion for individuals. He is intelligent and alert, which makes him a good watchdog. The Great Spitz is people-oriented and bonds closely with his family. He is playful and enjoys showing his affection. Although he loves spending time with his humans, he can also handle staying alone well, as long as he gets sufficient activity and mental stimulation. The Great Spitz does not tend to show pronounced hunting or prey-drive behavior. However, his guarding instinct makes him attentive and watchful. He will quickly sound the alarm if strangers approach or if he hears unusual noises.
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
Großspitzes are one of the oldest German dog breeds and can look back on a long history. They were already known as popular companion dogs and guard dogs in the 18th century.
What Awaits You
Great Spitz: The Great Spitz is a lively and intelligent dog that forms a close bond with its family. It is alert and well-suited as a guard and companion dog. With its dense, curly coat, it requires regular grooming. Great Spitz dogs are active and need meaningful activities to stay balanced. They are friendly but also independent and require consistent training.
Housing & Care
The Great Spitz can be kept in the city as well as in the countryside, as long as he receives sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. It is important to provide the Great Spitz with enough outdoor activity and give him the opportunity to channel his energy meaningfully. The Great Spitz is generally well-suited to young children if he is introduced to them early on and interactions are always supervised. As with any dog, it is important to guide interactions between children and dogs to ensure that both sides treat each other with respect. The Great Spitz usually gets along well with other pets, including cats, if he is socialized early. A slow and positive introduction is essential to ensure a harmonious integration.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Adapts well to city living and urban environments.
Well-suited to city life
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
The Great Spitz is an intelligent dog that loves to learn and wants to please his owner. He responds well to positive reinforcement and gentle, consistent training methods. Training should be varied and engaging to challenge the Great Spitz mentally. He is well suited for various dog sports such as agility, obedience training, or trick training. It is important not to overwhelm or overstimulate the Great Spitz, as he can otherwise become restless or unhappy. A balanced mix of physical and mental activity is ideal to keep the Great Spitz happy and content. There is no specific risk of the Great Spitz turning into a ball junkie. However, it is important that the dog learns frustration tolerance and impulse control to foster balanced behavior. Early socialization is essential to ensure that the Great Spitz is well-adjusted and behaves positively toward other dogs and people.
Nutrition & Care
The Great Spitz requires a balanced, high-quality diet that meets his nutritional needs. It is important to adjust the amount of food according to the dog's age, weight, and activity level. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are equally important to maintain the health and well-being of the Great Spitz. The Great Spitz has a long, dense topcoat with a thick undercoat. The coat requires regular care, including consistent brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Regarding the climate in Germany, the Great Spitz is very adaptable and copes well with both cold and warm weather. Due to his long coat, the Great Spitz sheds regularly, especially during the coat change in spring and autumn.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The Giant Spitz is considered a robust breed with an average genetic load (Grade B), yet breed-specific risks such as hip dysplasia (HD) and eye diseases like progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA) and progressive rod-cone degeneration, PRCD-associated still occur. Albinism is also a relevant breeding issue, which is why reputable breeders have their parent animals undergo targeted genetic and orthopedic examinations before using them for breeding. When buying a puppy, make sure that the breeding dogs have been X-rayed for hip dysplasia (HD) with a result of HD A–C. In addition, ask to see the genetic tests for albinism and progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA): both parents must be clear, or at most one partner may be a carrier provided the other is genetically clear.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
You should pay attention to a lean physique and the grooming of his thick coat—in return, you will often have a long-lived companion with rather moderate veterinary needs.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders focus on healthy hearts and sound joint movement so that Großspitze remain healthy and mobile for as long as possible.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
4
Risks tracked
4
Club standard
3
High severity
Eyes
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 reflects the tests Verein für Deutsche Spitze e.V. actually mandates. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Club standard. Tests that the relevant breed club (VDH / FCI / AKC parent club) requires. Any serious breeder should be able to show you these.
No entries in this tier.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Great Spitz cost?
A Great Spitz costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €310, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,700 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13.5 years) it comes to about ~€29,980.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€160 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€4,700
Across the dog's life
~€29,980
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,200 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The history of the Großspitz goes back a long way. The breed has its roots in Northern Europe, where it was used as a companion dog and guard. They were valued for their attentive and reliable nature. The Great Spitz was recognized as an independent breed as early as the 18th century and enjoyed great popularity, especially in Germany.
Original Use
The Spitz was bred as a guard dog for farms and homes, known for its alertness and thick coat.
Origin
Germany
Date
Mittelalter
Owner experiences
Owners consistently describe the Giant German Spitz as a very devoted family dog that shadows its people and wants to be part of everything.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Owners consistently describe the Giant German Spitz as a very devoted family dog that shadows its people and wants to be part of everything. Its well-known attachment to home and its little-to-no hunting drive make off-leash time and walks far more relaxed than with many hunting or herding breeds. It doesn't wander off, keeps track of the group on its own, and is often very gentle with children and other pets it knows.
The flip side is its traditional role as a farm guard, and that shouldn't be underestimated. Giant Spitzes are naturally wary and reserved with strangers and unfamiliar situations; visitors are rarely greeted with open enthusiasm and are checked out carefully first. Barking to announce noises or anyone approaching the house or yard is deeply ingrained. Owners point out again and again that without clear leadership the breed tends to appoint itself head of household security, so life in a thin-walled rental apartment takes a lot of training done well ahead of time.
Sources:spitz-info.demit-tier.dedogorama.appvom-gut-glueck.dezooplus.de
On training, owners highlight how quickly the Giant Spitz picks things up and how smart it is.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
On training, owners highlight how quickly the Giant Spitz picks things up and how smart it is. It learns cues and tricks fast and is easy to get excited about shared activities, from moderate dog sports like agility or tracking games to long hikes, without the restless drive of specialized sport dogs. It adapts well and is happy with a normal, busy household as long as its brain gets a workout.
At the same time, people warn again and again against the myth that the Giant Spitz is an easy dog that trains itself. Owners describe an independent mind and a keen sense for inconsistency: Spitzes like to ask what an exercise is for, and they have a stubborn streak. Harshness, pressure, or raised voices quickly make the dog shut down or lose trust. According to experienced owners, the key is calm, low-key consistency and a clear sense of who is responsible for what, especially when it comes to managing the barking and keeping the protective instinct in check.
Sources:mit-tier.devom-gut-glueck.detackenberg.dedogforum.depreussenspitz.de
Despite the common worry that such a full coat must be a lot of work, owners say the Giant Spitz is surprisingly easy to groom.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Despite the common worry that such a full coat must be a lot of work, owners say the Giant Spitz is surprisingly easy to groom. The outer coat sheds dirt and water: even after a muddy walk, it's usually enough to let the dog dry, and the dried mud simply falls out or brushes out quickly. Outside of shedding season, a thorough combing once a week or every few days is usually plenty. Owners do note, though, that the seasonal coat change is intense and releases mountains of undercoat, which means regular, thorough brushing. Shaving the coat is strongly discouraged, because it undermines the protective function of the double coat.
In day-to-day life, the Giant Spitz is considered a rugged, tough, long-lived dog that often reaches well over 12 years without trouble. Built for all weather, it is in its element in cold and snow, but in summer heat its dense undercoat makes it noticeably sluggish, so activities need to move to the cool morning or evening hours. Breeder and owner forums also point out that, given the limited gene pool of this rare breed, it pays to watch for screening for hip dysplasia (HD) and the skin problems typical of Spitzes (such as alopecia X).
Sources:dogorama.appvom-gut-glueck.demit-tier.detackenberg.dexn--grossspitze-untermhle-qic.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
Community posts
FAQ & more
Is a Great Spitz the right dog for me?
The Great Spitz is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Great Spitz live?
The average life expectancy of a Great Spitz is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Great Spitz need?
Great Spitz grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Great Spitz good for families with children?
The Great Spitz can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Great Spitz come in?
The Great Spitz comes in these colors: Black, White, Brown.
Are you a Great Spitz breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Great Spitz.