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Discover everything about Small Spitz
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Small Spitz?
At a glance
Small Spitz overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
Compared to other breeds, the Kleinspitz is a very robust and long-lived breed with minimal genetic health burdens. The most important mandatory health test concerns patellar luxation, which effectively minimizes the risk of kneecap issues. Buyers should also be aware of breed-specific vulnerabilities such as tracheal collapse or the skin condition Alopecia X, both of which can be well managed through responsible breeding practices.
Lifespan
13–15 yrs
Height
24–30 cm
Weight
3–5 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Long, fluffy, double undercoat
- Origin: Germany
Typical coat colors
- White
- brown
- black
- orange
- gray
- others
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Small 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 →Is the Small Spitz right for you?
The Kleinspitz is a cheerful, extremely alert companion dog—bred as a miniature farm guardian that reports every change in its territory immediately and vocally.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for an extremely people-oriented companion who bonds closely with you and prefers to be everywhere with you in your daily life.
- You enjoy trick dogging, agility, or scent games—this little dog is highly intelligent and requires real mental stimulation.
- You live in an environment where the occasional barking to announce visitors won't cause an immediate neighborhood drama.
- You are confident enough to set clear boundaries for a cute, fluffy dog from day one without letting him wrap you around his little paw.
Less ideal if:
- You live in a very thin-walled apartment and expect absolute silence—Spitze will report every strange noise in the hallway, as that is their genetic job.
- You want a dog that joyfully greets every stranger on the street—they are naturally reserved and decide for themselves who they let get close to them.
- You have to leave him alone for many hours on weekdays, as he is a true companion dog who is extremely fixated on his humans and gets frustrated quickly.
The real vibes check
A Kleinspitz often completely forgets that he doesn't weigh forty kilos when he is defending his territory. What used to protect a large farm works genetically the same way today in your hallway—he sees, hears, and reports absolutely everything. If you learn to confidently take this responsibility off his shoulders, you will get a highly intelligent, incredibly loyal shadow instead of a stressed yapper.
Breed Profile
With its plush appearance and intelligent eyes, the Pomeranian is a real eye-catcher. This Spitz is the medium variant of the German Spitz and falls into the Dwarf Spitz or Pomeranian category. He belongs to FCI Group 5: Spitz and Urtyp dogs. From head to tail he radiates elegance and dignity. Its bright, dark eyes are lively and expressive, and its thick, fluffy fur gives it its distinctive spitz-like appearance. While some lines of Kleinspitze are bred for show, others are more performance-oriented, with a strong focus on working skills and intelligence.
- Height
- 24 - 30 cm (Female), 24 - 30 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 3 - 5 kg (Female), 3 - 5 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 13 - 15 years
- Character
- Intelligent, alert, active
- Coat
- Long, fluffy, double undercoat
- Coat Color
- White, brown, black, orange, gray and others
- Price
- 1200 - 2500 €
History
The Kleinspitz belongs to the long-standing family of German Spitz dogs and has its origins in Germany. While Spitz-type dogs have lived in Central Europe for many centuries as indispensable helpers on farms and estates, the targeted breeding of the Kleinspitz in its current form began primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries. Historically, Spitz dogs were primarily used as alert watchdogs that reliably guarded homes and property. A key breeding goal was always the absence of any hunting instinct, ensuring the dogs would not poach and would remain reliably on the home premises. Due to its more compact size, the Kleinspitz increasingly became a valued companion dog for the middle class. Systematic purebred breeding began at the end of the 19th century when the Verein für Deutsche Spitze was founded in 1899, establishing the first binding breed standards. Official recognition of the German Spitz by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) occurred much later, as the cynological umbrella organization itself was not founded until 1911. Today, the Kleinspitz is listed under FCI standard number 97 and has maintained its original character as a vigilant, affectionate companion dog with absolutely no interest in hunting.
Original Use
The Kleinspitz was bred as a companion and watchdog.
Origin
Germany
Date
1400
Character & Temperament
As a representative of the Spitz, the Pomeranian has an active and alert temperament. He is naturally curious and loves to explore his surroundings. Despite his small size, he is an excellent guard dog and will not hesitate to protect his family from strange people or animals. He is lively and playful and therefore brings a lot of joy and activity into the lives of his owners. The Pomeranian is very people-oriented and builds a strong bond with his family. He loves spending time with his people, whether it's playing, cuddling on the sofa or just relaxing in the garden. Despite his affection, he can also stay alone as long as he is not ignored for a long time. He does not tend to exhibit strong hunting or prey-catching behavior, but still enjoys being on the move and enthusiastically participating in games and activities. His intelligence and ambition make him a quick learner and he is always ready to learn and discover new things. When it comes to lines, it's important to note that Kleinspitzes bred for show often have calmer temperaments and are less active than their performance-oriented counterparts. However, these differences are generally small and all Pomeranians share the breed's basic characteristics: intelligence, activity and a close bond with their family. Overall, the Pomeranian is an enchanting and lively companion that enriches the lives of its people with joy, energy and love. He is the perfect choice for those looking for a small but active dog who is just as comfortable indoors as he is exploring the outdoors.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Barely any prey drive — small animals trigger nothing. | Very low |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Kleinspitz is the smallest variant of the German Spitz family and has an impressive volume despite its small size? He was originally used as a guard dog and although he is now kept primarily as a companion dog, he has never lost his guarding instinct.
What Awaits You
The Kleinspitz is a lively and affectionate companion dog. It is characterized by its alertness and friendly nature. Despite its small size, it requires consistent training and sufficient activity. Kleinspitz dogs are ideal family pets that adapt well to city life. Their dense, voluminous coat requires regular grooming.
Housing & Care
The Pomeranian is an adaptable dog that is well suited as a city dog. Although he needs regular exercise and mental stimulation, he can cope in a smaller apartment as long as his needs are met. He is friendly and outgoing and usually gets along well with other dogs and pets, including cats. Pomeranians can also get along well with children, although it is always important to supervise interactions between dogs and small children.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
With supervision - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all.
Ideal city dog
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
Training a Pomeranian can be a joy because these dogs are intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and usually learn new commands quickly. It is important to start training at an early age and keep it consistent. Even though Kleinspitzes are active and playful dogs, they should not be overstressed. They need enough rest and sleep to stay healthy. When choosing games and activities, it is important to respect your dog's physical limits and not to overdo it. Pomeranians tend to be very attached to their owners and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Therefore, it is important to teach them from the beginning that it is okay to be alone.
Nutrition & Care
Your Pomeranian's diet should be balanced and tailored to its specific needs. Small breeds like the Pomeranian tend to gain weight more quickly, so it's important to keep a close eye on their diet. A combination of high-quality dry food and fresh foods such as vegetables, meat and fish can help ensure optimal nutrition. When it comes to care, the Pomeranian requires a little more attention than other breeds. Its thick, double coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting. Regular brushing is particularly important during the coat change periods in spring and autumn. Despite its thick fur, the Pomeranian can cope well with the German climate. The fur keeps him warm in winter and protects him from the sun in summer. Just keep in mind that, like all dogs, he needs special attention in extreme temperatures.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
Compared to other breeds, the Kleinspitz is a very robust and long-lived breed with minimal genetic health burdens. The most important mandatory health test concerns patellar luxation, which effectively minimizes the risk of kneecap issues. Buyers should also be aware of breed-specific vulnerabilities such as tracheal collapse or the skin condition Alopecia X, both of which can be well managed through responsible breeding practices.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing, consistent coat care, and routine vet check-ups for eyes and knees, most dogs remain active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' knees and eyes checked and pay attention to clear bloodlines to reduce the risk of breed-specific hair loss.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Small Spitz
Sabine M., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 2023)
Mein kleiner Rüde ist mittlerweile drei Jahre alt, und ich kann mir keinen treueren Begleiter vorstellen. Er ist unglaublich menschenbezogen, sucht ständig meine Nähe und weicht mir zu Hause kaum von der Seite. Seine Intelligenz fasziniert mich jeden Tag aufs Neue – er lernt Tricks in Rekordzeit und will vom Kopf her wirklich gefordert werden. Wir machen viel Sucharbeit im Garten, was ihn super auslastet.
Allerdings darf man die Rasse trotz ihrer handlichen Größe nicht unterschätzen. Er ist extrem wachsam. Am Anfang hat er bei jedem Windhauch und jedem Geräusch im Treppenhaus sofort angeschlagen. Das Kläffen in geordnete Bahnen zu lenken, war ein hartes Stück Arbeit und hat uns viel Konsequenz abverlangt. Man muss von Tag eins an klarstellen, wer die Situation regelt, sonst übernimmt der kleine Spitz ganz schnell selbst die Rolle des Türstehers.
Miriam T., Halterin aus Bayern (Hündin, seit 2021)
Ich bin mit großen Hunden aufgewachsen und hatte anfangs Bedenken, ob ein so kleiner Hund mit meinem aktiven Lebensstil mithalten kann. Diese Sorge war völlig unbegründet! Meine Hündin ist eine absolute Sportskanone und läuft problemlos zwei bis drei Stunden am Stück mit, wenn wir zügig wandern gehen. Sie ist zäh, ausdauernd und liebt es, draußen in der Natur alles zu erkunden.
Was man aber wissen muss: Spitze jagen durchaus auf Sicht. Wenn ein Kaninchen oder ein Vogel direkt vor ihrer Nase wegrennt, sprintet sie hinterher. Sie sucht zwar keine Fährten wie ein waschechter Jagdhund und lässt sich glücklicherweise schnell wieder abrufen, aber der Reiz ist definitiv da. Man muss also auch bei den Kleinen beim Spaziergang immer ein Auge auf die Umgebung haben.
Bertin S., Halter aus Nordrhein-Westfalen (Rüde, seit 2022)
Unser Kleinspitz ist ein echter Herzensbrecher, aber er hat uns auch einiges an Erziehungsarbeit abverlangt. Er ist extrem schlau und merkt sofort, wenn man mal nicht konsequent ist. Wenn wir in der Erziehung weich werden, nutzt er das sofort aus und versucht, seinen eigenen Kopf durchzusetzen. Man darf sich von dem plüschigen Aussehen und dem lieben Blick nicht täuschen lassen – da steckt ein echter, selbstbewusster Hund drin, der klare Führung braucht.
Ein weiteres Thema ist die Leinenbegegnung. Unser Kleiner neigt leider dazu, andere Hunde erst einmal lautstark anzukläffen und sich richtig aufzuregen, besonders wenn er an der Leine ist. Da müssen wir im Alltag sehr vorausschauend agieren, viel mit positiver Bestärkung arbeiten und Bögen laufen, damit er lernt, bei Hundebegegnungen entspannt zu bleiben.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Small Spitz
Is a Small Spitz the right dog for me?
The Small 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 Small Spitz live?
The average life expectancy of a Small Spitz is 13-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Small Spitz need?
Small Spitz grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Small Spitz good for families with children?
The Small Spitz can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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