German Spitz (Klein) illustration
Utility

German Spitz (Klein)

Intelligent, characterful breed brought to Germany by the Vikings

Breed characteristics

Size
Small
Exercise
Up to 1 hour per day
Size of home
Flat/ Apartment
Grooming
Every day
Coat length
Medium
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
Over 12 years
Vulnerable native breed
No
Town or country
Either
Size of garden
Small/ medium garden

About this breed

The German Spitz breeds are thought to be descendants of larger spitz dogs brought from Scandinavia by the Vikings.

The Germans divide the breed into several sizes: two of these are recognised by The Kennel Club; the larger size the Mittel and smaller Klein. They share the same Breed Standard, divided only by size. Any colour or combination of colours is permitted which is part of the breed's attraction. Highly intelligent and full of character, they have become very popular.

The German Spitz is the ancestor of the Pomeranian, the smallest of the Spitz breeds.

Read the breed standard

Images for this breed

The Utility breed group

This group consists of miscellaneous breeds of dog mainly of a non-sporting origin, including the Bulldog, Dalmatian, Akita and Poodle. The name ‘Utility’ essentially means fitness for a purpose and this group consists of an extremely mixed and varied bunch, most breeds having been selectively bred to perform a specific function not included in the sporting and working categories. Some of the breeds listed in the group are the oldest documented breeds of dog in the world.

Colour Watch

Category 0: Breeds with no NBS colour registration options. 

Read more about Colour Watch.

Breed Standard colours 

Breed standard colour means that the colour is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known colour in this breed.

Breed standard colours in this breed include:

  • Black
  • Black & Tan
  • Black & Tan with White Markings
  • Black & White Particolour
  • Black Tricolour
  • Black with White Markings
  • Blue
  • Blue & Tan
  • Blue & Tan with White Markings
  • Blue & White Particolour
  • Blue Sable
  • Blue Sable & White Particolour
  • Blue Sable with White Markings
  • Blue Seal
  • Blue Seal & White Particolour
  • Blue Seal with White Markings
  • Blue Tricolour
  • Blue with White Markings
  • Brown
  • Brown & Tan
  • Brown & Tan with White Markings
  • Brown & White Particolour
  • Brown Sable
  • Brown Sable & White Particolour
  • Brown Sable with White Markings
  • Brown Seal
  • Brown Seal & White Particolour
  • Brown Seal with White Markings
  • Brown Tricolour
  • Brown with White Markings
  • Cream
  • Cream & White Particolour
  • Cream Sable
  • Cream Sable & White Particolour
  • Cream Sable with White Markings
  • Cream with White Markings
  • Ghost Tan
  • Gold
  • Gold & White Particolour
  • Gold Sable
  • Gold Sable & White Particolour
  • Gold Sable with White Markings
  • Gold with White Markings
  • Lilac
  • Lilac & Tan
  • Lilac & Tan with White Markings
  • Lilac & white Particolour
  • Lilac Sable
  • Lilac Sable & White Particolour
  • Lilac Sable with White Markings
  • Lilac Seal
  • Lilac Seal & White Particolour
  • Lilac Seal with White Markings
  • Lilac Tricolour
  • Lilac with White Markings
  • Orange
  • Orange & White Particolour
  • Orange Sable
  • Orange Sable & White Particolour
  • Orange sable with white markings
  • Orange with white markings
  • Sable
  • Sable & White Particolour
  • Sable with White Markings
  • Seal
  • Seal & White Particolour
  • Seal with White Markings
  • White
  • Wolf Sable
  • Wolf Sable & White Particolour
  • Wolf Sable with White Markings

Other colour/s

'Other' means you consider your puppy to be a colour not currently known within the breed and one that does not appear on either the breed standard or non-breed standard list. In this instance you would be directed through our registrations process to contact a breed club and/or council to support you on identifying and correctly listing the new colour.

Non-breed-standard colours

Non-breed-standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points.

Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog, health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.

Health

Whether you’re thinking of buying a puppy, or breeding from your dog, it’s essential that you know what health issues may be found in your breed. To tackle these issues we advise that breeders use DNA tests, screening schemes and inbreeding coefficient calculators to help breed the healthiest dogs possible.

More about health

Important health schemes and tests

We strongly recommend that all breeders, both assured breeders (ABs) and non ABs, use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice.

Find out about a particular dog's results

Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed Register.

You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.

Have any questions about health in your breed?

If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.

Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.

To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email 

Rebecca Rose Godridge

 

Breed watch

Category 2

Particular points of concern for individual breeds may include features not specifically highlighted in the breed standard including current issues. In some breeds, features may be listed which, if exaggerated, might potentially affect the breed in the future.

Read more

Breeding restrictions

There are a number of The Kennel Club rules and regulations that may prevent a litter from being registered, find out about our general and breed specific breeding restrictions below.

More about breeding

There are not currently any additional breed specific restrictions in place for this breed.

Looking for a puppy?

Looking for a German Spitz (Klein)? Explore our list of puppies and rescue dogs for sale near you.

More information

Need to find out more about a breed?

Use our Find a Club service where you can locate breed clubs that can offer support and advice.

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