If you want a dog that looks like a plush mixed with a fox, with thick and dense fur, playful and affectionate, but also with a little independent side, then the Giant German Spitz may be the pooch of your dreams! And don’t worry about the “giant” part in its name.

Breed Overview

This breed is considered a medium-sized dog, so you won’t end up with a giant teddy bear in your living room! Check out the rest of the characteristics of the Giant German Spitz in this comprehensive guide, so you can decide if this is a dog that suits your needs.

Giant German Spitz Characteristics

Giant German Spitz Puppies

The price of a Giant German Spitz varies depending on its origins, variety, age, and sex. Shelters are a good option if you don’t have the budget to buy direct from a reputable breeder. However, the dog may be mixed with another breed. Either way, avoid puppy mills, which are a nightmare when it comes to ethical breeding.

If you live in an apartment and you’ve been searching for a breed that would be able to live comfortably, you will enjoy the companionship of the Giant German Spitz.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Giant German Spitz

The Giant German Spitz is a vigilant, affectionate, and courageous dog; he has a strong guard instinct, making him an excellent watchdog. He is also quite wary of strangers.  However, he is a very exclusive dog, even jealous. If he has not been sufficiently socialized at a young age, he may be intolerant of other dogs and even attack animals much bigger than himself. Besides, his high intelligence can make him quite stubborn when it’s time to do something he doesn’t want. This is why firm education is necessary if you do not want to end up with a dog with behavioral issues.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Fervent guardians, the Giant Spitzes are particularly attached to their family and their territory. It is, therefore, unlikely that a giant Spitz will escape on its own to explore the world. Although he does not stray much from his relatives, the great Spitz is a dog that can be temperamental. But due to his cheerful and jovial nature, he makes a good companion for children.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The cohabitation of the Giant German Spitz with cats is usually not a problem, especially if the two species have grown together. Although the Spitz is generally not gifted with a strong hunting instinct, be careful if you have other small pets (hamsters, rabbits, mice) in case your pup feels the urge to hunt them. Since the Giant Spitz is friendly, he can cohabit without problem with his congeners, although early socialization is required to allow your puppy to develop and strengthen its social skills.

Things to Know When Owning a Giant German Spitz:

Food & Diet Requirements

Like all dogs, the Giant German Spitz needs a good-quality diet that is suited to its age, health, and level of exercise. He is a dog who tends to gain weight easily, so be careful to monitor the quantities of his rations. He will need about 1½ to 2½ cups of kibbles per day, divided into two meals.

Exercise

Although the German Giant Spitz is happier if he lives in the countryside, he adapts pretty well to city life, especially apartment living. Regardless, it is a dog who needs to exercise during long daily walks, during which he can release his energy, but above all spend time with his beloved owners. However, remember that your Spitz has a thick coat; in summer, with temperatures over 68 °F (20 °C), consider slowing down for the sake of your dog’s health.

Training

Training a Giant Spitz can be challenging. However, you can meet this challenge if you train your puppy in a firm, consistent, patient, and forgiving manner. Indeed, this breed of dog is considered docile and intelligent, but don’t expect your Spitz to listen to you on the first try! Because despite his love for his owner and his family, the Giant Spitz remains a stubborn creature. This is why the basic education of the Spitz may take a little longer than expected.

Also, be aware that this breed of dog is known for its barking, especially when guarding your house. You can never completely stop him from barking because, after all, it is in his nature! But you can teach him to bark only when the situation is correct, but without driving yourself (and everyone else) crazy.

Grooming ✂️

Be aware that by adopting a Spitz, you will need to groom its fur regularly. Indeed, the fluffy coat of young puppies requires constant brushing and combing. Adult dogs should also be brushed thoroughly, about every other day. In addition, the German Spitz has two molts per year, during which it loses a lot of hair.

Make your grooming sessions a pleasant ritual for you and your Giant Spitz from an early age. Associate brushing with something positive for your pet, such as giving him a special treat at the end of each session and extra hugs and cuddles. Thus, these shared moments will be pleasant and will allow you to strengthen your bond with your pooch.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The Giant German Spitz are fairly hardy dogs, which do not suffer from many health problems. If they eat good quality food and get enough energy on a daily basis, this breed remains agile and fit even in old age. In addition, by choosing a serious breeder, you may considerably limit the risk of inherited diseases like hip dysplasia.

Some Spitzes tend to suffer from “Alopecia X” (also called “black skin disease”), which results in hair loss of unknown cause. Symptoms appear in dogs between the ages of two and five: you will notice areas of bald hair in their coat. However, Spitzes affected by this condition do not appear to suffer from any other symptoms and remain healthy.

The average life expectancy of a Giant Spitz is twelve years, although it is not uncommon for these dogs to reach the age of 14 or 15.

Male vs Female

Although every dog has their own character, male Spitzes are generally easier to train than females, who can be stubborn. But both sexes are very affectionate and close to their owner. On the physical side, the male is shorter and stockier than the female.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Giant German Spitz

1. You Should Not Shave Your Spitz in Summer

Contrary to what one might think, the thick fur of this breed protects it both from the cold but also from heat. This is because dogs with multiple coat layers, such as Huskies, Collies, and Shetlands, mainly have two layers of fur. The first, the undercoat, are the hairs closest to the skin. It is the fur that sheds. This layer serves to trap air and acts as an insulation for the dog. In fact, it keeps them warm in the winter and cooler in the summer.

The topcoat is made of hair that does not shed and protects your pet from the sun’s UV rays and insect bites. It also protects it from heat.

2. The Biggest Spitz is Not the Giant Spitz

The German Spitz breed comes in five size varieties: toy (Pomeranian), Klein (small), Mittel (medium), Wolfspitz (Keeshond), and Giant Spitz. The Wolfspitz variety is actually taller than the giant one, but not by much: males can measure up to 18 inches.

3. A Spitz was Mozart’s favorite

The German spitz, and particularly the toy Spitz, are dogs that have been highly prized by many iconic personalities, such as Mozart, Michelangelo, Zola, and Marie-Antoinette.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a family dog of medium size, with a strong but endearing character, and who can warn you in case of danger, you have found your ideal four-legged companion! With a firm education, the Giant German Spitz will be able to accompany you everywhere and will be delighted with cuddly moments by your side.

• Related Read: German Spitz vs Pomeranian – Which Should I Choose?

Featured Image Credit: Orphi Eulenforst, Shutterstock