If you’ve ever scrolled through dog breeds pictures, you’ve probably noticed the spitz dogs straight away.
They have fox-like faces, small pointed ears, tails that curl over their backs and coats so fluffy they almost stand away from the body.
What surprises many people is how much spitz dog breeds vary in size.
You can have a Pomeranian you can lift with one hand, or an Akita who weighs more than some of the adults in your home.
Apart from the look, these dogs also share a lot in their personality, which is why we like to discuss them as one group.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 16 popular spitz breeds, starting with the smallest and ending with the largest.
We’ll also compare small and large spitz dogs side by side, explain how the German Spitz, Japanese Spitz and Pomeranian are related, and give you tips on choosing the right breed.
Here’s something interesting.
The smallest dog in this guide shares an official breed standard with a much bigger dog on the list, and the reason depends on which registry you ask.
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What Is a Spitz Dog?
The first thing you should know is that spitz is not a single breed. The word describes a type of dog.
Spitz breed dogs are grouped together because they share the same body build, not because they come from one family tree.
The common features you’ll see in these dogs include a pointed muzzle, a wedge-shaped head, small erect ears set high on the head, a thick double coat and a tail that curls over the back.
The double coat is the most important part of the design. The soft, woolly undercoat traps warm air, while the longer, rougher guard hairs keep off snow and rain.
Most spitz dogs come from cold northern regions, where they were bred to work.
Some of them pulled sleds, others herded reindeer, sheep and cattle, while others hunted birds and elk with their owners. The rest of the group was made up of farm guardians, watchdogs and a few companion dogs.
That working history explains a lot about the modern spitz dog. Most of them are tough, independent thinkers who notice everything around them, and they’re rarely shy about letting you know!
Because the group is so large, spitz breeds can look very different in size and color, but they still keep that familiar outline.
Once you learn to spot the curled tail and the triangle-shaped ears, you’ll start noticing the dog spitz type everywhere, from sled teams to lapdogs.
If you love dogs with big coats, check out our roundup of 25 fluffy dog breeds of every size.
Types of Spitz Dogs
The easiest way to sort the many spitz types is by where they come from.
This is not an official registry system, but it makes such a large family easier to understand.
The Nordic spitz dog group is the biggest.
It includes sled dogs like the Siberian Husky, Samoyed and Alaskan Malamute, and hunting dogs like the Finnish Spitz and Norwegian Elkhound.
The Nordic group also has herding dogs such as the Icelandic Sheepdog, Norwegian Buhund, Finnish Lapphund and Swedish Vallhund.
European spitz dogs are mainly the German Spitz family, which includes the Keeshond, plus close relatives like the Volpino Italiano.
Asian spitz dogs include the Shiba Inu and Akita from Japan, as well as the Japanese Spitz, who was developed from German Spitz ancestors.
It helps to know these types of spitz before you choose one, because a herding or hunting background affects a dog’s energy just as much as their size does.
Spitz Dog Breeds
If you’re searching for spitz dog breeds with pictures, you probably want to know more than how the dog looks.
So, for each breed below, we’ve covered their size, temperament, exercise needs, grooming and the homes they suit best.
We’ve arranged the breeds from the smallest to the largest, using the heights and weights from their breed standards.
1. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian weighs just 3 to 7 pounds and stands 6 to 7 inches tall, making them the smallest dog in this guide. But don’t tell that to a Pom, because they don’t act small at all.
Under all that fur, the Pomeranian spitz dog is bold and curious.
They have a fox-like face and a fluffy tail that fans over the back, and they come in many colors, including orange and cream.
Poms are lively, loving and alert to every sound outside.
This makes them great little watchdogs, but they can easily turn into yappers if you don’t guide them early.
A couple of short walks plus some indoor play will usually keep a Pom happy, which is why they do so well in apartments.
Most of your effort will go into their coat. Brush them a few times a week, all the way down to the skin, so the undercoat doesn’t mat.
You can finish with an Andis Pet Steel Grooming Comb to find any tangles hiding behind the ears.
Since they’re so small, Pomeranians do best with adults or older children who know how to handle them gently.
Read our complete Pomeranian guide →
2. German Spitz
Our German Spitz dog breed profile starts with a small twist. The German Spitz is actually a family of different sizes under one name.
The FCI treats them as one breed with five varieties.
The smallest is the Toy Spitz, known as the Pomeranian in most non-German-speaking countries, and the largest is the Wolfsspitz, better known as the Keeshond.
The German Spitz size chart below shows the heights at the withers from the current FCI standard.
| Variety | Height at the withers |
| German Wolfsspitz/Keeshond | 17 – 21.5 inches |
| German Giant Spitz (Grossspitz) | 15.5 – 19.5 inches |
| German Medium Size Spitz (Mittelspitz) | 12 – 15.5 inches |
| German Miniature Spitz (Kleinspitz) | 9.5 – 12 inches |
| German Toy Spitz/Pomeranian (Zwergspitz) | 7 – 9.5 inches |
In simple terms, the giant German Spitz comes in white, black or brown.
The German Spitz medium size variety and the two smaller ones come in more colors, including orange and grey-shaded.
A small German Spitz from the Miniature or Toy variety is a true German Spitz small fluffy dog, with a thick ruff around the neck and a bushy tail curled over the back.
If you’re looking for German Spitz dog breed information, you’ll be glad to know the same German Spitz dog characteristics apply to every size.
These dogs are alert, lively and very attached to their owners.
They’re easy to train and naturally wary of strangers, which makes them good watchdogs, and they have very little hunting instinct.
The breed is also tough and handles changing weather well.
Daily walks and play are enough to meet their exercise needs.
Their stand-off coat, though, needs a thorough brushing a few times a week so the undercoat doesn’t pack down.
This breed does best in homes where someone is around for most of the day. Remember, a bored spitz will fill the silence with barking.
Size changes more about owning a spitz than most people think, but less than they fear. We’ve laid this out breed by breed in the comparison table after the gallery.
3. Swedish Vallhund
For centuries, cattle farmers in Sweden relied on the Swedish Vallhund. Even today, this sturdy little herder acts like there’s a job waiting around every corner.
They stand just 12.5 to 13.5 inches tall and weigh 20 to 35 pounds.
Their body is long and low to the ground, which helped them nip at a cow’s heels and duck under a kick.
Their medium-length double coat is usually a wolf-like sable in gray or red.
Vallhunds are friendly, smart and full of energy, and their playful side makes them fun with older children.
Be careful, though, because their herding instinct can turn into nipping at running feet if you don’t redirect it early.
They need proper exercise every day, and many of them enjoy agility or herding trials.
A weekly brush is enough for their coat, except during the heavy seasonal sheds.
An active family or an owner who loves dog sports will get the best out of this cheerful breed.
Only one breed on this list comes in a single coat color, and you won’t have to scroll far to find out which one.
4. Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz dog has a striking face, thanks to their snowy coat, jet-black nose and dark eyes.
Under the FCI standard, males stand 30 to 38 cm, which is about 12 to 15 inches. Females are slightly smaller, and the standard doesn’t set a weight.
If you’re wondering about Japanese Spitz colors, the answer is simple.
The breed only comes in pure white, so a white Japanese Spitz is the only kind you’ll ever meet.
The breed was developed in Japan from large white German Spitz dogs brought there around the 1920s. The Japan Kennel Club then set one unified standard in 1948.
The main Japanese Spitz breed characteristics are intelligence, cheerfulness and alertness.
It may surprise you to learn that the breed standard counts noisiness as a fault.
This means a well-bred Japanese Spitz is usually quieter than many other small spitz dogs.
These companions enjoy daily walks and play, but they don’t need hard exercise. Brushing a couple of times a week keeps their white coat in good shape.
They do well with families and in apartments, as long as someone is home to keep them company.
Don’t let the name of the next breed fool you. Their family tree leads to Germany, not the Arctic.
5. American Eskimo Dog
Despite the name, the American Eskimo Dog has no connection to Inuit sled dogs.
The breed comes from German Spitz dogs brought to the United States. They were renamed during World War I and are also known as the American spitz.
The AKC recognized the breed in 1995 and accepts three sizes:
- Toy: 9 to 12 inches and 6 to 10 pounds
- Miniature: 12 to 15 inches and 10 to 20 pounds
- Standard: 15 to 19 inches and 25 to 35 pounds
Whatever the size, the Eskie has a brilliant white coat, sometimes with biscuit cream, and a ruff that looks like a lion’s mane.
They’re smart and eager to please. In fact, this talent once made them circus favorites!
Make sure they get daily exercise and training games, otherwise they’ll come up with their own entertainment.
Their thick double coat needs brushing at least twice a week, and more during seasonal sheds.
Eskies bond closely with their families and can be reserved around strangers. This makes them alert watchdogs who are happiest when they’re included in everything.
6. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is confident, spirited and very independent. In fact, many owners compare their personality to a cat’s.
They are Japan’s smallest native breed and were developed to hunt in rough mountain areas.
Males stand 14.5 to 16.5 inches and weigh about 23 pounds, while females stand 13.5 to 15.5 inches and weigh about 17 pounds.
The classic red coat, along with sesame and black and tan, adds to their fox-like look.
Shibas are clean, fairly quiet at home and loyal to their people. However, they like to decide for themselves whether a command is worth following.
They also have a strong prey drive, so we recommend keeping most Shibas on a leash or behind secure fencing. A squirrel will usually win over your recall cue.
Daily walks are enough to keep them fit.
Their double coat needs weekly brushing, and a lot more when they blow their undercoat. This usually happens twice a year and leaves tufts of fur everywhere.
If you’re a patient, experienced owner who respects the Shiba’s independence, you’ll get a loyal and very entertaining companion.
Read our complete Shiba Inu guide →
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7. Finnish Spitz
Very few breeds use their voice at work like the Finnish Spitz.
Finnish hunters used them to find game birds. The dog would bark steadily under the tree to hold the bird’s attention and lead the hunter to it.
They are Finland’s national dog, and their golden-red coat and pointed face make them one of the most fox-like spitz breeds.
Males stand 17.5 to 20 inches and weigh 25 to 33 pounds, while females stand 15.5 to 18 inches and weigh 20 to 28 pounds. This gives them a light and agile build.
They’re lively, friendly with their families and generally good with children, but they can take a while to warm up to strangers.
The main thing you should plan for is the bark. A bored or lonely Finnish Spitz will bark a lot, so daily exercise and training that rewards quiet will help a great deal.
Weekly brushing is enough for their double coat outside the seasonal sheds.
We find that active owners living in a house, rather than a shared building, enjoy this breed the most.
8. Norwegian Buhund
On Norwegian farms, one dog did a bit of everything, from herding sheep and cattle to guarding the home.
The Norwegian Buhund still has that all-round work ethic today.
They have a square, compact body. Males stand 17 to 18.5 inches and weigh 31 to 40 pounds, while females stand 16 to 17.5 inches and weigh 26 to 35 pounds.
Their thick, smooth coat is usually wheaten or black.
Buhunds are cheerful, loving and quick to learn, and many of them do very well in obedience and agility.
They love being around people and tend to get anxious when left alone for long. Like most herding dogs, they can also get noisy when excited.
Plenty of daily exercise, plus a job to do, will keep them calm indoors.
Weekly brushing takes care of their coat for most of the year, but the seasonal sheds are heavy.
An active family with time for training and outings is a good match for this breed.
Because they’re so eager to please, they can also work for first-time owners who are willing to put in the effort.
9. Icelandic Sheepdog
Iceland has only one native dog breed, the Icelandic Sheepdog. These dogs have been part of farm life there since the Vikings brought their ancestors to the island.
Males stand about 18 inches and weigh about 30 pounds, while females stand about 16.5 inches and weigh about 25 pounds.
Their coat can be short or long, in colors such as tan, chocolate, gray or black, usually with white markings.
On the farm, these dogs gathered sheep and barked to warn of anything coming. That’s why they stay alert and ready to bark even today.
At home, they’re cheerful, gentle and outgoing. They usually treat guests as new friends rather than intruders.
They form close bonds with their people and don’t like being left alone for long.
Weekly brushing keeps either coat type in good shape, with extra sessions when shedding is at its peak.
Daily walks and play are enough for them, so they’re a great match for sociable families who want plenty of company at home.
The next dog on our list lives a double life.
The same breed standard that covers the tiny Pomeranian also covers them, just under a different name.
10. Keeshond
Dutch families once kept Keeshonden on canal barges as watchdogs and companions, and the breed has kept that friendly, people-loving nature.
The AKC treats them as a separate breed, recognized in the Non-Sporting Group in 1930. The FCI, on the other hand, lists them as the Wolfsspitz variety of the German Spitz.
Males stand 18 inches and females 17 inches, and they weigh 35 to 45 pounds.
Their coat is a beautiful mix of gray, black and cream. They also have dark markings around the eyes that look like a pair of spectacles.
Keeshonden are loving and eager to please, and they get along well with children and other pets. They’ll let you know when visitors arrive, but they’ll welcome them once introduced.
Their thick, stand-off coat needs brushing at least a couple of times a week.
We recommend a good slicker brush like the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush, followed by a comb through the ruff and the longer fur on the back legs.
Moderate daily exercise is enough for them. They’re happiest when treated as part of the family, not left out in the yard.
11. Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund comes from Lapland, where these gentle, hardworking dogs helped the Sami people herd reindeer across the far north.
Males stand 19 to 21 inches and females 17 to 19 inches, and they weigh between 33 and 53 pounds.
Their thick double coat comes in many colors, often with lighter markings on the face and legs.
For a herding breed, the Lappie is surprisingly soft-natured. They’re calm indoors, friendly with visitors and usually patient with children.
They may still bark to move people along, the same way their ancestors moved reindeer.
They enjoy a daily walk and a chance to run, and they respond well to reward-based training.
Their heavy coat is made for snow, so they don’t handle hot weather well.
They need a thorough brushing every week, and more during sheds.
If you live in a cooler climate, enjoy spending time outdoors and don’t mind fur on your furniture, the Lappie will make a loving and easygoing companion.
12. Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound was bred to track moose through Scandinavian forests. They would hold the moose in place with steady barking until the hunter arrived.
This explains why they’re bold dogs with plenty of stamina.
Males stand 20.5 inches and weigh about 55 pounds, while females stand 19.5 inches and weigh about 48 pounds.
Their thick gray coat tipped with black and their tightly curled tail give them a sturdy, weatherproof look.
At home, Elkhounds are loyal, loving and playful with their families. However, they’re also independent thinkers and can be stubborn during training.
Their hunting instincts are strong, so a secure yard and a leash in open areas are a must. They also need plenty of exercise every day.
They shed steadily all year, and heavily during the shedding season, so plan on brushing them a few times a week.
Confident, outdoorsy owners who like a dog with a mind of their own usually get along very well with this breed.
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13. Siberian Husky
The Chukchi people of northeastern Siberia developed the Siberian Husky to pull light loads over long distances. You can still see that speed and endurance in them today.
Males stand 21 to 23.5 inches and weigh 45 to 60 pounds, while females stand 20 to 22 inches and weigh 35 to 50 pounds.
This makes them medium-sized, athletic dogs. They’re known for their striking face masks and eyes that can be blue, brown or one of each.
Huskies are friendly and outgoing, and they love company. For this reason, they make poor guard dogs.
They also have a lot of energy. Without daily running, pulling or long hikes, they’ll start digging, howling and chewing.
Huskies are great escape artists with a strong prey drive. Good fencing and a GPS Tracker for Dogs on their collar will give you peace of mind.
Their double coat stays fairly clean with weekly brushing, but expect clouds of undercoat during the heavy seasonal sheds.
Huskies suit active owners in cooler climates who enjoy running, hiking or canicross.
If you want to see every shade, check out our guide to Siberian Husky colors and patterns.
14. Samoyed
The Samoyed’s mouth turns up at the corners, which is known as the Sammy smile.
This gives them a permanently happy look, and their personality mostly matches it.
The Samoyedic peoples of Siberia kept these dogs to herd reindeer and pull sleds.
The dogs lived close to their families, which is why Samoyeds still want to be wherever their people are.
Males stand 21 to 23.5 inches and weigh 45 to 65 pounds, while females stand 19 to 21 inches and weigh 35 to 50 pounds. Their thick coat comes in white, cream or biscuit.
Samoyeds are gentle, friendly and playful. They’re good with children and usually get along with other dogs.
They don’t like being alone, and a bored Sammy may bark, dig or chew to show you how they feel. They also need plenty of daily exercise.
That beautiful coat is a real commitment. It needs brushing several times a week, and daily during heavy sheds, to stop mats from forming.
They suit families in cooler climates who actually enjoy grooming and want a sociable dog.
Read our complete Samoyed guide →
We have two more breeds left in the gallery, and the last one can weigh as much as 130 pounds.
15. Alaskan Malamute
If the Husky is a sprinter, the Alaskan Malamute is a freight hauler. The Mahlemiut people of Alaska developed them to pull heavy loads over long distances.
Males stand about 25 inches and weigh about 85 pounds, while females stand about 23 inches and weigh about 75 pounds.
Their coarse, thick coat is usually gray, black, sable or red, with white underparts and a cap or mask on the face.
Malamutes are loving and playful, and they often greet strangers as friends. However, they’re strong-willed and get bored quickly with repetitive training.
They have a high prey drive, and some of them are picky about other dogs.
Malamutes need serious exercise every day, and many of them love pulling sports, carting and long hikes.
Coat care is at its peak when they blow their undercoat.
This is when a Maxpower Undercoat Rake becomes the most useful tool in your house. The rest of the year, weekly brushing is enough.
Heat is a real problem for their heavy coat.
That’s why we recommend them for experienced, active owners in cool climates who have enough room for a big, powerful dog.
You’ll find the Malamute alongside their sled-dog relatives in our article on the different types of Husky dogs.
16. Akita
Very few dogs carry themselves with as much quiet dignity as the Akita.
This powerful spitz comes from the mountains of northern Japan, where they were used to hunt large game and guard property.
Males stand 26 to 28 inches and weigh 100 to 130 pounds, while females stand 24 to 26 inches and weigh 70 to 100 pounds.
Their broad head and full curled tail give them a big, bear-like presence.
Akitas are extremely loyal. The story of Hachiko, who kept waiting at a Tokyo train station long after their owner had died, made the breed a symbol of loyalty in Japan.
That loyalty comes with a protective and reserved side, though. Akitas are often wary of strangers and may not tolerate other dogs, especially those of the same sex.
For this reason, early socialization and calm, consistent training are a must.
Daily walks will keep them happy. Because they’re so strong, start working on leash manners from puppyhood.
Their coat sheds heavily twice a year and needs weekly brushing in between.
Akitas do best with experienced owners, ideally in homes without other dogs.
Other Spitz Breeds You May Come Across
Apart from the 16 breeds above, there are a few other spitz types you’re likely to come across.
The Volpino Italiano, often called the Italian spitz dog, is a small Italian companion and watchdog. They’re a relative of the German Spitz, not a descendant.
Males stand 27 to 30 cm and females 25 to 28 cm, which is about 10 to 12 inches. Their coat is either white or red.
They’re lively, playful and very attached to their families.
The Indian spitz dog was developed in India from German Spitz-type dogs, and they’re still a popular family pet there.
The Indian spitz dog breed is not recognized by the AKC or the FCI. These dogs are often mistaken for Pomeranians, but they’re noticeably bigger.
The Danish spitz is a national breed of Denmark, recognized by the Danish Kennel Club but not by the FCI or AKC. So, you’re most likely to meet one in Denmark.
Small vs Large Spitz Dog Breeds
For most people, size is the first thing they consider when comparing spitz dog breeds. That’s why we’ve put all 16 dogs from our gallery in the table below, in the same order.
The small spitz dog breeds at the top of the table fit well in apartments.
At the other end, you’ll find a giant spitz dog such as the Akita, just after the heavier sled breeds.
| Breed | Size | Activity Level | Grooming | Best Suited For |
| Pomeranian | Small, 6 – 7 in | Low to moderate | Frequent brushing | Apartments, gentle adults |
| German Spitz | Varies, about 7 – 21.5 in | Moderate | Frequent brushing | Owners often at home |
| Swedish Vallhund | Small, 12.5 – 13.5 in | High | Weekly brushing | Active families |
| Japanese Spitz | Small, about 12 – 15 in | Moderate | Regular brushing | Families, apartments |
| American Eskimo Dog | Small to medium, 9 – 19 in | Moderate to high | Regular brushing | Families who train |
| Shiba Inu | Small to medium, 13.5 – 16.5 in | Moderate | Weekly, heavy sheds | Experienced owners |
| Finnish Spitz | Medium, 15.5 – 20 in | High | Weekly brushing | Active owners, houses |
| Norwegian Buhund | Medium, 16 – 18.5 in | High | Weekly brushing | Active families |
| Icelandic Sheepdog | Medium, about 16.5 – 18 in | Moderate | Weekly brushing | Sociable families |
| Keeshond | Medium, 17 – 18 in | Moderate | Frequent brushing | Families with children |
| Finnish Lapphund | Medium, 17 – 21 in | Moderate | Weekly, heavy sheds | Cool-climate families |
| Norwegian Elkhound | Medium, 19.5 – 20.5 in | High | Frequent brushing | Outdoorsy owners |
| Siberian Husky | Medium to large, 20 – 23.5 in | Very high | Weekly, heavy sheds | Runners, cool climates |
| Samoyed | Large, 19 – 23.5 in | High | Very frequent brushing | Devoted groomers |
| Alaskan Malamute | Large, about 23 – 25 in | High | Heavy seasonal grooming | Experienced, strong owners |
| Akita | Giant, 24 – 28 in | Moderate | Weekly, heavy sheds | Experienced owners |
So, what does size really change? Mostly the practical side of daily life.
A giant spitz like the Akita, or a large spitz dog breed such as the Alaskan Malamute, needs more room indoors and eats a lot more food.
They also pull harder on the leash and take longer to bathe and dry.
The same goes for a big German Spitz from the Giant or Wolfsspitz varieties compared to a Toy.
Bigger dogs also cost more in small everyday ways, since they need larger crates, beds and harnesses, plus more time and shampoo at bath time.
What size doesn’t change is the coat care or the independent personality.
A Pomeranian needs the same regular brushing down to the skin as a Samoyed, just over a smaller area. A small spitz is also just as smart, vocal and opinionated as a large one.
For this reason, we recommend choosing a spitz based on temperament and energy first, then using size to narrow down your list.
German Spitz vs Japanese Spitz vs Pomeranian
These three small spitz dogs are the ones people confuse the most. The table below compares them side by side, and then we’ll explain exactly how they’re related.
| Feature | German Spitz | Japanese Spitz | Pomeranian |
| Size | Five varieties, about 7 – 21.5 in | Males about 12 – 15 in | 6 – 7 in, 3 – 7 lb |
| Appearance | Stand-off coat, many colors | Pure white, black nose | Plush coat, fox face |
| Temperament | Alert, devoted, wary of strangers | Intelligent, cheerful, keen | Bold, lively, alert |
| Activity | Moderate | Moderate | Low to moderate |
| Grooming | Frequent brushing | Regular brushing | Frequent brushing |
| Main Difference | Five sizes in one breed | White only, quieter | Toy size, separate AKC breed |
The three look alike for a reason. They all share German Spitz ancestry.
The German Spitz covers the widest size range, from the toy-sized Zwergspitz to the Wolfsspitz, and comes in many colors.
If you’re reading Japanese Spitz dog breed information for the first time, the main thing to know is that this breed comes from large white German Spitz dogs brought to Japan around the 1920s. They are always pure white.
A small Japanese Spitz is also usually quieter than the other two, since the breed standard treats noisiness as a fault. Also note that the Japanese Spitz is not a fully recognized AKC breed.
In daily life, all three breeds feel quite similar to live with.
They’re all alert, loving little watchdogs who prefer walks and play to long runs, and they all bond closely with their families.
The biggest practical differences are coat color, how much barking to expect and, for the German Spitz, which size variety you bring home.
Grooming is also quite similar across the three. Each one has a double coat that needs brushing down to the skin, and each one sheds more heavily at certain times of the year.
So if you want a low-maintenance coat, none of these three breeds will suit you.
The Pomeranian has the thickest coat for their size, which is why many Pom owners try different trims to keep the coat manageable.
If you own a Pom, you can browse our gallery of grooming styles for Pomeranians for fresh ideas.
The German Spitz Pomeranian question is where most of the confusion starts.
The FCI treats the Pomeranian as the Toy variety of the German Spitz breed. This means that under the FCI system, a spitz Pomeranian and a Toy German Spitz are the same dog.
The AKC and The Kennel Club in the UK see things differently. They register the Pomeranian as a separate breed in their Toy groups.
The AKC also keeps the German Spitz dog breed in its Foundation Stock Service instead of giving the breed full recognition.
Neither view is wrong. It simply depends on which registry you follow.
Many owners have a summer habit with their fluffy dogs that does more harm than good. We explain why in the climate tips below.
How to Choose a Spitz Dog Breed
Choosing a spitz dog breed becomes much easier when you start with your own routine instead of a favorite photo. Here are the points we recommend you think about first.
1. Size
Start by looking at your space and your strength.
The small breeds at the top of our table suit apartments and owners who’d like to carry their dog now and then.
The large and giant breeds, on the other hand, need room to move indoors and an owner who can hold steady when they pull.
Also remember that a small dog is more fragile around young children.
2. Energy Level
Energy levels vary more than size suggests.
The sled and hunting breeds were bred to work for hours, so they need running, hiking or pulling every day.
Companion breeds like the Japanese Spitz and Pomeranian are happy with walks and play.
If your dog is a strong puller, a padded, well-fitted harness such as the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness will make walks easier for both of you.
3. Grooming
Like most fluffy dog breeds, every spitz sheds, and none of them are hypoallergenic.
Most of them blow their undercoat heavily once or twice a year. When brushing, make sure you reach the skin instead of just smoothing the top layer.
After a bath, we recommend a high-velocity dryer such as the Pet Grooming Dryer to dry the thick double coat all the way through.
This is important because a coat that stays damp near the skin can cause irritation.
4. Climate
A double coat protects your dog from heat as well as cold, so you should never shave it.
Shaving can ruin the way the coat grows back, and it also removes your dog’s protection from the sun.
In hot weather, heavy-coated breeds need shade, fresh water and exercise during the cooler morning or evening hours.
A cooling mat like JoyBlooms Cooling Mat for Dogs also gives them a comfortable place to lie on warm days.
Heat is a real concern for the breeds with the biggest coats, including the Samoyed, Alaskan Malamute and Akita.
If you live in a warm region, think carefully before choosing one of them.
5. Training
Most spitz breeds are smart but independent. They’d rather understand why you’re asking them to do something than simply obey.
Short, fun training sessions that use rewards work best.
The hunting and sled breeds have a strong prey drive, which makes a reliable recall hard to achieve. So if you own a Husky, Shiba or Elkhound, plan on using leashes and secure fencing for life.
Remember that mental work also tires out clever dogs.
A puzzle toy like the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado gives them a problem to solve at home.
If you’re a new owner, our puppy training tips guide will give you a head start.
6. Living Space
Apartment living can work well for the Pomeranian, Japanese Spitz, the smaller German Spitz varieties and even the Keeshond, as long as they get daily walks.
Keep in mind that many spitz dogs are vocal. If you have thin walls and close neighbors, start working on barking early.
Diggers and escape artists like the Husky and Malamute need a securely fenced yard with no gaps underneath.
7. Experience Level
First-time owners usually do well with the more people-focused breeds, such as the Keeshond, Icelandic Sheepdog, Japanese Spitz or Pomeranian.
The Akita, Shiba Inu, Alaskan Malamute and Norwegian Elkhound are a better match for owners who’ve handled independent, strong-willed dogs before and can stay calm and consistent.
8. Family and Lifestyle
Think about who lives with you and how often someone is at home.
The Keeshond, Samoyed and Icelandic Sheepdog tend to be friendly with children and visitors. The Akita is more reserved and may not be happy sharing the house with another dog.
Most spitz breeds don’t like being left alone for long hours. If your household is busy, plan for a dog walker or daycare, or choose a breed with lower social needs.
Are Spitz Dogs Right for You?
Spitz dogs do best with owners who enjoy everything that comes with them, not just the fox-like face.
If you find brushing relaxing, like being active outdoors and enjoy a dog with opinions, you’ll probably fall in love with these breeds.
In return, you’ll get a loyal and clever companion who notices everything and rarely loses their sense of fun.
However, they may not be the right fit if you want a low-shedding dog, a quiet housemate or a dog who follows every command the first time.
With all the spitz dog breeds in this guide, independence and heavy seasonal shedding come as part of the deal.
No amount of training will fully stop them from barking at the mail carrier or chasing a squirrel.
The good news is that the spitz family is big enough to have a match for most lifestyles.
If you live in the city, a Japanese Spitz or Pomeranian could be a good fit.
If you’re a runner, a Husky or Finnish Spitz will happily join you, and a family in a cool climate can enjoy many happy years with a Samoyed or Keeshond.
We recommend choosing with your routine in mind and meeting a few dogs from the breed you love before you decide.
Conclusion
Most spitz dog breeds share the same pointed ears, curled tail, double coat and independent personality. However, there’s no single lifestyle that suits all of them.
A good example is the Pomeranian and the Akita.
They both belong to the same group of dogs, but living with each of them can be very different once you look at their exercise needs, strength, grooming, prey drive and the space they need.
Before you choose a breed, we recommend thinking carefully about how much exercise, training, shedding and company you can actually handle every day.
Remember to think about your climate too, especially if you’re looking at the heavier-coated breeds. These dogs can struggle a lot more in warm weather.
Once you match these practical needs with your lifestyle, it becomes much easier to narrow down your list. That way, you’ll end up with a spitz you’ll truly enjoy living with for many years.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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