German Spitz (Giant)
JER-man spits (JY-ant)
Germany· Germany, particularly Pomerania and Wurttemberg
The German Spitz (Giant), known in Germany as the Grosspitz, is the largest of the German Spitz varieties, historically kept as a farm guard dog.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1 hour per day
Home size suited to
Any size home
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush, more when shedding
Coat length
Long, double coat
Sheds
Yes, seasonally
Lifespan
13-15 years
Town or country
Adaptable to both
Garden size needed
Small to medium, fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the German Spitz (Giant)
Descended from ancient European spitz-type farm dogs, the largest variety of the German Spitz was developed principally as a watchful farm guardian, valued for its keen senses and loud bark rather than herding or hunting ability. Selective breeding for size produced this substantial version alongside the smaller Spitz varieties.
- Region
- Germany, particularly Pomerania and Wurttemberg
- Climate it was bred for
- Temperate European climate
- Original job
- Farm guarding and companionship
The long read
About the breed
Its guarding role favoured an alert, vocal and confident temperament rather than physical toughness in extreme conditions, and it remains watchful and quick to bark at strangers.
At home it is loyal, affectionate and lively, generally good with its family, though early socialisation helps moderate its natural wariness of unfamiliar people and dogs.
Today it is a rare breed even in Germany, overshadowed by its smaller relatives such as the Pomeranian, and it remains a minority interest among spitz enthusiasts elsewhere in Europe.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the German Spitz (Giant) greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the German Spitz (Giant) is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The German Spitz (Giant)'s skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
Medieval period
Ancient farm dog origins
Descended from spitz-type dogs kept as farm guardians across German-speaking Europe.
1800s
Regional size varieties
Breeders in Germany developed distinct size varieties of the Spitz, from the giant to the smallest toy types.
1899
First breed club
A German Spitz club was founded to standardise the varieties, including the Grosspitz.
1950s
Post-war decline
The larger varieties declined sharply in popularity compared with smaller Spitz types.
1990s
Conservation efforts
German and UK breed clubs began dedicated efforts to preserve the rare Giant variety.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact and short-coupled with a level back and well-sprung ribs.
- coat
- Long, straight, standoff outer coat with a soft, dense undercoat, forming a mane around the neck.
- ears
- Small, triangular and erect.
- eyes
- Dark, medium-sized and oval, giving an alert expression.
- head
- Wedge-shaped with a moderate stop and pointed muzzle.
- size
- Over 46cm at the withers
- colour
- Any solid colour including white, black, brown and orange.
- temperament
- Alert, lively and loyal, watchful of strangers and devoted to its family.
- general appearance
- Medium to large, well-proportioned spitz with a compact body and abundant standoff coat.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
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German Spitz (Giant)s added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the German Spitz (Giant)
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own German Spitz (Giant) illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
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Framed poster
German Spitz (Giant) Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our German Spitz (Giant) illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
German Spitz (Giant) Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the German Spitz (Giant) illustration on the chest.
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Mug
German Spitz (Giant) Mug
Ceramic mug with the German Spitz (Giant) illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Retractable Lead
5m retractable with one-touch brake.
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