What Are The Differences Between A Pomeranian And A German Spitz

Pomeranians and German Spitz are very similar breeds that share a past but, what are the differences between a Pomeranian and a German Spitz.

Pomeranians and German Spitz are very similar but, also very different. Some of their differences include Pomeranians being smaller in size, more fluffy and coming in more coat colors in comparison to the German Spitz.

What Are Spitz

Spitz dogs were bred in the cold Arctic regions originating from Scandinavia, Asia, Russia, and North America.

The exact story of the spitz origin is a mystery, with 2000-year-old remains of Spitz dogs being found in Switzerland.

The name “Spitz” derives from the German word “Spitzen”.

Most Spitz breeds have pointy ears, a heavy double coat, and curly tails that rest on their backs.

Spitz breeds are very wolf-like and have been found to have to closest DNA ties to wild wolves.

Spitz dogs have a history of being hardworking dogs pulling sleds, herding livestock, and guarding their territory.

A Spitz is often very loyal, affectionate, and intelligent.

Between fifty to seventy different dog breeds can be classified as being Spitz dogs.

Currently, the AKC recognizes 16 Spitz breeds.

• Akita
• Alaskan Malamute
• Siberian Husky
• Norweign Elkhound
• Pomeranian
• American Eskimo Dog
• Chow Chow
• Finnish Lapphund
• Keeshond
• Islandic Sheepdog
• Finnish Spitz
• Norweigan Buhund
• Norweigan Lundehund
• Samoyed
• Shiba Inu
• Swedish Vallhund

Where Do Pomeranians Originate From

Pomeranains originate from the region once known as Pomerania in Northeastern Europe.

This historical region can be found on the south shore of the Baltic Sea, split between Poland and Germany.

Are Pomeranians Descendants Of Wolves?

Where Do German Spitz Originate From

The German Spitz also originates from Pomerania.

Although the German Spitz and Pomeranians both originate from the same region with similar histories and both having ties to English nobles their stories are very different.

What Is The History Of German Spitz

The first documented German Spitz dates back to 1450.

German Spitz were used as guards dogs on German farms alerting their owners when strangers appeared. The breed at this time was known as a peasants dog until the 1800s.

In the 1800s the breed quickly became popular among the upper class including royalty.

King George I of England and his wife had many family members that owned German Spitz and often brought them to court.

After World War I there was a drastic decline in the breed’s popularity. After the war, anything that had the “German” name tied to it held a negative attachment. Many breeds that had the “German” name were often changed to something else like the American Eskimo Dog.

The popularity of the German Spitz has continued to grow at a slow pace.

What Is The History Of Pomeranians

Pomeranians started off as working dogs just like German Spitz pulling sleds, herding livestock, and being guard dogs.

In actuality, during this time period, Pomeranians were not referred to as Pomeranians. Most likely a Pomeranian and German Spitz were the same dog breed.

It wasn’t until the late 1800s when Queen Victoria developed a love of Pomeranians that Pomeranains and German Spitz took different paths.

Queen Victoria at one time had at least 35 Pomeranains and had developed her own breeding Program.

In 1891 The Pomeranian Club was formed along with its recognition into the English Kennel Club.

The Queen had a fascination with small Pomeranians and breed them into a much smaller lap dog size.

Her dogs gained a lot of attention and popularity when they became show champions.

During the late 1800s, Pomeranians gained in popularity and were imported to America where they were recognized by the American Kennel Club.

German Spitz And Pomeranian Size Comparision

German Spitz are larger in size when compared to Pomeranians.

A German Spitz is typically 12 to 15 inches tall and weighs between 18 to 29 pounds.

Pomeranians on the other hand are only 6 to 7 inches tall and weigh between 3 and 7 pounds.

Although this petite size is the breed standard there are many Pomeranians that can be referred to as “Throwback Pomeranians” or “Partial Throwbacks”.

A Throwback Pomeranian is similar to its ancestors and will be larger in size.

German Spitz And Pomeranian Coat Comparison

Both the German Spitz and Pomeranian have double coats of fur that is common among Spitz dogs.

Although they both have double coats there are many differences between them.

A German Spitz has a soft and cotton-like undercoat with a straighter and more coarse outer coat.

Pomeranians have a short and dense undercoat with a fine long-haired outer coat. The combination results in an extremely fluffy-looking dog.

A Pomeranians coat can come in 18 recognized colors whereas a German Spitz coat comes in only 8 colors.

Do Pomeranians Shed?

German Spitz And Pomeranian Tail Comparison

The German Spitz and Pomeranian both have fluffy curly tails but, they are different.

A German Spitz’s tail curls up over their back and curls into a ring shape along one side.

A Pomeranians tail also curls onto its back but, their tails curl flat onto the top of their backs.

Why Do Pomeranians Have Curly Tails?

German Spitz And Pomeranian Head Shape Comparison

A German Spitz and Pomeranian have very different shaped heads and muzzles.

A German Spitz head is wedge-shaped and flat on top with triangle-shaped ears that sit high on top of their heads. A German Spitz has a much longer muzzle compared to a Pomeranian. Their muzzles are usually half the length of their heads.

Pomeranians have much shorter muzzles that are usually a third to two-thirds the size of their heads. Pomeranians have small ears on top of their heads that often blend into their fluffy fur.

German Spitz And Pomeranian Temperament Comparison

Pomeranians are very cuddly, intelligent, playful, and protective little dogs.

A Pomeranian is a wonderful companion that gets very attached to their family. Your Pomeranian will enjoy going with you everywhere you go and snuggling up next to you for a nap.

German Spitz have very similar temperaments when compared with Pomeranians.

German Spitz are Intelligent, outgoing, affectionate, and easy to train.

Are Pomeranians Emotional?

German Spitz And Pomeranian Energy Level Comparison

Pomeranians are considered low energy dogs where German Spitz are medium energy dogs.

A German Spitz will require more exercise than a Pomeranian.

Pomeranians can have bursts of energy where they have a quick run around the back yard and then they are ready for a nap.

A Pomeranian would make a better apartment dog in comparison to a German Spitz when looking at the exercise requirements of each breed.

German Spitz And Pomeranian Training Needs

The German Spitz are highly intelligent dogs that are known to be easy to train.

Pomeranians can sometimes have independent streaks and can be harder to train.

With daily work, both the German Spitz and Pomeranian can both be trained companions.

It’s also important to mention that any dog needs socialization to build confidence and eliminate potential fear and aggression.

German Spitz And Pomeranian Life Span Comparison

Pomeranians on average will live between 12 to 16 years of age.

German Spitz will on average live between 13 to 15 years.

German Spitz And Pomeranian Health Comparison

The Pomeranian and German Spitz are very similar when it comes to their health and ailments.

Both Pomeranians and the German Spitz are overall very healthy dogs with a handful of health conditions that they are prone to.

• Luxating Patellas
• Collapsed Tracheas
• Epilepsy
• Eye Conditions

Since Pomeranians are smaller in size they are more prone to be overweight which can lead to health problems.

German Spitz And Pomeranian Grooming Needs

Both breeds require some grooming to maintain their coats.

Routine brushing is needed to prevent and remove mats in their fur.

Both dog breeds will “blow their coats” experiencing seasonal shedding in the Fall and Spring.

Since Pomeranians are more fluffy than the German Spitz they do require a little more attention as far as grooming is concerned.

Do Pomeranians Shed?

German Spitz And Pomeranian Price Comparison

Finding a German Spitz breeder can be hard to do. If you are able to find a breeder you can expect to pay between $1000 and $3000.

Pomeranians are in high demand. A Pomeranian puppy can be between $1200 and $6000.

As always, make sure you are getting your puppy from a reputable breeder.

German Spitz And Pomeranian Popularity Comparison

Pomeranians are the 23rd most popular dog breed according to the AKC.

The German Spitz on the other hand is not found on the list within the top 195 dog breeds.

Breed Comparison Chart

CHARACTERISTICS	GERMAN SPITZ	POMERANIAN
ORIGIN	Pomerania	Pomerania
HEIGHT	12 to 15 Inches Tall	6 to 7 Inches Tall
WEIGHT	18 to 29 Pounds	3 to 7 Pounds
COAT	Dense undercoat with coarse outercoat	Soft short undercoat with thin and long outercoat
COAT COLORS	8 Colors	18 Colors
TAIL	Curly tail that sits off the side of their backs in a ring shape	Curly tail that curls straight onto their backs.
HEAD	Longer muzzles with distinct ears	Shorter muzzles with ears that blend into their fluffy fur.
HEALTH	Very Healthy	Very Healthy
LIFESPAN	13 to 15 years	12 to 16 years
TEMPERAMENT	Outgoing, Affectionate, Easy to Train	Intelligent, Protective, Cuddly
ENERGY	Medium energy	Low energy
GROOMING NEEDS	Routine brushing	Routine brushing
TRAINING	Easy To Train	Can Be Stubburn
PRICE	$1000-$3000	$1200-$6000
POPULARITY	Not Popular	23rd most popular dog breed

Final Thoughts

Pomeranians and German Spitz are both similar in many ways due to a close-knit history.

Due to negative connotations and royal popularity one breed rose to the 23rd most popular dog breed while the other has been almost forgotten.

Both breeds deserve recognition and love.

If you are lucky enough to have either dog breed make sure you give them lots of love and attention.

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