German Spitz (Mittel)

Overview

The German Spitz (Mittel) is the medium-sized member of the German Spitz family, standing about 12 to 15 inches and weighing 15 to 25 pounds. It sits between the small Kleinspitz and the large Grosspitz on the size scale, and shares the classic Spitz outline: pointed muzzle, erect ears, thick double coat, and a plumed tail carried curled over the back.

The Mittel is bright, alert, and cheerful. Historically it was a watchdog and general farm companion in central Europe. Today it's a versatile family dog, small enough for city living and sturdy enough for country life. It bonds hard with its family and remains rare outside Germany and neighboring countries, though a small following exists in the UK, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia.

History & origin

The German Spitz family descends from prehistoric Nordic dogs that reached central Europe with early migrants. Written records mention Spitz-type dogs in German territories from the fifteenth century, kept as watchdogs on farms and in vineyards. By the eighteenth century five distinct sizes had emerged: the toy Zwergspitz (later known internationally as the Pomeranian), the small Kleinspitz, the medium Mittelspitz, the large Grosspitz, and the Wolfsspitz (known outside Germany as the Keeshond).

The Verband fuer das Deutsche Hundewesen, Germany's national kennel club, standardized the varieties in the late nineteenth century. Queen Victoria kept small Spitz dogs, driving the Pomeranian craze in Britain and steering the small varieties toward toy-breed miniaturization. The medium and larger Mittel and Gross retained their more workmanlike proportions and traditional purposes.

The FCI recognizes all five sizes as one breed with size varieties. The Kennel Club in Britain recognizes the German Spitz in Klein and Mittel sizes separately. The AKC hasn't granted the Mittel full recognition, though the Foundation Stock Service accepts it. The breed remains uncommon in North America but has a devoted following in Europe.

Appearance

The German Spitz Mittel stands 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weighs 15 to 25 pounds. Build is squarely proportioned, sturdy without heaviness, with a fox-like head and small triangular erect ears set high on the skull. The eyes are medium, oval, dark, and set slightly obliquely.

The coat is the signature feature. A long, straight, harsh outer coat covers a soft, dense undercoat, giving the dog serious weather protection. A pronounced ruff frames the neck and shoulders. The tail is plumed and carried curled over the back. Colors include black, brown, white, orange, wolf-gray, and various parti-colors. Movement is light, elastic, and free-flowing.

Temperament

The Mittel is bright, alert, and cheerful. It bonds hard with its family and generally chooses one or two favorite people. With strangers it's watchful but friendly after appropriate introduction. It's more reserved than the Pomeranian and less driven than most terriers, occupying a happy middle ground.

Spitz traits are all present. The Mittel alarm-barks reliably, notices every movement in the yard, and holds its ground with unfamiliar dogs. Prey drive is moderate. Independence is real. The breed thinks for itself and can be stubborn, though rarely difficult. It's a companion breed with working roots that show in its temperament.

Living with one

The Mittel suits house, cottage, or apartment life. It's small enough for city living and sturdy enough for rural walks. A fenced yard is a plus but not a requirement. Multi-dog households usually work well when introductions are careful, and the Mittel often bonds with a household cat if raised together.

Climate tolerance is excellent. The dense double coat handles cold winters comfortably and moderates warm summers reasonably well. In hot climates the Mittel needs shade and cool floors but rarely struggles with heat if activity is timed to cooler hours. Wet weather beads off the outer coat.

Exercise needs are moderate. A young adult Mittel wants forty-five minutes to an hour of daily activity split across walks and play. The breed enjoys agility at its scale, obedience, and rally. Puppies should build stamina gradually. Older Mittels settle into shorter walks and enjoy quieter routines.

Alone-time tolerance is fair. Mittels are family-oriented but manage a working day if crate-trained and left with enrichment. Multi-pet households usually work well. Cats can cohabit if the Mittel is raised alongside them from puppyhood.

Noise level is moderate to high. The Mittel alarm-barks with enthusiasm and takes its watchdog role seriously. Training reduces the habit but doesn't eliminate it. Apartment neighbors appreciate an owner who addresses barking early. This is a genuine watchdog breed, not a silent companion.

Training & exercise

The Mittel is intelligent, food-motivated, and moderately independent. Training should be upbeat, consistent, and short. The breed learns quickly but decides for itself whether to comply on any given day. Reward-forward methods work best. Harsh corrections produce a shy or evasive dog.

Socialization is important. Puppy classes, calm dog friends, and exposure to novel environments before four months set the foundation for adult confidence. Spitz breeds that miss the socialization window often stay reserved with strangers or wary of new places.

Common training mistakes include letting the alert bark run wild, skipping recall work, and treating stubborn moments as lifetime traits. Consistency and patience produce polished adults. Mittels compete well in agility, obedience, and rally, and some do therapy work. Historically the breed served as a farm watchdog, and that role still fits many family homes.

Grooming & care

The Mittel's double coat needs weekly brushing to prevent mats and manage shedding. Twice a year the undercoat blows heavily and daily brushing keeps the house from being carpeted in fluff. Baths every six to eight weeks are typical.

The ruff and britches need extra attention because they tangle first. Ears need weekly checking, nails a trim every two to three weeks, and teeth regular care. The Mittel doesn't require professional trimming beyond tidying around the feet and sanitary area. Grooming demand is moderate, higher than a smooth-coated breed but well below a curly or corded coat.

Health & lifespan

Lifespan is typically 13 to 15 years, on the long end for a medium breed. Mittels often stay active into their fourteenth year. The breed is generally hardy with a shortlist of concerns worth screening.

Patellar luxation occurs at low but real rates and can be screened by veterinary examination. Progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts appear occasionally. Hip dysplasia is uncommon for the size. Dental crowding and periodontal disease appear at typical small-breed rates.

Alopecia X, a hair-loss condition sometimes called black skin disease, appears in some Spitz lines. Epilepsy occurs at low rates. Cardiac disease is uncommon. Reputable breeders test for known genetic conditions and share results. The breed benefits from Europe-wide health databases in FCI countries.

With kids & pets

Mittels raised in a family are affectionate and playful with children who understand dog etiquette. Toddlers and Mittels usually work well with supervision, though the breed doesn't tolerate rough handling from very small children.

First-time owner note

A good first breed for an active adult household ready to commit to daily brushing during shedding seasons and steady socialization. Best matched with owners who want a versatile small-to-medium companion with a real watchdog instinct.

Fun facts

• The German Spitz family includes five size varieties, from the toy Pomeranian to the large Keeshond, all considered varieties of one breed by the FCI.
• The Mittelspitz was historically kept as a farm and vineyard watchdog in central Europe, valued for its alert bark and weather-resistant coat.
• The breed remains genuinely rare in North America but has a devoted following in Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia.
• Michelangelo reportedly kept a small Spitz-type dog that sat on a cushion watching him paint the Sistine Chapel, though breed identification from Renaissance records is speculative.

Famous & in culture

• German Spitz Mittels served as royal and aristocratic companions across central Europe from the eighteenth century onward.
• The Mittel appears regularly in contemporary German advertising and lifestyle photography as a representative national breed.