If you’ve ever Googled “Pomeranian vs Spitz” and ended up more confused than when you started, you’re not alone. Here’s the short answer: the Pomeranian is a Spitz — it’s a specific breed within the much larger Spitz family. Think of it like asking the difference between a Labrador and a retriever. One is a type of the other.
But there’s a lot more worth knowing, especially if you’re trying to figure out which dog is right for you, or you’re just curious about where your fluffy little companion actually comes from. I’ve owned my Pomeranian, Sash, for several years now, and understanding his Spitz roots genuinely changed how I care for him.
What I’ve Learned With Sash
- The Pomeranian belongs to the Spitz family — but “Spitz” alone usually refers to the German Spitz, a distinct and larger breed
- Spitz-type dogs share key physical traits, but size, temperament, and grooming needs vary significantly between breeds
- Knowing your dog’s Spitz heritage helps you understand their instincts, coat care needs, and training quirks
What Is a Spitz Dog, Exactly?
The term “Spitz” doesn’t refer to a single breed — it describes a type of dog defined by specific physical characteristics. According to the American Kennel Club, Spitz-type dogs are recognised by their thick double coats, pointed ears, fox-like faces, and tails that curl over the back. These traits evolved to help dogs survive cold, harsh climates.
The Spitz family is huge. It includes breeds as different as the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Samoyed, Akita, Finnish Spitz, and yes — the Pomeranian. They’re all connected by shared ancestry and those same distinctive physical features, but they couldn’t be more different in size and personality.
Key Physical Traits of Spitz-Type Dogs
- Thick, dense double coat (a soft undercoat beneath longer guard hairs)
- Erect, pointed ears
- A fox-like or wedge-shaped muzzle
- A tail that curls up and over the back
- A compact, well-muscled body relative to their size
When Sash trots around the garden with his tail curled proudly over his back and his ears pricked up at every sound, he’s displaying thousands of years of Spitz heritage. It’s actually quite magnificent — until he barks at a pigeon for ten minutes straight.
The German Spitz: The One People Actually Mean
When someone says “Spitz” without specifying a breed, they’re almost always referring to the German Spitz (Deutscher Spitz). This is a specific, recognised breed — and the one most commonly confused with the Pomeranian.
The German Spitz comes in five size varieties: Wolfspitz (also known as the Keeshond), Großspitz (Giant Spitz), Mittelspitz (Medium Spitz), Kleinspitz (Small Spitz), and Zwergspitz — which is the official German name for the Pomeranian. So technically, the Pomeranian is the toy-sized variety of the German Spitz family. They share the same basic breed standard in many countries, just at a much smaller scale.
German Spitz vs Pomeranian: Side-by-Side
| Feature | German Spitz (Mittelspitz) | Pomeranian |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7–18 kg (15–40 lbs) | 1.8–3.5 kg (4–7.7 lbs) |
| Height | 30–38 cm at the shoulder | 18–30 cm at the shoulder |
| Coat | Thick double coat, similar texture | Thick double coat, often more profuse around the neck |
| Temperament | Lively, alert, devoted | Lively, bold, curious — sometimes bossy |
| AKC Recognition | Foundation Stock Service | Fully recognised (Toy Group) |
| Trainability | Good, responds well to positive reinforcement | Smart but stubborn — firm consistency required |
The visual similarities are striking. If you put a small German Mittelspitz next to a large Pomeranian, most people genuinely couldn’t tell them apart. The biggest practical difference is size — and the way that size affects everything from exercise needs to how easily they can get underfoot.
Where the Pomeranian Fits in the Spitz Family Tree
The Pomeranian’s specific origins trace back to the Pomerania region, which spans parts of modern-day northern Germany and Poland. They were bred down from larger sled-pulling Spitz dogs — the ancestors of today’s German Spitz — into the small companion dogs we know now. You can read more about this fascinating Pomeranian history and origins if you want the full picture.
The breed was further miniaturised over generations, particularly through the influence of European royalty who favoured smaller dogs. The result was a dog that retained all the bold Spitz personality in a tiny, portable package. Sash does not seem to have received the memo about being small. His confidence would fill a room three times the size.
Temperament: More Similar Than You’d Think
Both Pomeranians and German Spitz dogs are known for being alert, intelligent, loyal, and — let’s not sugarcoat it — quite vocal. These are not dogs that sit quietly in the corner. They notice everything, they have opinions about everything, and they will share those opinions at volume.
The difference in temperament between a Pomeranian and a German Spitz is subtle. German Spitz dogs tend to be slightly less intense and a touch more relaxed, possibly because they weren’t selectively bred for the extremes of the show ring in quite the same way. Pomeranians can have a real “big dog in a small body” attitude — which is endearing right up until they decide to challenge a German Shepherd.
Sash has done this. It did not go as planned. Thankfully the Shepherd was very tolerant.
Grooming: The Spitz Double Coat Reality
All Spitz-type dogs have double coats, and all of them shed. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either misinformed or selling something. The double coat consists of a dense, soft undercoat that regulates temperature, and longer, coarser guard hairs on top that protect against weather and debris.
Pomeranians have one of the more demanding coats in the Spitz family because of the sheer volume of fur relative to their small size. That thick ruff around the neck, the feathering on the legs, the plumed tail — it’s all stunning, and it all requires regular brushing to prevent matting. German Spitz coats are similar in texture but don’t always have quite the same density around the neck.
Grooming Basics for Spitz-Type Dogs
- Brush at least three times per week — daily during shedding seasons
- Never shave a double-coated dog. It disrupts the coat’s natural insulating function and can cause permanent texture damage
- Use a slicker brush for the outer coat and a metal comb to check for tangles close to the skin
- Bathing every three to four weeks is usually sufficient — over-bathing strips natural oils
- Pay special attention to behind the ears and under the legs where matting starts
If you want a deeper look at what owning one of these dogs actually involves day-to-day, the Pomeranian breed information guide covers the grooming, exercise, and health specifics in detail.
Exercise and Energy Levels
Here’s where size creates a real practical difference. A German Spitz (particularly the Mittelspitz or Großspitz) is a medium-sized working dog at heart. They need more exercise, more space, and more mental stimulation than a Pomeranian. They were bred to herd and guard, and that energy has to go somewhere.
Pomeranians are busy little dogs, but their exercise needs are much more manageable. Two short walks a day and some indoor play is enough to keep most Pomeranians healthy and reasonably calm. Sash gets two 20-minute walks daily and spends the rest of his time supervising everything I do from his spot on the back of the sofa.
If you live in a flat or smaller home, the Pomeranian is the far more practical choice from the Spitz family. If you have outdoor space and want a more energetic companion, a German Spitz might suit you better.
Which One Is Right for You?
The honest answer depends on your lifestyle. Both dogs are intelligent, loyal, beautiful, and quite demanding in their own ways. Neither is a low-maintenance pet.
| If you want… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| A tiny companion that fits flat living | Pomeranian |
| A medium-sized, more outdoorsy Spitz | German Spitz (Mittelspitz) |
| A very trainable, slightly calmer Spitz | German Spitz |
| Maximum floof in minimum space | Pomeranian |
| A dog that will alert you to every passing leaf | Either — you’re getting that either way |
Both breeds share the same core Spitz personality. If you love one, you’ll almost certainly love the other. The differences are more about scale and practical lifestyle fit than fundamental character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Pomeranian the same as a Spitz?
A Pomeranian is a type of Spitz dog, not a separate category from one. All Pomeranians are Spitz-type dogs, but not all Spitz dogs are Pomeranians. The Spitz family includes many breeds of different sizes and origins — the Pomeranian is simply the toy-sized member of the German Spitz branch of that family.
What is the difference between a Pomeranian and a German Spitz?
The German Spitz is a distinct breed that comes in several size varieties, while the Pomeranian is the smallest of those varieties — sometimes called Zwergspitz in German. Pomeranians typically weigh under 3.5 kg, while German Spitz dogs range from medium to large depending on the variety. Their coats, temperaments, and general appearance are very similar, but size and exercise needs differ significantly.
Are Spitz dogs good for first-time owners?
Spitz-type dogs including Pomeranians can work well for first-time owners, but they require consistent training from an early age. They are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement, but they can be stubborn and strong-willed. First-time owners should be prepared to invest time in socialisation and training, and not let the small size of a Pomeranian lead them to be less firm than they would be with a larger dog.
Do Pomeranians shed more than other Spitz dogs?
All Spitz-type dogs shed, and Pomeranians are no exception — their thick double coat sheds consistently year-round with heavier shedding during seasonal coat blows. Compared to larger Spitz breeds like the Samoyed or Keeshond, the total volume of shed fur is less simply due to the Pomeranian’s small body size. However, relative to their size, they shed a very noticeable amount and require regular brushing to manage it.
Can a Pomeranian and a German Spitz live together?
Yes, Pomeranians and German Spitz dogs can coexist well in the same household, particularly when introduced properly and socialised from a young age. Both breeds share similar temperaments — alert, energetic, and sometimes vocal — so they often match well in energy level. The main practical consideration is size difference, as German Spitz dogs are significantly larger and rougher play may need to be managed carefully.