German Spitz (Klein)

The German Spitz breeds are thought to be descendants of larger spitz dogs brought from Scandinavia by the Vikings.

The Germans divide the breed into several sizes: two of these are recognised by The Kennel Club; the larger size the Mittel and smaller Klein. They share the same Breed Standard, divided only by size. Any colour or combination of colours is permitted which is part of the breed's attraction. Highly intelligent and full of character, they have become very popular.

The German Spitz is the ancestor of the Pomeranian, the smallest of the Spitz breeds.

Read the breed standard

Images for this breed

The Utility breed group

This group consists of miscellaneous breeds of dog mainly of a non-sporting origin, including the Bulldog, Dalmatian, Akita and Poodle. The name ‘Utility’ essentially means fitness for a purpose and this group consists of an extremely mixed and varied bunch, most breeds having been selectively bred to perform a specific function not included in the sporting and working categories. Some of the breeds listed in the group are the oldest documented breeds of dog in the world.

Breed standard colours

Breed standard colour means that the colour is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known colour in this breed.

Breed standard colours in this breed include:

Black
Black & Tan
Black & Tan with White Markings
Black & White Particolour
Black Tricolour
Black with White Markings
Blue
Blue & Tan
Blue & Tan with White Markings
Blue & White Particolour
Blue Sable
Blue Sable & White Particolour
Blue Sable with White Markings
Blue Seal
Blue Seal & White Particolour
Blue Seal with White Markings
Blue Tricolour
Blue with White Markings
Brown
Brown & Tan
Brown & Tan with White Markings
Brown & White Particolour
Brown Sable
Brown Sable & White Particolour
Brown Sable with White Markings
Brown Seal
Brown Seal & White Particolour
Brown Seal with White Markings
Brown Tricolour
Brown with White Markings
Cream
Cream & White Particolour
Cream Sable
Cream Sable & White Particolour
Cream Sable with White Markings
Cream with White Markings
Ghost Tan
Gold
Gold & White Particolour
Gold Sable
Gold Sable & White Particolour
Gold Sable with White Markings
Gold with White Markings
Lilac
Lilac & Tan
Lilac & Tan with White Markings
Lilac & white Particolour
Lilac Sable
Lilac Sable & White Particolour
Lilac Sable with White Markings
Lilac Seal
Lilac Seal & White Particolour
Lilac Seal with White Markings
Lilac Tricolour
Lilac with White Markings
Orange
Orange & White Particolour
Orange Sable
Orange Sable & White Particolour
Orange sable with white markings
Orange with white markings
Sable
Sable & White Particolour
Sable with White Markings
Seal
Seal & White Particolour
Seal with White Markings
White
Wolf Sable
Wolf Sable & White Particolour
Wolf Sable with White Markings

Other colour/s

'Other' means you consider your puppy to be a colour not currently known within the breed and one that does not appear on either the breed standard or non-breed standard list. In this instance you would be directed through our registrations process to contact a breed club and/or council to support you on identifying and correctly listing the new colour.

Non-breed-standard colours

Non-breed-standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points.

Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog, health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.

Whether you’re thinking of buying a puppy, or breeding from your dog, it’s essential that you know what health issues may be found in your breed. To tackle these issues we advise that breeders use DNA tests, screening schemes and inbreeding coefficient calculators to help breed the healthiest dogs possible.

More about health

Important health schemes and tests

We strongly recommend that all breeders, both assured breeders (ABs) and non ABs, use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice.

Find out about a particular dog's results

Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed Register.

You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.

Have any questions about health in your breed?

If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.

Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.

To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email

Rebecca Rose Godridge

Breed watch

Category 2

Particular points of concern for individual breeds may include features not specifically highlighted in the breed standard including current issues. In some breeds, features may be listed which, if exaggerated, might potentially affect the breed in the future.