Grosspitz similar breeds

Dog Breeds Similar To Grosspitz (German Giant Spitz)

In the FCI nomenclature all of the five German Spitzes are considered as variations of a single breed, but in other instances such as the American Kennel Club some of them are considered as individual breeds.

The five types of German Spitz are:

• Keeshond (aka Wolfspitz)
• Giant Spitz (aka Grosspitz)
• Medium size Spitz (aka Mittelspitz)
• Miniature Spitz (aka Kleinspitz)
• Pomeranian (aka German Toy Spitz)

However, there are other dog breeds that are also similar to the German Giant Spitz. Let’s have a look!

1. Keeshond (Wolfspitz)

The Grosspitz is a spitz-type dog that is of German origin while the Keeshond, also known as the Wolfspitz, is of Dutch descent.

Size

Both dogs are considered to be medium-sized breeds. The Grosspitz typically weighs between 33 and 55 pounds and stands at 16 to 20 inches tall. The Keeshond, on the other hand, is a bit lighter with males weighing between 35 and 45 pounds and females averaging 30 to 40 pounds. In terms of height, both sexes of this breed measure in at 18 to 20 inches.

Coat & Colors

The Grosspitz has a thick, double coat that is made up of a dense, wooly undercoat and a coarse, straight outer coat. The hair on the head and legs is shorter than that on the body. Common Grosspitz coat colors include black, brown, gray, and white.

The Keeshond also has a thick double coat, but it is not as dense as the Grosspitz’s. The hair on the head and legs is also shorter than the body hair, but the overall coat length is medium. Common Keeshond colors include mixes of black, gray, silver, and cream.

Personality, Temperament & Behaviour

Both of these breeds are known for being alert, active, and intelligent dogs that make great watchdogs and protective companions. Grosspitz are known to be a bit more independent than Keeshond, however, and may not be the best breed for first-time dog owners.

Appearance, Health & Grooming

The Grosspitz has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years while the Keeshond averages 10 to 12 years. In terms of appearance, both breeds have a similar wolf-like appearance with erect ears, a wedge-shaped head, and a tail that is carried over the back.

When it comes to health, Grosspitz are generally healthy dogs with only a few common health concerns, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Keeshond is also a healthy breed, but they still are prone to some health issues, including epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease.

Both breeds require weekly brushing to prevent mats and tangles from forming in their thick coats. Grosspitz will also need to be groomed more often during the shedding season. Keeshond, on the other hand, only sheds moderately and may not need to be brushed as often.

2. Medium size Spitz (Mittelspitz)

Mittelspitz is the medium-sized variety of the German Spitz dog.

Size

The biggest difference between the Grosspitz and the Mittelspitz is the size. Grosspitz are considered to be a large breed, while Mittelspitz are medium-sized. Grosspitz typically weigh between 33 and 55 pounds and stand 16 to 20 inches tall. Mittelspitz, on the other hand, only weigh 15 to 20 pounds and stand 12 to 14 inches tall.

Coat & Colors

Both Grosspitz and Mittelspitz have similar coats, yet they vary a bit in color. Grosspitz come in black, brown, gray, and white colors while Mittelspitz can be of a wider range of colors.

Personality, Temperament & Behaviour

Grosspitz and Mittelspitz have very similar personalities. They are both active, alert, and intelligent dogs that make great watchdogs.

Appearance, Health & Grooming

The Grosspitz and Mittelspitz have similar wolf-like appearances with erect ears, a wedge-shaped head, and a tail that is carried over the back.

3. Eurasier

Eurasier is yet another German breed on our list, even though its FCI Section is different than Grosspitz’s (Asian Spitz and related breeds).

Size

Eurasier and Grosspitz are somewhat similarly sized breeds, though the range between a small female and a large male is considerably bigger in Eurasiers. Grosspitz weigh between 33 and 55 pounds, whereas Eurasiers’ weight is somewhere between 40 and 70 pounds.

Coat & Colors

Eurasier’s coat is similar to Grosspitz’s in its double-layeredness and thickness. The difference lies in the fact that Eurasier’s coat is a bit longer, especially around the neck area where it forms a “mane”. Grosspitz come in black, brown, gray, and white colors while Eurasier can be of a wider range of colors.

Personality, Temperament & Behaviour

Eurasiers are known to be one of the most trainable dog breeds out there and they excel in obedience and agility trials. Grosspitz are also intelligent and trainable, but they may not be as eager to please their owner as Eurasiers are.

Appearance, Health & Grooming

Eurasiers have a similar wolf-like appearance to Grosspitz, with erect ears, a wedge-shaped head, and a tail that is carried over the back.

Both breeds require weekly brushing to prevent mats and tangles from forming in their thick coats. Grosspitz will also need to be groomed more often during the shedding season. Eurasiers, on the other hand, only shed moderately and may not need to be brushed as often.

4. American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is a Spitz-type breed that originated in the United States.

American Eskimo Dogs come in three size variations: small, medium-sized and large. The large variety is closest to Eurasier weighing between 20 and 35 pounds, still leaving it short of the weight of Grosspitz.

All three size variations of American Eskimo Dogs have a thick, double-coated fur that is white or cream colored. They also have a dense undercoat that helps protect them from cold weather.

American Eskimo Dogs are known to be very intelligent, playful, and friendly. They make great family pets and are good with children.

American Eskimo Dogs have a similar appearance to Grosspitz, with a wedge-shaped head, erect ears, and a tail that is carried over the back.

All American Eskimo Dogs require regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles from forming in their fur.

5. Miniature Spitz (Kleinspitz)

Kleinspitz is the second smallest variation of the German Spitz. It is generally speaking extremely similar to the Mittelspitz, the biggest difference being the smaller size.

6. Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is a Nordic herding dog breed that originates from Finland. It was originally used for herding reindeer.

Finnish Lapphunds and Grosspitzes are almost identical in size.

Finnish Lapphunds have a thick, double-coated fur that is most often black, brown, or tan colored.

Finnish Lapphunds are known to be friendly, brave, intelligent, loyal and cooperative. They do have a background as watch dogs, so the barking tendency that German Spitzes are known for is also prevalent in Finnish Lapphunds.

6. Japanese Spitz

The Japanese Spitz is a breed of dog that originated in Japan.

Japanese Spitzes are smaller than Grosspitzes, with a weight range of 13 to 22 pounds.

Japanese Spitzes only come in white coats.

7. Italian Spitz (Volpino Italiano)

The Volpino Italiano, also known as the Italian Spitz, is a breed of dog that originated in Italy.

Volpinos are considerably smaller than Grosspitzes, with a weight range of 9 to 11 pounds.

8. Pomeranian

Pomeranian is the smallest variation of the German Spitz, weighing mere 3 to 7 pounds. If you want a miniature version of the Grosspitz the Pomeranian will be your choice.

You Might Also Like

Keeshond (Wolfsspitz)

German Spitz (Mittelspitz)

Eurasier

American Eskimo Dog

Kleinspitz

Finnish Lapphund

Pomeranian

Japanese Spitz

Volpino Italiano