German Spitz: bathing, clipping and coat care

The German Spitz has a double coat. See how we care for it in the salon, how often to visit and what to do at home.

SizeSmall
Weight2–18 kg · Varies with size
Height20–50 cm
CoatDouble
SheddingHigh
German Spitz
Photo: Svenska Mässan · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Breed facts

FCI groupGroup 5: Spitz and primitive types
OriginGermany
Weight2–18 kg · Varies with size
Height20–50 cm
Life expectancy12–15 years

Temperament

Lively, alert and very attached to the family, a good watchdog. It likes to bark.

History

One of the oldest spitz-type dogs of central Europe, in several sizes.

Fun facts

The dwarf Spitz is sometimes known as the Pomeranian.

The German Spitz coat

A coat with a dense undercoat and a longer outer layer. It sheds a lot, especially during the moult.

There are several sizes (from large to dwarf), all with a very voluminous coat.

What we do in the salon

We bathe with a suitable shampoo, remove the dead hair from the undercoat, then dry and brush thoroughly. We do not recommend shaving this type of coat: it protects against cold and heat and may not grow back the same.

Recommended services

  • Bathabout 1 h

How often?

Bathevery 6 to 8 weeks (and during the moult)
Cut / upkeepClipping is not recommended; remove the undercoat during the moult (spring and autumn).

Special attention

This breed comes in several sizes or varieties: when booking, tell us your dog’s size and coat type.

Care at home between visits

  1. Brush 2 to 3 times a week, and every day during the moult.
  2. Use a slicker or undercoat rake, always down to the skin.
  3. Do not shave: the undercoat helps regulate temperature.
  4. Dry the undercoat well after a bath to avoid damp and odour.

Frequently asked questions about the German Spitz

Does the German Spitz shed a lot?

It sheds a lot, especially during the moult (spring and autumn). Regular brushing and a bath with dead-hair removal help a great deal.

How often should I bring my German Spitz to the salon?

In general, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks (and during the moult). Clipping is not recommended; remove the undercoat during the moult (spring and autumn). It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.

How long do a bath and a clip take?

When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.

Can I shave the coat in summer?

We do not recommend it: the undercoat helps regulate temperature and the coat may not grow back the same. It is better to remove dead hair with a bath and brushing.

Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.