FCI Standard 97 describes German Spitz in five varieties. Pomeranian and Kleinspitz are adjacent varieties, not interchangeable labels for one registration entry. Start comparisons by identifying the registry and original name.
Heights in the current FCI standard
These are heights at the withers, not body weight or coat length. The table uses the standard published on 20 September 2024.
| Variety | Height at withers |
|---|---|
| Toy / Zwergspitz / Pomeranian | 21 ± 3 cm |
| Miniature / Kleinspitz | 27 ± 3 cm |
| Medium / Mittelspitz | 35 ± 5 cm |
| Giant / Grossspitz | 45 ± 5 cm |
| Wolfsspitz / Keeshond | 49 ± 6 cm |
Why other figures appear in advertisements
Check the date and registry behind a figure. Older editions, other standards and informal estimates should not be mixed. UKC treats Pomeranian and Keeshond separately from German Spitz, which explains some differences in English naming.
Weight alone does not determine variety
Coat, body condition and bone structure affect appearance. Weighing is useful for health monitoring, but cannot replace measuring height and checking records. A puppy’s final size is not yet established. Treat promises of an exact adult weight from a photograph cautiously.
For showing or breeding, request the pedigree entry and check the organisation’s measurement procedure. A home measurement can provide orientation but is not an official assessment.
Teddy bear, fox face and teacup
These terms appear in descriptions and marketing, but are not additional varieties in the FCI table. Do not choose solely for a shortened muzzle or extreme smallness. Ask about the individual dog’s breathing, movement, teeth and examination results.
A haircut can substantially change how head proportions look in photographs. Ordinary video of movement and relaxed interaction is more informative than carefully chosen angles.
What size changes at home
Compare transport, carrier space, the ability to lift the dog, safe interaction with young children and the amount of coat. Smaller size does not remove the need for training and walks; greater size does not guarantee calmness. Meet adults of the variety you are considering.
Ask owners about an ordinary day: time alone, the doorbell, brushing and resting after walks. Those observations are more useful than an unexplained claim that a dog is easy to keep.
Where to take the comparison next
Each variety has its own profile in this encyclopedia. Start with two manageable sizes and compare actual living arrangements. Cross-variety breeding rules are explained separately: a shared height table does not authorise every combination.
Sources and further reading
A reference guide from Bruno ·
YouTube