What is the difference between a German Spitz and a Pomeranian?

The main difference between the Pomeranian and the German Spitz is the size and variety of colors. In the FCI, only the German Spitz is officially registered and the Pomeranian is designated as its subspecies. However, in the United States, they are considered different breeds.

Dogs of this breed have a similar physical structure, so they are often confused. The German Spitz and the Pomeranian have the following general external characteristics:

• Elongated smooth muzzle, similar to a fox, facial expressions are positive and cheerful;
• Dark, slightly slanted, almond-shaped eyes;
• Pointed vertical ears;
• Fluffy wool collar;
• Fine and smooth lower legs;
• Fluffy curled tail.

Despite many similarities, the difference in parameters and color between these two dogs is noticeable even for people without cynological education.

First of all, animals differ in size and weight:

• German Spitz: from 18 to 55 cm – up to 30 kg;
• Pomeranian: up to 28 cm – up to 3.2 kg.

Even a non-professional breeder will immediately notice the difference between these species. Besides the size (Pomeranians are exclusively dwarf dogs, German Spitz are dwarf, medium and large), the difference in the shape of the skeleton is obvious. Spitz look elegant and smart. The body is elongated, resembling a rectangle in shape. Pomeranians are denser and the body fits in a square, so they look more like bears.

Another important difference is the structure of the head:

• German Spitz – the skull is shaped like a fox. The muzzle is narrow, and the forehead line is smoothed, from the forehead to the muzzle there is a smooth transition, very weakly expressed. The ears are pointed, close together. There is no hat-like brim on the head, the coat is smooth.
• Pomeranian – the skull has the shape of a bear, only in a mini version. A sharp and pronounced transition from the frontal part to the muzzle. The ears are pointed, small in size, set wide apart from each other. The fur completely covers the head and resembles a hat. The entire muzzle is covered with thick fur sticking out in different directions.

Despite having the same origin story, the number of teeth in dogs differs due to the breeding work done. In German Spitz, the standard dental formula is considered to be the presence of 42 teeth; in their younger brothers, it allows the absence of several premolars.

Both species have the same structure of the forelimbs – straight, set quite widely. Shoulders with pronounced muscle mass, tight fitting to the chest. The scapula is oblique and long, the humerus is almost the same length and is located at a right angle. The elbows are close to the chest.

The tail is not the least of the differences. For a German spitz, it is always located above the back, rolled up in one or a pair of rings. For Pomeranians – lush and thick. The structure is straight. Always lie on your back.

The structure of wool is different not only in appearance, but also in feel:

• German Spitz have a double coat. The hair is straight, long and hard. Does not stick to the body. There are wavy hairs. Wool does not require special care. Simply comb and wash the animal as needed.
• Pomeranians also have a double coat. The outer hairs are barely noticeable, and in some subspecies of the breed they are completely absent. The undercoat is long. The bristles are spiral-shaped, which makes the coat soft and lush. Pomeranian coats should be groomed carefully. Brush and bathe your pet regularly. To give the desired shape, the dog can cut the undercoat.