German Spitz vs Schapendoes
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
German Spitz
Foundation Stock Service
Schapendoes
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
German Spitz Overview
German Spitz dogs showcase a distinctive fox-like face with alert, pointed ears and a luxurious double coat that forms a striking ruff around the neck. Their compact yet sturdy build combines elegance with strength, featuring a well-proportioned body and characteristic plumed tail carried high over the back. These spirited companions display remarkable agility and grace in movement, embodying their lively and attentive nature.
Schapendoes Overview
Schapendoes are distinctive Dutch herding dogs with a shaggy, long-haired coat and expressive eyes. Their medium-sized, well-proportioned frame supports an athletic build ideal for agile movement. Known for their friendly and watchful nature, these dogs combine intelligence with a lively spirit. Their most striking feature is their abundant coat, which forms a natural mane around their face and neck.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: German Spitzs are less energetic than Schapendoess, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: German Spitzs require more grooming attention compared to Schapendoess.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, German Spitzs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Schapendoess.
- Trainability: Schapendoess may be slightly easier to train due to their Schapendoes's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Schapendoess adapt better to apartment living, while German Spitzs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the German Spitz and Schapendoes, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | German Spitz | Schapendoes |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | German Spitz | Schapendoes |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 16-20 inches 41-51 cm |
| Weight | 24-26 lbs 11-12 kg | 26-55 lbs 12-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | German Spitz | Schapendoes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Devoted, Lively, Attentive | Friendly, Watchful, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | German Spitz | Schapendoes |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
German Spitz Temperament
The German Spitz is known for being devoted, lively, attentive, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Schapendoes Temperament
The Schapendoes is characterized by being friendly, watchful, lively, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the German Spitz and Schapendoes, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
German Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Schapendoes
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
German Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Schapendoes
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
German Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Schapendoes
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
German Spitz
Rating: 1/5
Schapendoes
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
German Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Schapendoes
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
German Spitz Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Spitzs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, German Spitzs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Schapendoes Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Schapendoess need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Schapendoess require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
German Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Murmurs
Schapendoes Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Cataracts
- Epilepsy
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
German Spitz
Pros
- Highly adaptable
- Excellent watchdog
- Affectionate with family
- Low maintenance cost
Cons
- Can be vocal
- Suspicious of strangers
- Regular grooming needed
- Strong prey drive
Schapendoes
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Weather-resistant coat
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Strong herding instinct
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the German Spitz and Schapendoes, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.