Danish Spitz
Also known as Dansk Spids · White Spitz · Greenland Spitz · Samoyed Spitz
Denmark, Spitz and northern dogs
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 38–48 cm
- Weight
- 12–18 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 yrs
- Friendly
- Lively
- Curious
- Patient
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Danish Spitz is a medium-small, white to biscuit-coloured spitz with a soft, medium-length coat, a bushy tail curled over the back and a friendly, open face. It looks a little like a small Samoyed or a Japanese Spitz. Numbers are low and the breed is almost unknown outside Denmark and its neighbours.
Size
- Size
- Medium
- Height at shoulder
- 38–48 cm
- Adult weight
- 12–18 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Most reach adult size by around 12 months.
Lifespan
12–15 years
Most Danish Spitzs live 12–15 years. Like other medium dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 8, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
Danes have long kept it as a farm and family companion, and it was once nicknamed the children's dog for its patience with youngsters. The breed description calls it lively, friendly, curious and brave. Like most spitz types it is alert and will tell you when someone arrives.
- Friendly
- Lively
- Curious
- Patient
Food
For a typical 15 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 850 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 600 ml–900 ml
- a day, from all sources
- Most adults do well on two measured meals a day rather than one large one.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
60–90 min a dayA moderate amount of daily activity suits it: a couple of good walks plus play in the garden. It enjoys being involved in whatever the family is doing.
Grooming & shedding
The flat top coat sheds lightly all year and the soft undercoat comes out heavily in spring and autumn. Brush a couple of times a week, and daily during the moult.
Health
Because the breed is still being rebuilt from a small population, finding a puppy usually means contacting Danish breeders directly. Early socialisation helps keep its watchful streak from turning into excessive barking. Little breed-specific health information has been published, so ask breeders what screening they do.
The breed can be prone to
- Little published breed-specific health data
- Hip dysplasia (a general risk in dogs of this size)
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip scoring
- Eye examination
Not every Danish Spitz is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
White spitz dogs were known in Denmark for centuries; a clipped one appears in a family portrait by Jens Juel from 1797. The type was common on farms, especially in Jutland, up to the 1930s, then dwindled almost to nothing. Enthusiasts began reconstructing it in the late 1980s, and since 2013 the Danish Kennel Club has registered the dogs while the breed works towards fuller recognition.
- Country of origin
- Denmark
- Type
- Spitz and northern dogs
- Recognition
- Registered by the Danish Kennel Club (DKK) on its development register and shown in the Nordic countries; not recognised by the FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Danish Spitz right for you?
Could suit
- Owners who can manage a good walk or two each day
Cost to keep
About average- Moderate food and insurance costs
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 12–15 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Danish Spitz FAQ
How big does a Danish Spitz get?
Adult Danish Spitzs typically stand about 38–48 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 12–18 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Danish Spitzs live?
Typically 12–15 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Danish Spitz need?
As a guide, around 60–90 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Danish Spitz need?
Brushing a few times a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Danish Spitzs easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistent, reward-based practice.
Do Danish Spitzs shed?
Quite a lot. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control — expect more around spring and autumn.
Are Danish Spitzs good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Danish Spitz live in a flat?
It can work — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Danish Spitzs have?
The breed can be prone to little published breed-specific health data, hip dysplasia (a general risk in dogs of this size). Not every Danish Spitz is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.