Which health problems are common in the German Spitz?
German Spitz dogs, above all the small Pomeranian size, are prone to slipping kneecaps and a weak windpipe, small ones get gum disease more often, and some lose coat on the body. Daily tooth brushing and a harness instead of a collar help the most.
Updated November 9, 2026
What should German Spitz owners watch for?
Common for the breed doesn't mean your dog will have it.
- Kneecaps. The kneecap can slip out of place. A skip in the step or a back leg held up for a few strides is the sign.
- Windpipe. A weak windpipe causes a dry, honking cough, worse with excitement or heat. A harness instead of a collar helps.
- Teeth. Small dogs get gum disease more than large ones. Bad breath, red gums or tartar are the signs, and daily brushing helps most.
- Coat loss. Some lose coat on the body, with darker skin, while staying well otherwise (alopecia X). Show your vet any patchy coat.
Which checkups do vets often suggest?
| Checkup | What it is | When |
|---|---|---|
| Kneecap check | Your vet feels the knees to see whether a kneecap slips out of place. Programmes certify it from 1 year of age. | From 1 year · Once |
| Eye exam by an ophthalmologist | A specialist checks the eyes for inherited problems. Screening programmes suggest repeating it every year. | Every year |
| Dental check | Your vet looks at the teeth and gums for tartar and gum disease. Ask how often your dog needs one. | Every year |
Your vet decides which checkups fit your pet, and when.
How do I keep a German Spitz health record?
VetVitae, a free pet health record app for iPhone, Android and the web, shows these notes on your dog’s profile under Health, and Plan it opens the exam or test with its name filled.
For vaccines, parasites and the signs that can’t wait, see the dog care guide.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your vet knows your pet.
Sources
- German Spitz (Deutscher Spitz), standard 97, Fédération Cynologique Internationale
- German Spitz (Klein), Breed health and Breed Watch, The Royal Kennel Club
- The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England, O'Neill et al., Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2016
- Tracheal Collapse in Dogs, VCA Animal Hospitals
- New RVC research gets to the root of dental disease in dogs, Royal Veterinary College VetCompass, 2021
- Epidemiology of periodontal disease in dogs in the UK primary-care veterinary setting, Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2021
- Congenital and Inherited Skin Disorders in Dogs, Merck Veterinary Manual
- Novel insights into the pathways regulating the canine hair cycle and their deregulation in alopecia X, Brunner et al., PLoS ONE, 2017
- Toy group health testing requirements, American Kennel Club
Start a record for your pet.
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