Is the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the German Spitz (Mittel) better for families with children?

Both the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and the German Spitz (Mittel) are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the German Spitz (Mittel)?

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) sheds more than the German Spitz (Mittel). If shedding is a concern, the German Spitz (Mittel) is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the German Spitz (Mittel)?

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or German Spitz (Mittel) bigger?

American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and German Spitz (Mittel) are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or German Spitz (Mittel)?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or German Spitz (Mittel)?

For apartment or apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and German Spitz (Mittel) are an even match — either can work well.

American Eskimo Dog (Standard) vs German Spitz (Mittel)

American Eskimo Dog (Standard) vs German Spitz (Mittel): full comparison

Trait	American Eskimo Dog (Standard)	German Spitz (Mittel)
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Very High	High
Barking	High	High
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the German Spitz (Mittel) is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The German Spitz (Mittel) needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. The German Spitz (Mittel) needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) learns quickly and enjoys the training process, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The German Spitz (Mittel) trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas German Spitz (Mittel) keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and German Spitz (Mittel) are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and German Spitz (Mittel) are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and German Spitz (Mittel) are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, German Spitz (Mittel) has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) if you want an easier dog to train.

Choose the German Spitz (Mittel) if you want less shedding around the home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the German Spitz (Mittel) better for families with children?: Both the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and the German Spitz (Mittel) are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the German Spitz (Mittel)?: The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) sheds more than the German Spitz (Mittel). If shedding is a concern, the German Spitz (Mittel) is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the German Spitz (Mittel)?: The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or German Spitz (Mittel) bigger?: American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and German Spitz (Mittel) are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or German Spitz (Mittel)?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or German Spitz (Mittel)?: For apartment or apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and German Spitz (Mittel) are an even match — either can work well.