German Spitz (Mittel) vs Hokkaido Ken: full comparison
| Trait | German Spitz (Mittel) | Hokkaido Ken |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Energy level | High | High |
| Trainability | Medium | Medium |
| Friendliness | Medium | Medium |
| Good with children | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming needs | High | Medium |
| Shedding | High | High |
| Barking | High | Medium |
| Protectiveness | High | High |
| Adaptability | High | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | 14 years | 13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Size and living space
The German Spitz (Mittel) is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Hokkaido Ken is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. 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 German Spitz (Mittel) needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Hokkaido Ken needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The German Spitz (Mittel) requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Hokkaido Ken wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy 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 German Spitz (Mittel) picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Hokkaido Ken picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, German Spitz (Mittel) keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Hokkaido Ken keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Hokkaido Ken has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
- For families with young children, German Spitz (Mittel) and Hokkaido Ken are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, German Spitz (Mittel) has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Hokkaido Ken has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
- For allergy sufferers, German Spitz (Mittel) and Hokkaido Ken are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the German Spitz (Mittel) if you want a more adaptable dog or you want a longer-lived breed.
Choose the Hokkaido Ken if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you prefer a quieter dog.
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See which dog you look likeFrequently asked questions
- Is the German Spitz (Mittel) or the Hokkaido Ken better for families with children?
- Both the German Spitz (Mittel) and the Hokkaido Ken are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the German Spitz (Mittel) or the Hokkaido Ken?
- The German Spitz (Mittel) and Hokkaido Ken shed a similar amount (high).
- Which is easier to train, the German Spitz (Mittel) or the Hokkaido Ken?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is German Spitz (Mittel) or Hokkaido Ken bigger?
- German Spitz (Mittel) and Hokkaido Ken are a similar size (Medium).
- Which barks more, German Spitz (Mittel) or Hokkaido Ken?
- German Spitz (Mittel) tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Hokkaido Ken is the quieter choice.
- Which is better for apartment living, German Spitz (Mittel) or Hokkaido Ken?
- For apartment or apartment living, Hokkaido Ken has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.