Is the German Spitz (Mittel) or the Schipperke better for families with children?

Both the German Spitz (Mittel) and the Schipperke are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the German Spitz (Mittel) or the Schipperke?

The German Spitz (Mittel) and Schipperke shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the German Spitz (Mittel) or the Schipperke?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is German Spitz (Mittel) or Schipperke bigger?

German Spitz (Mittel) is the larger breed; Schipperke is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, German Spitz (Mittel) or Schipperke?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, German Spitz (Mittel) or Schipperke?

For apartment or apartment living, Schipperke has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

German Spitz (Mittel) vs Schipperke: Easier to Groom?

German Spitz (Mittel) vs Schipperke: full comparison

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

Key differences at a glance

The German Spitz (Mittel) is a larger dog than the Schipperke, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The German Spitz (Mittel) is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Schipperke is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The German Spitz (Mittel) demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Schipperke demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The German Spitz (Mittel) needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Schipperke needs regular brushing to stay in good condition 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) trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and gets on with children when raised around them. The Schipperke trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, German Spitz (Mittel) is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas Schipperke is a strong natural guardian with a powerful protective instinct.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Schipperke has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, German Spitz (Mittel) and Schipperke 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, Schipperke has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, German Spitz (Mittel) and Schipperke are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the German Spitz (Mittel) if you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Schipperke if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the German Spitz (Mittel) or the Schipperke better for families with children?: Both the German Spitz (Mittel) and the Schipperke are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the German Spitz (Mittel) or the Schipperke?: The German Spitz (Mittel) and Schipperke shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the German Spitz (Mittel) or the Schipperke?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is German Spitz (Mittel) or Schipperke bigger?: German Spitz (Mittel) is the larger breed; Schipperke is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, German Spitz (Mittel) or Schipperke?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, German Spitz (Mittel) or Schipperke?: For apartment or apartment living, Schipperke has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

German Spitz (Mittel) vs Schipperke