Group 5 · Spitz & primitive types
Small German Spitz
The Small German Spitz is one of the five sizes of the German Spitz, an old German watchdog breed. It is cheerful, alert and very attached to its family.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Duitse spits Kleinspitz (Kleine keeshond) by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 6 examinations:
- 4 DNA tests
- 1 kneecap examination
- 1 other examination
The breeding programme also recommends 4 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (6)
-
Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (SM)
Examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- MRI
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Progressive retinal atrophy, NECAP-related (PRA NECAP)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NECAP1: c.544G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (4)
-
Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BEST1: c.73C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – rod-cone dysplasia 3 (PRA-rcd3)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PDE6A: c.1847del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Duitse spits Kleinspitz (Kleine keeshond), Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (SM), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Patellar luxation (PT), Progressive retinal atrophy, NECAP-related (PRA NECAP), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA) and Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1), Progressive retinal atrophy – rod-cone dysplasia 3 (PRA-rcd3), Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4) and Eye disorders. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Small German Spitz needs daily walks and play. Its dense double coat needs a thorough brush a few times a week, more during the moult.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The German Spitz is a born watchdog: it announces everything and is often reserved with strangers. Consistent training helps keep the barking within limits.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
