In fact, the original names for the German Spitz’s two biggest lookalikes (the Keeshond and the Pomeranian) were the Wolf Spitz and the Zwerg Spitz. Spitz Dog Breeds . The only concern is that they’re independent-minded and can be a little stubborn. And while they’re intelligent dogs, they’re independent too. If you think about it, it’s amazing that these loving dogs we keep in our households have a genetic connection to these wolves that lived tens of thousands of years ago. Their almond shaped eyes sit above their sharp muzzles and strong jaws. We aptly call this the “Sammy Smile.”. also a Non-Sporting dog breed. With a muscular frame and an impressive stature, these heavy-boned spitz dogs represent dignity, courage and undying loyalty. The German Spitz is a breed, but it is grouped within the Spitz-type dogs, of which there are many. However, the Japanese Spitz was born from the crossing of dog breeds from North America, Northern Europe, and Russia, back in 400 BC More specifically, it is thought that the origins of this breed come from the crossbreeding of white Spitz specimens such as the German Spitz, the … They’re great at hauling heavy sleighs across the arctic, but lack in speed. The Spitz dog is actually a breed definition from an ancient breed of dog that was used to create many different breeds. They were first introduced by the occupying British during the 19th century and thought to have descended from the German Spitzes. Other spitz dogs have a sharper snout with longer, erect ears. We’re still uncertain of which dogs are classified as spitz type today. It’s the method they use to hunt that makes these spitzes stand out. They can be seen in all colours and variations (see the breed standard for details). • American Eskimo Dog. Some believe they’re related to wolves, which may explain their wolf-like appearances. Oh, and they have the signature spitz coat too. They’re not too big, but not too small. This new Japanese Spitz was created by crossbreeding several white Spitz breeds. What’s even more interesting is that spitz dogs are genetically linked to wolves. The tail often curls over the dog's back or droops. Many spitz breeds, like the Akita and Chow Chow, retain wolf-like characteristics like independence, suspiciousness, and aggression towards unfamiliar humans and other dogs, and they require much training and socialization when they are puppies before they become manageable in an urban environment. Sometimes they have a … However, we do know these dogs likely originated from the blistering cold regions of the arctic circle. However, the Norwegian Buhund has come a long way since its Viking days. If you try to turn them into cuddle buddies, they won’t like it very much. In fact, there’s even a nickname for this. Attentive, energetic, and devoted, these pups have some of the best qualities among any dog breed … The breed loves being the center of attention. Darlene’s always so adamant on sleeping on my side of the bed. These five varieties have similar temperaments, characteristic of the German Spitz, … Given their jobs as guardian dogs, you can expect them to be alert and vigilant. For this reason, they’re nicknamed the “barking bird dog.”. As Iceland’s only native breed, the Icelandic Sheepdog was developed to herd livestock with their piercing barks. A Finnish Spitz will run ahead and follow a bird until it lands on a tree. It should be obvious of the dog's sex – with males being masculine in appearance and females feminine. The Siberian Husky is very similar to your “typical” spitz dog. They can be challenging to live with if you are not used to the breed. Other companion Spitz-type dog breeds is the American Eskimo Dog, and the intelligent Japanese Spitz. Finnish Spitz Originating from Holland, the Keeshond is a spitz dog that’s proudly become the national symbol of the Dutch. 7. Highlights: Friendly, Sociable, Energetic. Spitzes are well suited to living in harsh northern climates. The German Spitz is one of the oldest dog breeds originating from Europe. They’ll do whatever they can to put a smile on your face. Spitz is a type of domestic dog breeds that have distinct physical features like long, thick, white (quite often) fur; their muzzles are elongated and ears are pointed.. An important fact to note here is that Spitz is not a name given to a particular breed but it is a designation given to a type of dogs that have similar resemblance and energy levels. As such, they’re closely related to the German Spitz. While the precise roots of the German Spitz have been lost to time, the earliest references that can be found date this dog to at least the year 1450. But even with plenty of exercise, they’re prone to being overweight. Most spitz dogs will have pointed and relatively small ears. However, the construction of their mouths isn’t purely for show – it has a practical purpose too. The dog will continue by running around the tree and barking. Siberian Huskies have a portion of their genome that traces back exclusively to this ancient Siberian wolf. Eddie. Did we miss a breed that deserves to be on this list? What is not disputed is that the both the type and the breed were developed in the region that … They hardly bark, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t great watch dogs. He's always working with animal shelters and dog rescues because of his passion for all dogs. This breed is the father of all Spitz dogs, given that other breeds are descendants of the German Spitz. TheSmartCanine.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Don’t be fooled by the name. When it comes to humans, spitz breeds tend to develop a strong bond and love nothing more than to play with their favorite people. December 11, 2019 December 7, 2016 by Adrienne Farricelli. German Spitz dogs. Highlights: Cheerful, Playful, Fun-loving. Highlights: Affectionate, Playful, Devoted. As such, we’re fortunate to have so many types of dogs. Unlike the Finnish Spitz, the Lapphund was not meant for hunting. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, but are easily recognized as belonging to the Spitz family.  =  Malamute vs. Husky: Similarities & Differences. They’re significantly bigger but have similar personalities. The smile keeps them from drooling, which is can be useful in sub zero temperatures and prevent icicles from forming. That being said, you’ll need to have strong leadership within the pack. Most Shibas are very independent, strong-willed and also have a bit of a stubbornness to them. These dogs will also have erect ears and sharp muzzle. 1792. Most people mistaken this for disobedience, but they’re actually some of the most loyal dogs. They may not be as big as other dogs, but they have a dominant personality. The Finnish Spitz is a spitz breed that originates from the icy regions of Russia, but arrived in Finland over 3,000 years ago. They’re active and energetic, meaning they’ll need moderate exercise. Of course, today, Spitz breeds can be developed in any place in the world. They are categorized as Spitz-type dogs. These dogs are one of the oldest dog breeds around and believed to be genetically linked to the domesticated wolves that traveled with Paleolithic hunters. They may have a small body, but Poms come with a big dog personality and demeanor. [1] The type was described as Canis pomeranus by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in his revision of Systema Naturae in 1788.[2]. This dog breed has high levels of energy and requires a lot of exercises to stay healthy and lively throughout. The difference is that the Malamute’s ancestors came to Alaska several thousands of years ago. They’re smart enough to understand which strangers the owners “approve” of and which are not. With that said, it’s estimated that there’s somewhere around 50 to 70 spitz dog breeds that actually exist. The tail often curls over the dog's back or droops. And although they’re fearsome big dogs, they have a strange affinity towards children, especially those of the family. Various parts of their body like the muzzle, ears, coat, and tail; all points to their northern origin. According to the AKC, they probably came from Scandinavia, Russia (Siberia) and North America. These dogs are not historically connected to eskimos. Instead, these dogs were developed to be excellent reindeer herding dogs. Still, they’re high energy dogs that require a huge amount of daily activity. The Danish Spitz is a dog breed, originating from Denmark. At least, in regards to what they were bred for. From the retrievers to the hounds and bulldogs, there’s a dog breed for everybody. Aug 19, 2013 - The new little member of the family, her name is Trolla. They’re docile dogs that love to lounge around (or do any activity) with their owners. Largely thanks to their good nature, elegant looks and apartment-friendly natures, the Indian Spitz is an enduring and classic breed. Read More. Training Japanese Spitz dogs can be fun, because they responds favorably. However, just because they’re small doesn’t mean they’re good lap dogs. Expect your Buhund to weigh up to 40 pounds and standard nearly 19 inches tall. Indian Spitz dog breed is evolved from wolfs. The term “Spitz” is often used to describe the way a dog looks but is Spitz a breed? They’re athletic and clever, but require a decent amount of exercise for a healthy life. And with the right training methods, they’re quick learners. • Alaskan Malamute. They were first developed in the 1920s and 1930s. .hide-if-no-js { [3] Some breeds, such as the Pomeranian, have manes. As recent, the breed’s original development took place during the beginning of the 20th century. In fact, they’re often mistaken for white Pomeranians, American Eskimos, German Spitz or a mini Samoyed. Rather, they were brought to America by German immigrants in the early 1800’s. The Norwegian Lundehund is one of the most unique and interesting spitz dog breeds. Spitz Dog Breeds. Fortunately, puffins are endangered today and these dogs are just friendly companions for homes all over the world. In terms of personality, a Japanese Spitz exhibits the following traits – Loyal Obedient Loving and affectionate Physically active Courageous As such, these dogs would climb the rocky terrain and will squeeze their way through the bird’s burrow in order to snatch the puffins. In addition, some spitz breeds are known for their undying loyalty, such as the Akita Inu and Husky. However, we’re going to just cover the most common, unique and best spitz type dogs. It’s believed that these dogs were brought to Iceland from Norway over a thousand years ago. Some sources claim spitzes are more prone to rabies than other dog types. Highlights: Adaptable, Affectionate, Calm, Samoyeds are seemingly the happiest dogs ever. However, it’s possible they’re even older. They’re affectionate, but typically sociable and cheerful dogs too. Finnish Spitz has a fox-like appearance with symmetrical and well-balanced body. But keep in mind, the shedding can get a little excessive. RECOMMENDED: Shiba vs Akita Inu: Breed Battle. German Spitz Dog History. Spitz (derived from the German word "spitz", meaning "pointed") are a type of domestic dog characterized by long, thick, and often white fur, and pointed ears and muzzles.The tail often curls over the dog's … Highlights: Sensitive, Cheerful, Intelligent. How many dogs can do that? The Finnish Lappies may be brave and hard-working on the field, but they’re completely different at home. “Spitz” can refer to many different dog breeds in the same way that the Terrier group describes several canines. They were exceptionally good at this job. Japan can claim the Japanese Spitz, thanks to contributions of several various spitz types, presumably the white German Spitz dog. Believed to have sailed with the Vikings, these robust dogs are among the oldest in Europe. They’re known to be great in agility trials, obedience training, herding and more. They love digging around for … RECOMMENDED: 13 Joyful Japanese Dog Breeds. This trend is most evident in the tiny Pomeranian, which was originally a much larger dog closer to the size of a Keeshond before being bred down to make an acceptable court animal. Loyal and sweet-natured, the Japanese Spitz is up for anything. Author; Recent Posts; Follow me . Highlights: Brave, Dependable, Affectionate. Regardless of how they got their name, Keeshonds have become outing and affectionate dogs that love their owners. Yes, they’re called the “Alaskan” Malamute, but they actually originated from Siberia with the Siberian Husky. These dogs may possibly be the oldest dog breed that’s still in existence. Samoyeds are gentle enough to play with kids, but also big enough to withstand the rough play. This ancient dog has its origin in Japan as it is where the breed developed, hence its name. The only commonality is the dense double coat. Dogs of the Spitz family have a number of key characteristics. However, they still retain a lot of the “key” spitz qualities that make them such attractive dogs. Indian Spitz dog breed is a very popular dog breed in middle Asia. Let us know in the comments section below. Just call them the comedians of the spitz-type dog breeds. And if you’re looking for a watchdog, the vigilant Shiba Inus are some of the best. Read facts about the Finnish Spitz|Irish Setter Dog Breed including information about its country of origin, personality, life expectancy, history and more. Rather, they’re just really stubborn dogs with an independent mindset. Always inquisitive, these toy breeds are all about companionship and human interaction. For these reasons, these dogs need firm and consistent training. The Keeshond, is a friendly and loyal, though very lively, pet. They appear to be quite lively which also reflects in their eyes and is evident by their mostly erect ears. They come in all sizes and many have physical traits, like upright prick ears, that resemble those of the wolf. Otherwise, they may turn out to be bossy and dominant at the times. Another spitz-type Viking dog, the Swedish Vallhund is a dog of ancient legends. Spitz is a type of domestic dog breeds that have distinct physical features like long, thick, white (quite often) fur; their muzzles are elongated and ears are pointed. In other words, they’re a classic spitz dog breed. The American Eskimo Dog is a spitz dog breed that’s known for their high intelligence and stunning white and fluffy coats. They get along great with family and familiar people, but are always alert and wary of others. Apartment Friendly: Japanese Spitzs are very apartment-friendly dogs. In fact, they’re the national symbol of Iceland. By dog breed standards, the Japanese Spitz is very new. To successfully raise a healthy Vallhund, you’ll need to regularly keep their diet in check. For example, the erect ears, sharp snout and elongated bodies are seen in both. Historians believe these dogs roamed across the continent over a thousand years ago. The Vilification of the White Pomeranian or Spitz in 19th century New York City", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spitz&oldid=1005209194, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 6 February 2021, at 14:44. It’s rather hard to not like a Japanese Spitz. They fall into three main groups: European, Asian and Nordic dogs. In ancient China, the Chows were a symbol of royalty and owned by the country’s noblemen. Most of the dogs that you see around are German Spitzes and there are many varieties of Spitzes. “Spitz” breeds, sometimes called Northern breeds, are a type of dog breed frequently found in cold climates. Finnish Spitzes are known for their iconic “flame-colored” coat and with their typical spitz-type head shapes, they look like foxes. With sufficient exercise, Swedish Vallhunds are cheerful and affectionate spitz dogs. Hey, I’m Eddie, one of the publishers at Japanese Dog Breed Guides. Norwegian Lundehunds were bred on a remote island, called Vaeroy (just off the coast of Norway). Despite its large size, these dogs are big softies and love to play an active part in the family unit. The German Spitz Klein is a small, compact, long-coated dog with a typical spitzy head and tail curled over the back. Originally bred in Japan as a small hunting dog, Shibas have quickly become companions in households all over the world. Elkhounds mainly helped with taking down elk and bears. And from an early age, dogs have been a massive part of my life. These puppies interested in vitality, activity, and dedication have some of the best qualities in any kind of dog. Physically, spitz dogs typically have thick and dense fur, pointed ears and muzzles, and puffy tails that curl up and over their rears. In terms of physical appearance, they look very similar to many other spitz dogs. What you feed your dog is an individual choice, but working with your veterinarian and/or breeder will be the best way to … Huskies are often misunderstood dogs. Spitzes, with their thick fur, fluffy ruffs, curled tails and small muzzles and ears, have been bred into non-working dogs designed to be companions or lap dogs. After all, reindeers can weigh up to 400 pounds! However, with the family, they’re calm and docile dogs. Alaskan Malamutes are often mistaken for the Siberian Husky. Known in its native land as the Deutscher Spitz, this breed is the oldest to come out of Central Europe. They’ve come a long way since pulling sleds in the cold arctic regions. A list of spitz dog breeds. According to the zoologist, Indian Spitz evolved themself quite faster than the other canine dog breeds and How to take care of Indian Spitz. Chow Chows are as friendly as any other dog breed. eight In many ways, they’re like the “goldilocks” of the spitz types. While the term “spitz” can refer to a multitude of dog breeds (as you’ll see later), spitz dogs all share some similarities, including physical qualities and origins. Richard has been raising dogs his whole life, including a Poodle, Pomeranian, Corgi and Australian Shepherd. They’re so old that they’re depicted in ancient artifacts dating back to the Han Dynasty in 206 BC. In fact, you can call the German Spitz the direct ancestors of the American Eskimo. They often have an insulating, waterproof undercoat that is denser than the topcoat to trap warmth. If you’re having a hard time imagining this, just think of a Pomeranian (also a spitz-type). But when it comes to hunting, they hunt like a skilled dog. In fact, some will make the argument that they’re the most loyal dogs in the world. 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