Introduction
Most dog lovers are interested in owning a Spitz dog, but deciding which best suits their lifestyle can be tedious due to the vast number of Spitz breeds. According to research carried out by the American Kennel Club, there are 50-70 different types of Spitz breeds in the wild.
Becoming a dog owner can be very strenuous, especially when you pick a dog that does not match your lifestyle. As a newbie, you need to go through several research papers to find the right breed to keep.
We are going to be focusing on the top 20 Spitz breeds. We will be covering their origin, characteristics, behavior, and lifespan. This is to help you with background knowledge of any Spitz dog breed you would love to own.
What Are Spitz Dogs Known For?
Spitz dogs are the oldest dog breeds, and you can distinguish them by their pointy ears, thick fur, almond-shaped eyes, and wolf-like appearance. Spitz dogs are among the most clever, loyal, lovable, courageous, and independent canine breeds.
Due to their water-resistant coating, Spitz dogs can survive in severe, frigid environments. Because their ears are small and stand up, they are less likely to get frostbite, and the thick fur on their toes protects them from sharp ice.
They require more attention because they are hostile and wary toward strangers and other dogs. Before living in the city, they need good training, especially when they are young puppies.
The Top 20 Spitz Dog Breeds
Swedish Vallhund
The breed’s name, Vallhund, translates to “herding dog” in English, as the Swedish Vallhund was created to drive and herd cattle over a thousand years ago.
The Swedish Vallhund is said to be a Swedish dog breed. It is known by a variety of names, including Vastgotaspets and the Swedish Cowdog.
When measured at the withers, the height of the Swedish Vallhund is about 33 cm for males and 31 cm for females. The coat is short and coarse, with a tight, dense outer layer and a dense, soft underlayer. The hairs on their forelegs are slightly longer than the ones found on their necks, chests, and hind legs’ backs.
Generally, Swedish Vallhunds have a friendly and gentle disposition. Their personality is also shaped by their high energy level since they tend to be active and enjoy playing. They have an estimated lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Siberian Husky
These breeds of Spitz are mostly medium-sized sled dogs. According to researchers, this breed is in the Spitz family and is said to be smaller than the similarly-appearing Alaskan.
The Siberian Husky is an elegant dog with upright ears and a dense, velvety coat, standing 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm) at the withers and weighing 35 to 75 pounds (16 to 27 kg).
It is often grey, brown, or black and white, and its head patterns may resemble a cap, a mask, or glasses. The breeds have been preserved pure for centuries in Siberia, and tend to live about 11–13 years.
They tend to be very clever, though somewhat independent. They coexist perfectly with humans but require firm training from the puppy stage.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inus were bred for hunting small game. Western dog breeds during the Meiji Restoration were imported and mated and these indigenous Japanese breeds became popular.
It measures about 13.5 to 16.5 inches in height, weighs 17 to 23 pounds, and lives up to 12–16 years. The Shiba Inu is known for its self-assurance, vivacity, and triangular eyes.
It has a short, fluffy, and straight coat. The dog has medium-sized, triangular ears that are carried upright, and its tail is plumed and tightly curled behind its back.
The breed can compete in agility, lure coursing, and nose work, despite being notoriously difficult to train. It can be distant toward strangers and may test unknown canines. The Shiba Inu is ineffective as a guard dog.
Samoyed
The Samoyed have their origins in the Samoyedic people, a group of people from Asia who went to Siberia and had a close relationship with the Sayantsi.
The Samoyed tends to grow from 19 to 23 1/2 inches in height and 50 to 65 pounds in weight. Samoyeds are among the Spitz breeds of strong dogs with a plumed, curled tail that is draped over the back and to one side.
They have huge skulls, with ears that are pointed. The edges of Sammie’s lips curl to create its signature smile. Despite their white coats, Samoyeds should have black coloring around their eyes, nose, and lips. As predicted for a breed of northern origin, they have a brilliant white coat that is thick, rough, and straight, with a dense undercoat.
They are bright, somewhat independent canines. Samoyeds can and will produce an alarm bark if the need arises. They dig to reach a cold resting location, which can be a concern. Samoyeds typically get along well with other dogs, people, and other animals when raised with them. They often survive for 12 to 14 years.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a type of Spitz dog that is sometimes called a “Pom.”
It gets its name from the Pomerania region in central Europe, which is in northwest Poland and northeastern Germany. The Pomeranian is a small dog breed, so it is called a toy dog. It comes from larger Spitz-type dogs, like the German Spitz.
Pomeranians have a double coat and fox-like features with pricked ears. The body is about square-shaped, and the fluffy tail folds over the back.
A heavy collar around the dog’s neck completes the image of a canine capable of handling the snow in northern Germany. The skull is rather round, and the muzzle is noticeable.
The perfect Pomeranian is between eight and eleven inches tall and weighs between three and five pounds (one to three kilograms). Typically, they reach maturity between seven and ten months of age and live for about 10–16 years.
Pomeranians are often lively, pleasant little dogs. They appear to be unaware of their diminutive stature, as they occasionally attack or at least loudly threaten large dogs.
They require daily exercise, even if it’s simply a stroll. Pomeranians are typically good guard dogs and are prone to excessive barking, but they are generally fine with children.
Norwegian Lundehund
For nearly 400 years, the Lundehund was a vital working animal for hunting puffins along the Norwegian coast for nourishment.
Around the time of World War II, when canine distemper struck Valery and the adjacent islands, its population was reduced to only two dogs. In 1963, another outbreak of distemper further destroyed the population, leading to only six dogs surviving, of which one was from Vry and the others from Norway’s Hamar.
They are mostly small breeds of dogs with unique traits, which include having six toes on each front paw, with one on each having a kin likeness to a human thumb. Its toes are triple-jointed as opposed to the double-jointed toes typical of other breeds.
The Norwegian Lundehund neck is extremely flexible and can bend back to the spine. It also has a flexible shoulder structure and ears that close both forwards and backward so that it may hunt in confined spaces.
The coat of a Norwegian Lundehund often has black hair tips. It weighs approximately 15 pounds and stands 12 to 15 inches tall. The Norwegian Lundehund is a petite, affable canine breed that gets along well with both children and strangers.
If the dog is not socialized properly as a puppy, it may be timid around strangers. The Norwegian Lundehund is a family dog. The average lifespan of the Norwegian Lundehund is 12 years.
Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound originates in Norway, a place that is both breathtakingly beautiful and harsh.
It can be traced back around a millennium to the Vikings, who utilized a similar breed of dog to defend and hunt. Before the hunter’s arrival, his job was to keep the prey at bay by barking until the animal was captured.
The Norwegian Elkhound, having an estimated height of 20.5 inches, is said to be a medium-sized dog. Males average 55 pounds; females, 48 pounds. The Elkhound features a double coat that is weather-resistant and repels dirt. The topcoat is usually short and thick.
The undercoat is deep, fluffy, and tactilely pleasant. They tend to live for 12–15 years. Several variables influence temperament, including heredity, training, and socialization.
Puppies with pleasant temperaments are sociable, playful, and ready to approach and be held by humans.
Norwegian Buhund
The Norwegian Buhund is an old breed that has existed since before the time of the Vikings, and they retained this breed.
As versatile farm dogs, Norwegian Buhunds were utilized for herding cattle and protecting their families and flocks. The ancestors of the Norwegian Buhund have been around for thousands of years but were first bred in the western coastal area of Norway.
The average height of a Buhund is between 43 and 45 centimeters, with men measuring 43-46 cm and females reaching 44 cm. An average male weighs between 31 and 40 pounds, while females weigh between 26 and 35 pounds. And they tend to live from 12–15 years.
The Norwegian Buhund has a dense undercoat and a durable outer coat. The head and the front of the legs have shorter coats than the remainder of the body. The Norwegian Buhund is a breed that is extremely energetic and happy.
The Norwegian Buhund wants to expend its energy and becomes disruptive and unruly if it is neglected or forced to remain still. They build deep relationships with their owners, making them natural guard dogs. Due to their high energy level, supervision is needed at all times.
Keeshond
The Keeshond belongs to the ancient Spitz dog family. Its closest relatives are the Pomeranian breed and the American Eskimo.
Although the exact origin is unknown, they were developed in Holland at least by the 18th century as a watchdog and companions. The breed eventually gained the nickname “the barge dog” since it served as a guard dog on Rhine-travelling barges.
Males average 18 inches in height and 45 pounds in weight. Females average 17 inches in height and 35 pounds in weight. This breed has a double coat; a woolen undercoat and a lengthier outer coat. Twice yearly, Keeshonden shed their undercoats.
Keeshonds have incredibly loving, devoted personalities, notwithstanding their loud barks and strong watchdog skills.
They build strong ties with their owners and play well with children, other animals, and strangers. Though they are very prone to diseases that may reduce their lifespan, the average Keeshond lives for about 12–15 years.
Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog (Icelandic Spitz and the Icelandic Dog) served to protect herds, particularly lambs, from raptors. The Icelandic sheepdog is a medium-sized, less than 30-pound breed.
It has a double coat, which includes a longer outer coat and a dense undercoat. Its dark brown eyes are like almonds, and Icelandic Sheepdog ears are perky, so it always looks friendly and happy.
This native dog breed is extroverted, happy, gregarious, kind, and friendly. Suitable as both a domestic companion and an outside working dog. They have a 12–14-year lifetime.
Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz evolved from Spitz-type canines that migrated from central Russia 3,000 years ago. This Spitz dog breed is also known as the barking bird dog.
It was known as a “bark pointer” because it would bark to show where the game was and draw the attention of the game animal to itself, making it easier for the hunter to get close.
The Finnish spitz is medium-sized, with a pointed muzzle, short, upright ears, and a fox-like face like other spitz breeds, have a tail that coils over on the back, dense fur around the neck, and a square, robust stance. The Finnish spitz has an average weight of 30 to 35 pounds and a height of 15 to 20 inches.
The dog is devoted to its family, playful yet tolerant with youngsters, and typically friendly towards other animals. The Finnish spitz is wary of strangers and will bark at them if they approach it. The anticipated lifespan of the breed is 12 to 15 years.
Finnish Lapphund
The dogs were referred to as Lapponian Shepherd Dogs and came in both short-haired and long-haired varieties. Both were identified separately in 1967, with the long-haired dogs earning Finnish Lapphund.
The medium-sized “Spitz” breed of Finnish Lapphunds is available in sizes between 41 and 52 cm at the shoulder.
They have a silky, rich undercoat beneath their straight or wavy outer coat. The breed possesses the Spitz family-typical thick, short neck and a strong back. The tail is carried high, curled over the back, and heavily haired, but it can hang down when at rest.
The Finnish Lapphund is observant, perceptive, active, and affectionate. Since they bark at strange and unfamiliar things, they make good watchdogs. The Finnish Lapphund breed has a naturally long lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow, one of the world’s most distinguished and probably oldest breeds of dogs, is the procreator of other spitz dog breeds, ranging from the robust Norwegian Elkhound to the delicate Pomeranian.
The bear dog (Xiang Gou), black-tongue dog (Hei shi-Tou), wolf dog (lang Gou), and Canton dog (Xiang Gou) (Guangdong Gou) were all names for the breed in China.
The Chow Chow is a medium-sized spitz dog with a height of 17 to 20 inches and weighs 50 to 75 pounds. The Chow Chow is a square canine with legs that resemble posts.
The Chow Chow has upstanding ears, an enormous skull, and an overlying tail. The distinguishing feature is, of course, the blue-black tongue.
It has two coats. The straight, erect coat gives Chow Chow puppies the appearance of a fluffy teddy bear. The smooth coat is shorter than the rough coat. Each type of coat has a deep undercoat.
Chow Chows are typically not extroverted or social canines. They are reserved for strangers and might be violent with other dogs.
Training a Chow Chow can be difficult due to its intelligence, independence, and tendency to bark a lot. They tend to live for about 8–12 years.
American Eskimo
White Spitz-type dogs are popular with the German immigrant populations in the United States.
The German Spitz, white Keeshonden, and the Pomeranians (brought to America by German families earning them the moniker) most likely bred these dogs.
The American Eskimo Dog has three unique sizes. The miniature, standard, and toy. Toys are 9 to 12 inches tall and weigh approximately 10 pounds.
Miniatures have an average weight of 20 pounds with 12 to 15 inches in height. Standards weigh about 30 pounds and are 15 to 19 inches in height.
The American Eskimo dog has a white double coat with a soft-thick undercoat and a longer outer coat. The hair has no curls or waves and is straight. Its fore and hind legs are feathered, and Its tail is full of fur.
American Eskimo are less strenuous to train, intelligent, and friendly. They are wary of nearby activities and will raise the alarm if they observe anyone approaching or anything unusual. Consequently, they make excellent watchdogs and can typically live between 12 and 15 years.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog breed designed to pull heavy loads as a sled dog and hound.
It shares similarities with the huskies, spitz, Canadian Eskimo Dogs, Greenland Dogs, Siberian Huskies, and Samoyeds.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a standard breed should measure about 23 inches tall and weigh about 75 pounds for females and 25 inches tall with 85 pounds for males. Although, in rare cases, they may weigh more than 90 pounds or less than 75 pounds.
The Alaskan Malamute possesses a double coat with an oily and fuzzy texture and can be up to two inches thick.
In winter, the outer guard coat is coarse and stands away from the body but not far off. They have tiny ears when compared to their head size, and their ears tend to stand straight when at attention.
They tend to live up to 10–12 years. Even though Alaskan Malamutes are not violent towards humans, they can be determined.
In addition, this breed has a high prey drive and is dog-aggressive, so they fare best as an only pet.
Akita
Males measure between 26 and 28 inches tall and have an average weight of 85 to 130 pounds, while females measure between 24 and 26 inches tall and have an average weight of 70 to 110 pounds. The average height of the males is between 26 and 28 inches and 110 pounds.
The female is between 24 and 26 inches tall, weighs approximately 80 lbs., and has an average lifespan of 10–12 years.
The broad chest and neck of the Akita provide a firm foundation for its large head. Its most distinguishing characteristic is its aristocratic appearance with its small eyes and large ears.
The legs are powerful and straight, and the body is muscular. The tail is carried high and curls around the body. Akita enjoys being the only dog, and it might be violent toward other pups in the household.
They can learn to tolerate other animals if they socialize. The Akita is devoted and affectionate with its family and friends but possessive of its territory and reserved with outsiders. They are good guard dogs, though very difficult to control due to their size.
German spitz
The German Spitz is a Spitz-type dog breed originating in Germany.
Considered a single breed, this Spitz comes in five unique sizes and colors: WolfsSpitz or Keeshond; Giant Spitz or Großspitz; Medium Spitz or Mittelspitz; Miniature Spitz or KleinSpitz; and Pomeranian or ZwergSpitz (“Dwarf Spitz”).
They weigh from 21 to 29 pounds, and their shoulder height is between 12 to 15 inches. The German Spitz possesses the characteristic appearance of a Nordic dog: a wedge-shaped head with small pricked ears, a thick double coat, and a bushy, curled tail. He sheds and can also live for about 13–15 years.
The German Spitz typically possesses an independent streak and has a slightly nasty sense of humor. These characteristics can make it difficult to live with if you cannot find humor in its pranks.
Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog is Israel’s national dog. They are slender, bushy-tailed dogs with a shoulder height between 19 and 24 inches. The coat is straight, rough, and available in many colors and patterns.
Erect, expressive ears and dark almond-shaped eyes communicate a curious appearance. They are tough, agile, and seemingly indestructible, making them an excellent choice for hikers and runners. They have an average lifespan of 12–14 years.
Canaanites are intelligent, self-assured, and territorial. They tend to play the role of the leader at all times.
Early education and socialization are crucial, and if you use positive training techniques, these venerable dogs are remarkably trainable.
Japanese spitz
The ancestors of the first canines of the breed were six white German Spitz dogs brought to Japan from China.
In the years that followed, other white Spitz breeds from around the world were brought in and crossed with Japanese Spitz dogs to give them more desirable traits.
The dense undercoat of their long-haired coat is always pure white. Long hair covers the tail, which curls over the back.
On the lower portion of the legs, it is short with breeches on the rear legs and feathering on the forelegs, ears that are short and erect, and a somewhat tapered nose.
The Japanese Spitz is a lively, clever, and playful dog which is alert and submissive. This courageous canine is a good watchdog and will inform its owners when necessary. The Japanese Spitz is easy to train because it is a rapid learner.
This cheerful dog is delightful with youngsters and gets along well with other pups and household pets, which makes them excellent house guardians and family dogs.
Indian Spitz
The British occupants in the nineteenth century imported them, and they descended from the German Spitz.
After years of adapting, they could establish a breed that could withstand the heat of Indian summers while retaining the intellect and adaptability of the German strain, which is presently known as the Indian spitz.
The Smaller Indian Spitz or Lesser Indian Spitz is said to have an average weight of about 5 to 7 kg and measures 22 to 25 cm at the withers, and the Larger Indian Spitz or Greater Indian Spitz weighs about 12 to 20 kg and measures 35 to 45 cm in height.
Thick furs cover the exterior and most of the interior of the ears. The tail of an Indian Spitz is quite fluffy and folds over its back, and its legs are longer than its body, giving its head a lovely appearance. The irises of their eyes can be greenish or blue. They have an average lifespan of 10–14 years.
The Indian Spitz is a lively, clever, and playful dog breed. They are also attentive, vocal, and obedient.
This courageous canine is a good watchdog and will inform its owners when necessary. The Indian Spitz is easy to train because it is a quick learner. They are usually good with kids and have no issues with other dogs and house pets.
Are Spitz Dogs And Pomeranians The Same?
Pomeranians and German Spitz are closely related breeds with the same ancestry but are quite distinct. Compared to the German Spitz, Pomeranians are smaller, have a fluffier coat, and are available in several colors.
How Can You Tell If A Pomeranian Is A Spitz?
The Pomeranian has a densely feathered, high-set tail. They are the only spitz-type dogs with flat tails.
FAQs
Conclusion
We have carefully selected 20 spitz breeds and discussed their outstanding and distinctive origins, temperament, characteristics, and average lifespan. Also, a few other pieces of information one needs before adopting a spitz dog.
Related topic: 17 cute and shaggy wire-haired dogs
*photo by romanlisovy – depositphotos
