Popular Dog Breeds
- 1. Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs
- 2. Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and Australian Kelpies
- 3. Bearded Collies and Old English Sheepdogs
- 4. Retrievers
- 5. German Shepherds
Spitzes
Jacque Lynn Schultz, ASPCA, Director, Special Projects
WHO YOU CALLIN' A SPITZ?
Whether they are called northern breeds, Nordic dogs or spitz, the look is the same - prick ears, a thick double coat, a wolfish or foxy-looking face and a bushy tail that most likely curls on the back. Most of the spitz-type breeds were developed thousands of years ago in cold northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. They served Man as herders (Samoyed), hunters (Norwegian elkhound, Jindo, Karelian bear dog, and Shiba inu), and haulers (Alaskan Malamute, Siberian husky, and Eskimo dog). In addition, some of the Asian spitz were bred to serve as fighting dogs (Akita, Chinese Shar Pei). The Chow chow did it all - hunt, guard, pull, and serve as a source of food and fur. The Johnnies-come-lately of the spitz group (breeds developed in the last 500-1,000 years) tend to be smaller and handle jobs where size is immaterial - watch dog (Keeshond, Schipperke), performing dog (American Eskimo dog), bird dog (Finnish spitz) and companion (Pomeranian).
The thick coat shared by nearly all of the spitz (except Shar Pei) enables the dog to work in cold, blustery conditions. These dogs come alive in the winter months. However, in the summer, they are most comfortable lying on cool tile under the air conditioner. Outdoor obedience classes in July are wasted on a spitz. He would be too hot and miserable to focus. When left out in the yard on a hot day, many spitz delight in digging cooling pits for themselves. To protect lawns and gardens, spitz keepers may want to provide plastic kiddy pools filled with cool water for a refreshing dip.
The strong fore assembly that enables them to excel at sled pulling can cause problems for handlers who haven't taught their dogs to heel. Pulling on leash and not coming when called are frequent complaints lodged by disgruntled spitz owners.
Temperamentwise, there are considerable differences between the sled dogs which are generally quite social and the Asian spitz who are often described as aloof, stubborn one-person dogs just looking for the opportunity to become leader of the pack. The perfect adopter for a spitz-type breed or mix needs patience, experience and strong leadership skills. The ability to comfortably live with canine dust bunnies and the desire to brush and brush and brush some more during biannual shedding seasons will also come in handy. Finally, a love of cold weather walks and winter sports is recommended. Thin-blooded beach bunnies need not apply.
So, when a stray mixed breed enters the shelter bearing a thick double coat, tail curled over the back, or a wolfish or foxy appearance, if a more accurate breed identification cannot be made, the dog should be designated a spitz. If you're lucky, that dog will have a solid black/blue/lavender tongue. Then you can narrow your identification down to Chow chow or Chinese Shar Pei - the only two breeds to sport black tongues. Unfortunately, black spots don't count; those can be found on dogs of many breeds.
Courtesy of
ASPCA
424 East 92nd St.
New York, NY 10128-6804
(212) 876-7700
www.aspca.org
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